Transcript of the Strategic Plan for Student Achievement from August of 2009

Working Together as a
Professional Learning Community
Strategic Plan
for Student
Achievement
2006-2010
Priorities for 2009-10
Vision and Goal Statement
All students will acquire
and apply knowledge
at high levels.
Student achievement results will show
mastery of standards by individual
students as well as by student subgroups…with no significant differences
in performance between groups.
WORKING
TOGETHER
AS A PLC
The true mission of a school is revealed by what
people do, not by what they say. Therefore,
educators committed to bringing their mission
statements to life in their school are relentless in
examining every practice, procedure and decision
and in asking, “Is this consistent with our mission
of high levels of learning for all students?
The collaborative team is the engine that drives the
PLC effort. Building a school’s capacity to learn is a
collective rather than an individual task.
- Robert Eaker, Rebecca & Richard DuFour
2009-10
The Collective “Work of the District”
1. Test Score Disaggregation
2. Timeline Development
3. Instructional Focus
4. Assessment
2009-10 TIMELINE
 Data Collection and Input
 Board Study Sessions to review & update Goals/Priorities
 Management End of Year Meetings & Leadership Seminar
 Analysis of Student Performance
 Board Consideration
 Board Sessions: July 13, August 25
 Aligned Action Planning – October
 Goals & Objective Meetings with Sites and Departments
 Mid-Term Progress Report - February
 Interim Accountability Report
 Year End Report – June
 Collection/Reporting of Survey Data
 Accountability Year End Summary Report
Strategic Plan for Student Achievement
Ensure high
achievement for all
students through
disciplined attention
to effective
teaching, ongoing
assessments, and
timely interventions
Disciplined Action
1
High Student
Achievement
Evidence of
Accomplishment
2
Ensure high
achievement for all
students through
dynamic parent
partnerships,
strong community
connections, and
effective board
governance
3
Ensure high achievement for all
students by aligning fiscal, facility, and
human resources in support of our
shared vision, goals and priorities
Priority 1: Teaching + Assessment + Interventions
Implement effective
teaching & learning
strategies to ensure
all students
experience success
in a rigorous,
standards-based
curriculum
Disciplined Action
High Student
Achievement
Evidence of
Accomplishment
Develop and
implement ongoing
assessments for
data-driven
instructional
planning to meet
students’ unique
learning goals
Design and deliver timely intervention
support to ensure student success in a
rigorous, standards-based curriculum
1.A Disciplined Actions: Effective Teaching

Increase the academic rigor of each student’s instructional program to ensure the
widest range of opportunities upon graduation. (All general and special ed students
enrolled in college prep English, Math, Science and Social Science; increase # of students
completely Algebra I in grade 8; review UC/CSU a-g data and develop improvement plan at HHS
and UHS)

Support continuous improvement of the Freshmen Success Initiative (FSI) to
enhance student achievement. (Initiatives: Adopt and implement an accountability plan for
monitoring outcomes – involve teachers, counselors and administrators; publish year end report)

Design and implement instructional practices that benefit socio-economically
disadvantaged and English language learners. (Initiatives: Sustain implementation of GLAD
strategies through PDC update sessions and monitoring by principals; monitor implementation of
daily English Language Development lessons; expand Step-Up preschool from 5 to 8 classes and
monitor enrollment, staffing and fiscal impact; provide professional development for general
ed/special ed collaboration among teachers and paraprofessionals)

Implement and monitor the student wellness program to instill healthy nutritional
habits and provide increased opportunities for physical activity. (Initiatives: Develop a
plan to sustain and continuously improve physical education opportunities for students while also
containing costs; implement a wellness program including a health fair for employees)
1.A Disciplined Actions: Effective Teaching

Meaningful integration of technology equipment and applications to support 21st
century learning in all classrooms, for all students, across all areas of the curriculum.
(Initiatives: Instructional Coordinator: Technology will design and facilitate professional
development to implement 21st century classroom instructional technology; continue grant
development and oversee implementation of ARCHES - Alliance for Regional Collaboration for
Higher Education Success - and for Project Lead the Way Gateway to technology modules at the
junior high and Introduction to Engineering at the high school; establish a baseline monitoring
system to track teachers’ acquisition/application of instructional technology to inform professional
development offerings)

Provide opportunities for professional growth that support effective teaching, ongoing
assessment, and instructional interventions. (Initiatives: Professional development calendar
will include: Professional Learning Communities administrative and site-based learning teams;
Effective literacy strategies for all students, including EL and special education; Algebraic skills
and thinking strategies for all students, including EL and special education; Project IMPACT to
increase math content and pedagogy for teachers in grades 4-Algebra I; design site administrator
and leadership team follow-up for sustaining PLC components; design training for high school
department chairs to develop expertise in understanding and implement PLCs within departments
and pathways)
1.B Disciplined Actions: Ongoing Assessment

