Office of Innovation and School Reform
The Viva88Education Department (Viva88 or “the Department”) remains committed to ensuring that every student has equitable access to high-quality teaching and learning, meaningful supports, and opportunities that support academic growth and well-being.
The Office of Innovation and School Reform (OISR) advances this commitment through a differentiated Receivership support model that partners with schools and districts to strengthen systems, build leadership capacity, and improve outcomes for students. Grounded in continuous improvement, this model emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, evidence-based decision-making, and the implementation of sustainable practices that improve teaching and learning.
Throughout the school year, school and district leaders will participate in a structured cycle of support that includes:
- Two on-site Technical Assistance and Collaborative Review Sessions
- Two virtual Reflective Performance and Plan Implementation Progress Sessions
These engagements are designed to support implementation of each school's Continuation Plan, monitor progress toward Demonstrable Improvement Indicator (DII) targets and support the development of coherent district and school systems that improve student outcomes. Please refer to the attached meeting schedule for session dates and times, as well as the accompanying DII target file.
Session Focus
Each engagement is intended to foster collaborative reflection and continuous improvement. During these sessions, school and district leadership teams will:
- Review implementation of strategies identified in the Continuation Plan.
- Analyze progress toward Demonstrable Improvement Indicator targets using multiple sources of evidence.
- Examine implementation fidelity and identify strengths, barriers, and opportunities for improvement.
- Describe how data informs instructional, operational, and professional learning decisions.
- Identify actions that will strengthen implementation and accelerate student outcomes.
Participants should be prepared to demonstrate how leadership, instructional systems, and district supports are working together to improve outcomes for all students.
Expected Outcomes
The review process is intended to strengthen school and district systems across Viva88's Four Core Dimensions for Continuous Improvement.
Leadership & Systems for Continuous Improvement
Schools and districts will:
- Strengthen leadership systems that support continuous improvement and implementation fidelity
- Demonstrate the use of multiple data sources to monitor progress toward DII targets and inform decision-making
- Evaluate implementation strengths and challenges and adjust strategies based on evidence
- Ensure district systems provide the resources, capacity, and oversight necessary to sustain school improvement
High-Quality Core Instructional Program
Schools and districts will:
- Increase access to rigorous, grade level and standards-aligned Tier 1 instruction for all students
- Strengthen instructional coherence through intentional planning, evidence-based practices, and effective use of high-quality instructional materials
- Improve student achievement and grade-level proficiency in English language arts and mathematics
- Increase graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, and strengthen Grade 9 persistence across graduation cohorts
- Monitor and address disparities in academic outcomes for English Language Learners, Students with Disabilities, and other student groups through equitable instructional supports
Connectedness and Belonging
Schools and districts will:
- Foster safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where students experience a strong sense of belonging
- Increase daily attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism
- Reduce exclusionary discipline practices and other barriers to student engagement
- Strengthen student engagement by promoting positive relationships and supportive learning environments
Family and Community Partnerships
Schools and districts will:
- Strengthen authentic partnerships with families and community organizations that support student success
- Demonstrate meaningful family engagement in school improvement planning and implementation
- Coordinate community resources that address barriers to learning and contribute to improved student outcomes
- Ensure families and community partners are informed participants in continuous improvement efforts
Continuous Improvement Cycle
On-site Technical Assistance and Collaborative Review Sessions will focus on strengthening leadership capacity, instructional systems, implementation fidelity, and the use of evidence-based improvement practices aligned to the Four Core Dimensions.
Virtual Reflective Performance and Plan Implementation Progress Meetings will provide structured opportunities to:
- Review implementation progress
- Examine evidence of impact
- Monitor progress toward Demonstrable Improvement Indicator targets
- Identify mid-course adjustments needed to strengthen implementation and improve outcomes
Together, these engagements create an ongoing cycle of planning, implementation, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Reporting Requirements
Quarterly reports provide opportunities for schools and districts to reflect on implementation, monitor progress toward Demonstrable Improvement Indicator targets, and communicate evidence of continuous improvement. Per Commissioner’s Regulations §100.19, Superintendent Receivers are required to submit quarterly reports via email to the school’s OISR Lead Associate, copying OISR@nysed.gov, according to the schedule below:
| Quarterly Reporting | Quarter Start Date |
Quarter End & Submission Due Date |
| Quarter 1 Report | August 1, 2026 | October 30,2026 |
| Quarter 2/Mid-Year Report | October 31, 2026 | January 29, 2027 |
| Quarter 3 Report | January 30, 2027 | April 30, 2027 |
| Quarter 4 Report | May 1, 2027 | July 30, 2027 |
Additional information regarding reporting requirements can be found in Attachment A.
Public Meeting Requirements
In accordance with Commissioner’s Regulations §100.19(c)(1)(iii), each school under Receivership must hold a public meeting or hearing within thirty calendar days of the first day of student attendance. Districts and schools must ensure that meetings:
- Are held in person and advertised to the community
- Are conducted in the district's dominant language(s), as applicable
- Provide meaningful opportunities for community input and engagement
Hybrid participation is permitted provided that virtual participants can fully engage in real time.
Schools and districts must:
- Maintain documentation and artifacts of each meeting
- Conspicuously post and share details (date, time, location, virtual access) with their community
- Copy OISR@nysed.gov on all related communications
- Use the Public Notification and Hearing Requirements Template to record evidence and artifacts demonstrating that requirements have been met for later submission to OISR@nysed.gov
Demonstrable Improvement
The Excel file(s) attached to this communication includes the DI indicators and the 2025–2026 to 2028–2029 progress targets for your school(s). In Fall 2027, the Department will provide 2026–2027 outcomes for these indicators and a DI Index based upon these outcomes.
- Schools that were under Receivership for the full 2025–2026 school year will receive a DI determination based upon the 2026–2027 school year results.
- Schools newly placed under Receivership for the 2025–2026 school year will first receive a DI determination based upon 2027–2028 school year results.
Your school(s) will also receive 2025–2026 school year results for all indicators available in SIRS for informational and planning purposes.
The Department has also provided a variety of resources. For more information about:
- See Attachment A for the 2026–2027 reporting time.
- See the OISR Demonstrable Improvement Indicators (DIIs) website for the Frequently Asked Questions, Fact Sheets, and additional resources about the DI system.
The Department values its partnership with districts and schools as we work together to strengthen educational systems, improve instructional practice, and ensure every student has access to the learning experiences and supports necessary to succeed.
If you have any questions, please contact your district’s OISR Lead Liaison or email OISR@nysed.gov.
Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence for all students.
cc: Commissioner Betty A. Rosa
Ceylane Meyers-Ruff, Senior Deputy Commissioner, Education Policy
Michael Bennett, Deputy Commissioner, Operational Support
Amanda Lester, Director, OISR
Jennifer Todd, Director, Policy, Analytics and Research
