about the program

The Comprehensive School Assistance Program (CSAP) strives to make a significant contribution to closing the achievement gaps in American education. These gaps, rooted in issues of race, ethnicity, income, and home language, limit the life chances of students and slow down America's progress as a nation.

CSAP works to build the capacity of schools, school districts, intermediate agencies, and state departments of education by providing research-based services and support to help transform low-performing schools and districts into highly effective learning organizations. While many, if not most, state and federally funded efforts to close the achievement gap focus on schools or districts, our work recognizes that all levels of the education system—from the home to our federal government—have a role to play in closing achievement gaps.

CSAP operates the National Center on School Turnaround, which provides technical assistance to, and helps build the capacity of, states across the country to support their districts and schools in turning around their lowest-performing schools.

On the state and regional levels, CSAP operates two centers. The California Comprehensive Center collaborates with the California Department of Education and other statewide networks to improve teaching and learning for all students in California. The Region IX Equity Assistance Center provides technical assistance and training to Arizona, California, and Nevada districts, schools, and states in civil rights, equity, and school reform.

CSAP staff also provide direct services to schools and districts to support local efforts to close the achievement gap and turnaround performance.

Program Infosheet (PDF)

Download this two-page infosheet for a program summary and selected highlights, success stories, services, resources, and more.