Who We are:

At the Center for Collaborative Expertise (CCE), we help schools and districts strengthen instructional quality and student outcomes through research-backed professional learning and leadership development.

We specialize in:

  • Empowering educators with practical, evidence-based teaching and learning strategies.
  • Building sustainable collaboration through high-impact professional learning communities (PLCs).
  • Maximizing instructional effectiveness with tailored coaching, feedback, and leadership support.

Mission Statement:

At the Center for Collaborative Expertise (CCE), our mission is to enhance instructional quality and student outcomes by empowering educators using evidence-based strategies, fostering sustainable collaboration through impactful professional learning communities (PLCs), and maximizing instructional effectiveness through tailored coaching and leadership support.

Connect with us and explore how to best impact the learning of all adults and students in your school community.

Professional Development grounded in research brought to life with practice and practicality!

About the Center for Collaborative Expertise

Our approach is straightforward: customized solutions, research-driven strategies, and sustainable improvements that lead to real results in the classroom.

Professional Development grounded in research brought to life with practice and practicality!

About the Center for Collaborative Expertise

Our approach is straightforward: customized solutions, research-driven strategies, and sustainable improvements that lead to real results in the classroom.

Professional Development grounded in research brought to life with practice and practicality!

About the Center for Collaborative Expertise

Our approach is straightforward: customized solutions, research-driven strategies, and sustainable improvements that lead to real results in the classroom.

dave
who is dave nagel?

Dave’s concentration with schools and districts focuses on implementing  Visible Learning research, assessment and feedback, and effective grading reform at both school and classroom levels. He has supported schools in building impactful PLCs and is a thought leader in the PLC+ framework. Dave has authored seven books and contributed to publications such as Principal Leadership, Educational Leadership, and The Learning Professional (Feb. 2025). He regularly presents at national conferences. Known for his strong moral compass, Dave is relatable and practical in his approach, with a savvy sense of humor that enhances his work.

 

who is Bruce Potter?

Bruce brings a wealth of experience in implementing Visible Learning research, guiding districts, schools, and teachers in transforming their practices. His schools have earned national recognition for innovative approaches that redefine success for traditionally underserved students. Central to this work is fostering collaborative expertise through engaged PLCs, as highlighted in The Learning Professional (Feb. 2025). Co-author of Grading Visible Learners: Learning With Fluidity, Not Finality, Bruce excels in practical implementation, recognizing potential barriers and the critical need to assess staff readiness before launching any initiative.

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SERVICE DELIVERY APPROACH

At the Center for Collaborative Expertise, our tailored coaching has transformed schools by implementing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that foster collaboration among educators, resulting in improved student outcomes. For instance, we recently supported several schools in redesigning their grading system, leading to clearer communication of student progress and increased accountability. Additionally, our focus on effective instruction techniques has empowered teachers to engage students more actively, ultimately creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Example of Impact:

The Center for Collaborative Expertise tailors professional learning to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring strategies and actions support the learning of all adults to best impact their students effectively. This process starts with a thorough needs assessment, followed by personalized planning for targeted support.

Example:
In collaboration with a school facing attendance and engagement challenges, CCE provided targeted professional development and customized coaching focused on active learning to boost engagement as well as supporting teachers in better assessing student readiness levels prior to units of instruction

Results:

● Teachers reported a 30% increase in student participation, supported by walk-through evidence, in just a few months.
● Chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more) dropped from 23% in 2022 to below 7% by March 2025!
● The school’s 4th grade ELA scores are exceeding the NY State average by 40 points!

All services are designed to be self-sustaining and continually refined through client feedback, ensuring impactful professional development. We don’t attempt to change belief but actions!

Capacity Building for Sustainability of Instructional Approaches and Practices

The Center for Collaborative Expertise believes in deep levels of implementation and coaching to support teacher learning for any and all initiatives to be sustainable over time.

We deliver professional development that moves beyond attempting to create buy-in. Rather we strive to inspire and encourage changes in actions and gathering evidence of impact on student learning which transforms beliefs!

 

How CCE Supports Clients:

Needs Assessment We identify your school’s challenges and goals through discussions, surveys, and observations.

Personalized Plan We create a custom learning plan based on the needs assessment, tailored to your school’s priorities.

Implementation and Coaching We support the execution of the plan, providing coaching and resources for effective implementation.

Sustainable Growth We help embed best practices for long-term success, ensuring improvements are maintained and built upon.

Our structured approach ensures targeted, results-driven advancements in your school’s educational practices.

We specialize in helping schools improve and augment their existing practices in the following areas:

  • Instructional coaching for teachers and leaders
  • PLC implementation / ensuring impact
  • Student engagement strategies
  • High-Yield Instructional Actions Revolved Around Surface–Deep–Transfer
  • Effective grading and feedback strategies
  • Applying Visible Learning research for greatest impact

Our Publications

Testimonials for Dave Nagel
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“Partnering with Dave in our district’s Visible Learning initiative has been incredibly impactful. His deep understanding of effective teaching strategies and assessment practices has empowered our educators to create more intentional learning experiences for students. Dave expertly guided us through the implementation process, providing practical tools and insights that fostered a shared vision for student achievement. His ability to engage our staff in meaningful discussions around data and instructional clarity has led to significant improvements in teaching practices district-wide. Thanks to Dave’s support, we’ve seen a renewed focus on student outcomes, making a lasting difference in our learning environment. His expertise is invaluable. We know have four schools recognized as visible learning accredited or partner level schools—Would not have been possible without Dave’s support.”

