The State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) is part of the State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR) and a requirement for all states and territories receiving federal funds for IDEA programs. It is a multi-year plan intended to increase the capacity of local early intervention programs (under Part C) and school districts (under Part B) to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. Stakeholders, such as State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) and State Advisory Panel (SAP) representatives, are required to be involved in all aspects of the SSIP.

In this section, you will learn about:

• the intent of the SSIP and an overview of its requirements;
• where to find your state’s SSIP and what you can learn from it; and
• considerations for being involved in and supporting your state’s SSIP process.

What do I need to know?

Download a PDF version of this section: What do I need to know?

How do I build my knowledge?

Click the image below to watch a webinar hosted by the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center on the purpose and requirements of the SSIP.

How do I apply this to my state?

States are required to submit several kinds of information regarding the SSIP. Begin exploring your state’s most recent SSIP information by focusing on the State-identified Measurable Result, or SiMR. The SiMR is a statement of the result(s) the state intends to achieve through implementation of the SSIP.

• Find your state’s SPP/APR on GRADS360. Choose Part B or Part C, the most recent year, and your state. Locate the page for the State Systemic Improvement Plan indicator (Part B Indicator 17 or Part C Indicator 11).
• Download the SSIP Phase III report loaded as an attachment near the bottom of the page. There may be several documents loaded on the page, but you want the one labeled something like “SSIP Phase III-Full Report”. This will be a long document, but don’t worry because you’re only going to focus on one aspect of it for now!
• States organize their SSIP reports in different ways, but they are all required to include information about the SiMR. Review your state’s report and answer the following questions:
  • What is your state’s SiMR? How is it aligned with current lead agency and/or state initiatives or priorities?
  • What is your state’s SiMR? How is it aligned with current lead agency and/or state initiatives or priorities?
  • How is the SiMR being measured? What instrument/method is being used?
  • What strategies and activities is the state implementing to work toward achieving the SiMR?
  • How were stakeholders involved? What opportunities did they have to provide input?
• To learn more about your state’s SSIP work, talk with your Part C or Part B state lead agency partners about what the data are showing in the most recent SSIP submission on progress toward reaching the SiMR. Learn more about the improvement strategies that have been put in place and how the state is evaluating progress. Ask for suggestions on how stakeholders can support or strengthen SSIP efforts. 

What are some related resources?

• SSIP Stakeholders: The Right People, The Right Purpose, The Right Plan. This 2016 Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference session included state presenters describing strategies for engaging stakeholders in the SSIP process.
• ECTA Center’s SSIP Resources. This website provides resources and technical assistance materials on the SSIP organized by phases.