The Capital Area School Development Association is a study council affiliated with the School of Education at The University at Albany, State University of New York. Incorporated by the State Education Department of the University of the State of New York in 1949 , it is one of the oldest study councils in the United States. CASDA has a current membership of 122 school districts, public and private, serving more than 10,000 teachers and 175,000 students.

The fundamental purpose of CASDA is to serve as a cooperative planning and development unit through which affiliated schools and educational agencies may more effectively define and fulfill their purposes and functions in serving the educational needs of their communities. CASDA also strives to promote cooperative interaction between The University at Albany and the affiliated school districts.

CASDA is uniquely equipped to provide opportunities for all members of school communities to assist them in ongoing staff development.

Personnel from affiliated schools attend programs to increase their skills, awareness and understanding, ultimately increasing student learning and performance.