Kim Anthony
Executive Director of Elementary Schools, Billings Public Schools, MT.

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“Engaging with Dave has profoundly transformed our district’s professional development. His expertise in PLCs and grading practices has fostered collaboration among educators and improved student outcomes. The positive changes in our instructional approaches are a testament to Dave’s effective support and guidance. Highly recommended for educational growth!”

Jody Sulser
Principal, Lewis and Clark Middle School, Billings, MT.

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“Dave’s multifaceted support to our district and my high school specifically—involved visible learning work, PLC facilitation, and grading practices—which all have been invaluable. His commitment to enhancing our instructional strategies is evident in the progress we’ve made. Educators now collaborate more effectively, leveraging data to drive instruction, and utilize standards-based grading to clarify expectations. Feedback from students and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a deeper understanding of their learning journeys. Dave’s ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement has significantly elevated educational quality in our district. We are truly fortunate to have him as a partner in this journey!”

Sheli Stroff
Principal Senior High School, Billings, MT.

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“Dave helped us implement a standards-based grading approach that has fundamentally changed how we assess student learning. His clear strategies made the transition seamless, and our students are now more engaged and confident. This shift has led to clearer communication and improved academic outcomes across the board.”

Mark S.
Principal, Iowa

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“Transforming our grading practices to a standards-based system was daunting until we partnered with Dave. His workshops addressed our specific needs and concerns, making the transition feasible and meaningful. Dave’s insight into aligning assessments with learning objectives has empowered our educators to engage students more effectively. The clarity this system brings to both teaching and learning has improved our students’ motivation and understanding of their progress. We’ve seen a notable increase in both achievement and confidence among students. Dave’s support has been instrumental, and his passion for education is palpable in every interaction. I can’t recommend him highly enough!”

Patrick Peters
Principal Silver Stage High School, NV.

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“Thanks to Dave’s expertise in standards-based grading, our assessment practices have become far more transparent and effective. His guidance helped us shift our focus on student mastery, providing clarity for both teachers and students. Our entire grading process is now aligned with our educational goals.”

O’Shean Moran
Principal Castle Rock Middle School, MT

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“Dave’s approach to grading practices has revolutionized the way we assess and communicate student learning. His workshops on standards-based grading provided our team with a clear framework to evaluate student performance against specific learning objectives. Through his tailored support, we learned to prioritize formative assessments and meaningful feedback, which have significantly improved student outcomes. Parents have noticed the change as well, reporting clearer understanding of their child’s progress. We’re grateful for Dave’s ability to simplify complex concepts and create a supportive environment for professional growth. His insights are invaluable for any team looking to refine their grading practices.”

Krista Thomsen
Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Lancaster School District, CA

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“Dave revitalized our PLCs, providing guidance that fostered collaboration and skillful dialogue. His workshops were engaging and actionable, resulting in a renewed commitment among our educators. We are now more focused and effective as a team, thanks to Dave’s exceptional support and expertise.”

John S.
Assistant Superintendent, CA

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“Working with Dave has been a game-changer for our Professional Learning Communities. His workshops were not only informative but also transformative, equipping our educators with practical strategies to foster collaboration and shared accountability. Through his guidance, we learned to leverage data effectively and engage in meaningful dialogue that drives instructional improvement. Dave’s ability to facilitate discussions about best practices has reignited our passion for teaching and learning. The ongoing support he provides ensures that our PLCs remain a dynamic force for change within our school culture. I highly recommend his expertise to any district seeking to enhance their collaborative efforts!”

Tara Howard
Instructional Principal, Owensboro, HS, KY

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“Before working with Dave and him bringing the concepts of Grading Visible Learners to our staff, our school was facing challenges with inconsistent grading practices that often-obscured student progress. Despite dedicated teachers, we struggled with aligning our assessments with visible learning principles, which affected our ability to drive meaningful outcomes for all students. Recognizing the need for a transformative approach, we embraced a research-backed framework that emphasizes clarity, feedback, and actionable insights. As a result, our educators became empowered change agents, leading to enhanced understanding and improved performance across diverse learning needs. This journey has not only elevated our grading practices but has also fostered a thriving educational culture focused on collaboration and continuous growth! Dave’s support was invaluable.”

Becky Carlson
Principal Will James Middle School, Billings, MT.

Testimonials for Bruce Potter
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“I advocated for hiring Bruce Potter because of his track record of getting results. The entire time he worked for us he was relentless in that pursuit.”

John Bove, Board of Education Member
Mechanicville CSD

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“Bruce Potter excels at innovative thinking, adapting to students’ needs, and creating effective systems for success. His mentorship taught me the importance of dynamic leadership and continuous improvement.”

Christine Burke, Assistant Superintendent
Schuylerville CSD

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“Bruce Potter has transformed our district by fostering clarity, collaboration, and purpose in teaching. He helped our faculty embrace well-defined learning intentions, ensuring lessons are purposeful and students understand what they are learning, why it matters, and how to succeed. Bruce also emphasized the importance of learning dispositions, guiding us to value teamwork, resilience, and self-regulation as essential to student growth.

By redesigning our school structure with team bands and dedicated PLC time, Bruce created space for meaningful collaboration focused on data-driven strategies to enhance student outcomes. His visionary leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering support have united our staff, making these changes sustainable and impactful. Bruce’s efforts have truly elevated our teaching and transformed our school community.”

Nicole Ford, PLC Activator
3-5 Math Teacher
Heatly Elementary School

CALL CCE

317-670-0270

LOCATION

4621 St. John Circle, Zionsville, Indiana, 46077

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