Support schools in the implementation of the Data Director system in order to analyze
student performance and develop data-driven instructional plans and support.
(Initiatives: Provide professional development on the use of Data Director to administrators, site
technology coordinators and teachers as needed)

Develop and implement formative assessments on at least a quarterly basis to
monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. (Initiatives: continue
development of common formative assessments by site-based PLCs to determine mastery of
essential standards and identification of students who need additional support; review and
streamline implementation of diagnostic reading assessment; develop model GLAD lessons for
use with expository writing in elementary school; develop expository writing prompts and model
lessons for secondary schools )

Develop and publish curriculum pacing guides to align instruction to state standards
and assessments. (Initiatives: Expand curriculum guides to include common assessments and
expository writing practice prompts; add common formative assessments to math curriculum
guides; add expository writing practice prompts to ELA curriculum guides)

Use technology to enhance and support ongoing assessment. (Initiatives: Continue use
of scan-able assessments for quick availability of results at sites and in Data Director; provide
professional development and guidelines for implementation of SQL server)
1.C Disciplined Actions: Timely Interventions

Implement and monitor a Pyramid of Interventions at every school site that articulates
the support systems in place to meet the unique needs of each student in the least
restrictive environment. (Initiatives: Design, refine and implement Tier I, II, and III interventions
for students in English Language Arts and Mathematics at each school site; Implement
interventions during the school day to ensure student success in rigorous college-preparatory
coursework; lead site PLC teams in refining Pyramid of Interventions; implement a Math through
Engineering summer course for incoming ninth graders as an Algebra I intervention; Provide
professional development on newly adopted READ 180 components)

Develop and implement a plan for Summer School to respond to reductions in state
funding and the withdrawal of the Options for Youth ‘Get Ahead Program’. (Initiatives:
Develop fee-based high school summer school program for 2010 in connection with Highlander
Education Foundation to provide program and generate revenue)

Continue to implement and enhance after school ASES program and services.
(Initiatives: Determine effectiveness, monitor and adjust, provide a board report; Purse opportunity
to include Math through Engineering program and research in ASES junior high program in
partnership with ConnectEd Center for College and Careers)

Continue to improve and expand the district’s alternative education programs.
(Initiatives: Determine effectiveness, consider costs, monitor and adjust, provide a board report;
implement a technology-based credit recovery program at UHS)
Priority 2: Parent, Community & Board Connections
Strengthen an
inclusive,
responsive,
supportive,
respectful and
collaborative
environment for all
parents
Disciplined Action
High Student
Achievement
Evidence of
Accomplishment
Govern effectively to build unity
and enhance an organizational
culture that ensures a high quality
education for all students
Enhance the
image of the
district through
improved public
relations and
meaningful
opportunities for
involvement
2.A Disciplined Actions: Parent Partnerships

Provide annual stakeholder report regarding progress of UHS Design for Excellence.
(Initiatives: Provide the following annual board reports: UHS Design for Excellence; Freshmen
Success Initiative; WASC Action Plan implementation and progress; develop standards for annual
student progress in completing the UC/CSU a-g requirements and provide a board report)

Provide opportunities to engage the parent community in strengthening parent
involvement and active engagement at the all levels. (Initiatives: Promote and expand
participation in Schoolloop at secondary schools; continue use of ConnectEd at all sites; develop
an action plan to increase receptionist’s accessibility for incoming calls and implement a system to
monitor timely response to parent phone calls)

Collaborate with Upland Council PTA to sponsor a district-wide Parent Partnership
Symposium evening, featuring a guest speaker with a relevant, powerful message.
(Initiatives: Select a speaker and schedule a professional development opportunity the day of the
event)

Utilize technology resources to enhance home-to-school by sharing information and
providing opportunities for feedback. (Initiatives: Continue ConnectEd for messages and
survey collection; expand Schoolloop participation among teachers and parents)

Engage and involve parents of English learners through the establishment of district
and site English Learner Advisory Councils. (Initiatives: Sustain and monitor site-based
ELAC; expand site parent academies/literacy programs; sustain District ELAC; sustain
dissemination of translated documents and electronic phone messages at schools with 15% or
high EL population)
2.B Disciplined Actions: Community Connections

