School Improvement Planning
in Steps
Analyze student data and discover root cause. Set achievement targets. Align practices and resources.
Chart the Course
The primary purpose of the annual school improvement plan is to chart the course for the school year. A results-focused, practice-driven planning framework is essential to any school’s commitment to continuous improvement. An effective framework must make a fundamental distinction between “ends” and “means.” The ends are explicit student growth and achievement targets that the school and its stakeholders will commit to. The means are the professional practices and strategies, professional learning themes, and equitable resource allocation decisions deemed most essential for accelerating outcomes for all students.
Effective school improvement planning is a collaborative exercise that includes all stakeholders, especially teachers, school administrators, parents, and – at the secondary level – students. By embracing diverse perspectives in the process, the resulting school improvement plan reflects the priorities and solutions proposed by all stakeholders, thereby strengthening their buy-in and commitment to its implementation.
STEP BY STEP
STEP
1
Where
We Are Now
Assessment of current state
- Analyze current state of student learning and achievement
- Assess current state of professional practices and educational programs
- Define highest-priority areas of strength and concern
STEP
2
Where
We Go Next
Core purpose, student outcomes
- Reaffirm vision, mission, and core values
- Set equity-driven student achievement targets for the year
STEP
3
How
We Get There
Instructional core, key actions, resources, milestones
- Frame the “Big Picture” … practices, strategies, and PD/collaboration priorities
- Establish the assessment calendar
- Align resources (people, time, money) equitably with priorities
- Define critical milestones of progress (monitored via the CPR Card™)
- Defined critical metrics for student learning and professional practices (monitored using the Vital Signs Scorecard™)