About Us
CITES, in partnership with multiple districts, developed a framework of evidence-based practices to enhance the implementation of inclusive technology to support each student's success. The Center provides technical assistance to local education agencies, educators, and families to ensure students with disabilities can access and utilize the technology tools they need to foster learning and life success.
The Center's second round of funding runs through 2028. The Center’s work will extend to provide state-aligned coaching, professional learning, and implementation support to four selected LEAs. CITES will leverage Active Implementation Frameworks (AIF) to support sustained and scalable systems change that will ensure alignment with state-adopted frameworks, such as Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and state accountability systems.
Learn More:
- CITES Framework Overview Video Series
- CITES Framework Overview and Essential Questions
- Framework Research and Development Process
- Building Inclusive Technology Systems - Stories From CITES Districts Podcast
- Creating a Framework for Inclusive Technology Podcast
Partner Organizations
Pioneers in the development of Universal Design for Learning, CAST’s mission is to reduce barriers and build opportunity for all learners to succeed. CAST achieves this by helping educators and organizations apply insights from the learning sciences and leading-edge practices to educational design and implementation.
CoSN is the premier membership organization designed to meet the needs of K12 education technology leaders, representing over 13 million students in school districts/systems nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. CoSN’s resources support the entire IT team in a school system/district and offers members the opportunity to access their peers, thought leadership, and participate in local chapters.
Project Tomorrow is a national education 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a 15-year legacy of improving the lives of children through enhanced educational opportunities. In September 2005, NetDay, a national education technology nonprofit group, merged with a regional science education nonprofit to create the new Project Tomorrow.
The State Implementation and Scaling-up of Evidence-based Practices (SISEP) Center is a federally funded national technical assistance center. SISEP uses a three-tiered approach to support states in developing an infrastructure for the implementation and scaling of evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for all students, especially for students with disabilities.
The Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance (VLLA) is an educational nonprofit association of supplemental virtual programs from across the United States include most state virtual schools. These programs provide collegial support and collaborative opportunities to the individual members and member organizations to share resources, services, and expertise.
The Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR) is a hub of information and products for the national network of federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community serving families of children with disabilities.
The Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) is the global leader in assistive technology (AT) education and research and the premier organization for AT manufacturers, sellers and providers. The ATIA's mission is to serve as the collective voice of the assistive technology industry to help ensure that the best products and services are delivered to persons with disabilities.
Evergreen Evaluation & Consulting works collaboratively to develop evaluation strategies that provide ongoing formative and summative feedback that informs teams of progress and ensures the quality, relevance, and usefulness of products.
CITES 2.0 Project Advisors
- Chris Bugaj
AT Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools; and Co-owner, Educational Experience Design, LLC - Patrick Donovan
Instructional Coach, Ames High School - John Eisenberg
Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of Special Education - Lorin Furlow
Director of Special Services, Brazosport Independent School District - Janna Greathouse
District Assistive Technology Coordinator, Jenks Public Schools - Janet Good
Unit Coordinator and the Loan Library Distribution Center Coordinator, University of South Florida - Eric Hileman
Executive Director of Information Technology, Oklahoma City Public Schools - Lynn Kleinmeyer
Digital Learning Consultant, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, ITEC Board President - Mike Marotta
ATAC Program Director, Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center at Disability Rights New Jersey - Dr. Angel Morgan
Assistant Instructional Professional, Learning Design and Technologies Program, Arizona State University - Dr. Sean Joseph Smith
Professor, Department of Special Education, University of Kansas - Dr. Sharon Smith
Director of Special Education, Hampton Township School District - Dr. Delaina Tonks
Executive Director, Mountain Heights Academy - Alice Wright
AT Specialist, Montgomery County Public Schools
Center Leadership
- Principal Investigator: Tara Courchaine
- Project Directors: Christine Fox and Mia Laudato
- OSEP Project Officer: Anita Vermeer
Center Staff
- UX Design: Aina Serra
- Research Associate: Rae Bastoni
- Project Management: Mia Gross
- Administrative Coordinator: Sam Bouchat
Past & Present Interns
- Roba Hrisseh
- Krystle Merry
- Angel Morgan
- Yokasta Urena