Revisit the establishment of an Educational Foundation to provide community and
corporate funding in support of a high quality, enriched public education for students
in the Upland Unified School District during a state fiscal crisis. (Initiatives: Coordinate
with HEF; determine program goals and targets; transfer balance from district donation account)

Increase public awareness of district issues and events by reaching out to the media
and community. (Initiatives: Monthly articles for Chamber Impact, In Touch with Upland Schools
and local press releases; continue to strengthen positive collaboration with Daily Bulletin’s City
News and Time Warner Cable; continue “ambassadors” program to increase involvement of
district representatives in local service clubs; study methods of enhancing and upgrading the
community access channel broadcasts; explore CSBA Gamut to update and provide on-line
access for Board Policy)

Strengthen a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the City of Upland.
(Initiatives: Continue to foster a positive relationship through current effective partnerships, the
City/School District sessions, and Traffic Safety meetings; continue to clarify “fee for service”)

Increase involvement with the West End P-16 Council to develop strategies to better
coordinate, integrate, and improve education for preschool through college students
with the ultimate goal of closing the achievement gap. (Initiative: Teacher/Counselor
participation; collaborate with West End Regional Districts on Project Lead the Way)

Collaborate with Chaffey College and Baldy View ROP to establish and strengthen
partnerships that will benefit students at UHS. (Initiatives: Project Lead the Way; Health
Science Careers Pathway courses including UHS and ROP; Foreign language offerings,
vocational education partnerships)
2.C Disciplined Actions: Board Governance

Ensure opportunities for the diverse range of views in the community to inform board
deliberations. (Initiatives: Continue to implement Board Governance Handbook agreements;
schedule board meetings at school sites; respond to delegations/communications in a timely and
customer-service oriented manner; utilize ConnectEd for matters of district-wide interest; develop
a site and district annual satisfaction survey to foster continuous improvement efforts)

Ensure that a safe and appropriate educational environment is provided to all
students and staff. (Initiatives: Collect concerns of employees at Road Show, Ad Council, and
Custodian and Safety Committee meetings; emergency notification system in place through
ConnectEd; Asst Supt of HR will continue to collect and monitor all reports of sexual harassment
in the district; install and monitor surveillance systems at all schools and at the district office)

Increase opportunities to provide community leadership on educational issues and
advocate on behalf of students and public education at the local, state, and federal
levels. (Initiatives: Maintain regular meetings with staff from Supervisor Biane, Assembly Member
Emmerson and Senator Dutton; Cabinet members actively engaged with County professional and
legislative advocacy groups; Cabinet members active in statewide ACSA leadership; continue to
write timely letters to legislators on pending matters of importance; continue to attend county’s
annual Leg Night sessions)

Schedule opportunities to periodically evaluate the board’s effectiveness. (Initiatives:
Monitor compliance with CSBA Governance Standards and board’s Governance Handbook)
Priority 3: Align Resources to Support Shared Vision
Maintain inviting,
safe, clean, orderly
and attractive
school buildings
and grounds that
promote student
learning and
wellness
Disciplined Action
High Student
Achievement
Evidence of
Accomplishment
Recruit, develop,
evaluate, recognize
and retain
employees who are
committed to high
quality performance
for every child,
every day
Utilize the best of business practices to
maximize existing funds and acquire new
resources to make our vision a reality, while
operating within a balanced budget
3.A Disciplined Actions: Facilities and Grounds

Continue initial Measure K-2008 construction projects, consistent with the voterapproved bond measure. (Initiatives: Modify construction and funding schedule to complete
majority of 21st century projects by Summer 2011; complete new gymnasium at UHS, study
replacement vs refurbishment of portable classrooms)

Prepare for Phase 2 of 21st Century Classroom renovation, in accordance with
Measure K-2008. (Initiatives: Model site visitations, district-wide committee, adopt plans and
specifications, obtain Department of State Architect’s Office approval, complete bidding process,
initiate construction in Summer 2009 for all classrooms at FK, UJHS, SYC, MAG, CAB and for
50% of classrooms at UHS)

Complete master plan at UHS to include learning environments for performing
arts/music programs at UHS. (Initiatives: Redesign of current band and choral practice
rooms, dance team space)

Continue to identify energy efficient and cost containment strategies and projects
(Solicit bids and proposals to expand solar energy capacity; monitor and enhance water
conservation; complete utility and contract services audit process, provide report of current
program effectiveness)

Continue to explore additional funding sources for district-wide facility priorities.
(Initiative: Collaborate with local legislators and district consultant; explore federal stimulus
funding sources)
3.A Disciplined Actions: Facilities and Grounds

Complete scheduled deferred maintenance projects. (Initiatives: Replace HVAC system
in district office; cafeteria renovations complete at SV, BV and UE; new playground equipment at
SV)

Complete installation of 10 gig fiber-optic network to all district sites. (Initiatives: Install
one gig of fiber to Chaffey node)

Update demographic projections to determine enrollment trends and site utilization.
(Initiatives: Establish a consultant agreement, provide a board report as necessary)

Provide district-wide Disaster Preparedness Training (Workshop sponsored by ASCIP
and will be conducted to Ad Council in January)

Study the feasibility of placing Automated External Defibrillator stations at secondary
schools for emergency response. (Work with ASCIP consultants)

Continue CPR training district wide. (35 employees in 2009-10)
3.B Disciplined Actions: Human Resources

Continue to recruit and retain Highly Qualified and EL authorized employees as
required under NCLB. (Initiatives: Maintain contact with college and university education
programs; attend higher education advisory meetings; use state CMIS report to guide hiring
procedures; monitor ongoing progress of teachers working toward highly qualified status)

Collaborate with the Educational Services Department to support new teachers
through a comprehensive induction program; create meaningful professional growth
opportunities for all employees; and provide support, intervention and accountability
for employees who are under-performing. (Initiatives: BTSA new teacher induction;
professional development calendar; monitor evaluation process; provide ongoing training on
evaluation documents and support systems for administrator’s with under-performing employees;
collaborate with ed services to provide admin support in developing support and assistance plans
as necessary)

Continue employee recognition program to honor employees for exceptional
performance in reaching district goals and priorities. (Initiatives: Continue Upland PRIDE
recognition, with honorees posted on web site)

Provide employees with health and welfare information and wellness programs.
(Initiatives: Collaborate with employee representatives on the insurance committee to educate
employee representatives on the insurance committee to educate employees regarding the
benefit packages and usage; implement a wellness program including a health fair for employees;
provide training and education to insurance committee members)
3.B Disciplined Actions: Human Resources

Audit procedures in HR to update written guidelines, streamline operations and
ensure accurate employee records. (Initiatives: Develop a complete and consistent
systematic hiring process with appropriate documents for hiring all employees; continue with full
implementation of EdJoin application system including in-house candidates; provide EdJoin
training to administrators as needed; continue to create and revise forms to place on the website;
maintain and update seniority and job history databases)

Provide administrators with information and clarification regarding contract provisions.
(Initiatives: Provide short informational pieces on contract sections)
3.C Disciplined Actions: Fiscal Resources

Closely monitor adoption of 2009-10 State Budget and make adjustments to District
multi-year plan as necessary to sustain district priorities within a balanced budget.
(Initiatives: Actively support educational advocacy groups to influence outcome; work closely with
School Services of California to attain most current and reliable information; provide Board with
timely updates; keep employee and community stakeholders informed and engaged; Cabinet will
receive weekly fiscal and cash flow updates)

Support all schools and departments in utilizing EduReports as a tool to monitor “real
time” spending in order to provide customized budget formats that align with district
and site/department priorities. (Initiatives: Provide additional training; periodically assess
participation and monitor progress)

Continue to meet oversight obligations with the Options for Youth Charter School to
ensure that OFY is operating in full compliance with the Charter Schools Act, the
district’s charter agreement, and all applicable provisions of the law. (Initiatives:
Continue to monitor and require timely submissions and compliant audits; study impact of OFY’s
unilateral actions to withdraw from WESELPA; develop district response to OFY’s unapproved
acquisition of an additional facility; monitor student progress and WASC outcome; determine
whether or not agreement will be renewed upon expiration in 2011)

Collaborate with all stakeholders to determine long-term fiscal options to survive and
thrive during a time of uncertain state funding. (Initiatives: Examine negotiable solutions;
monitor current actions, consider contracting with a fiscal consultant or facilitator)
3.C Disciplined Actions: Fiscal Resources

Establish all budget and oversight procedures for issuing, receiving, spending and
monitoring proceeds from Measure K-2008. (Initiatives: Establish and train Oversight
Committee, review and update current practices; close out files from K-2001; maintain
transparency and keep Board and community stakeholders informed and engaged; provide Board
with updated UUSD staffing reports, with related costs, to support installations )

Utilize results from utilities/service contract audits to reduce or contain costs.
(Initiatives: Open competitive bidding on waste disposal contract)

Implement new EPICS position control system in partnership with Human Resources
Division. (Initiatives: Provide training, implement program, monitor results)
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Linda Angona
Wes Fifield
Steve Frazee
P. Joseph Lenz
Michael Varela
Dr. Gary Rutherford, Superintendent