SERVE was created to support the continuous improvement of educational opportunities for all learners in the Southeast. Collaboration with business, education, and policy organizations helps SERVE identify and address the most pressing educational needs of the region. SERVE offers an array of services and research-based products focusing on teacher quality and student achievement to assist educators in their systemic education improvement efforts.

While concentrating our work in the original six-state region of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, SERVE is also involved in educational improvement efforts that are national in scope. SERVE's core competencies are:

1. Conducting Research and Development (R&D)

   Applied research and development projects have always been central to SERVE's work. As needs emerge in the region, SERVE responds appropriately by conducting applied research and developing, evaluating, refining, and disseminating new products and interventions to address these needs.

2. Translating and Disseminating Research

   A key role for SERVE is to provide timely, useful, and relevant research to southeastern K–12 practitioners, policymakers, and state department of education officials. SERVE disseminates research through a variety of modes including its regular publications that summarize research and practice on important issues.

3. Providing High-Quality Professional Development

   SERVE has a long history of providing high-quality professional development to states, districts, and schools. By facilitating and supporting educators in reflecting on and improving the effectiveness of their instruction, SERVE endeavors to positively affect student achievement.

4. Providing Support and Assistance to Low-Performing Schools and Districts

   Given the great needs of low-performing schools, one of SERVE's top organizational priorities is its commitment to providing support and assistance to low-performing schools and districts in its region.

5. Evaluating Programs and Policies

   The SERVE Evaluation staff has established a solid reputation in providing evaluation services to schools, districts, state education agencies, and community organizations. SERVE has expertise in the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches.