Transcript Review of Strategic Planning Process

Review of the
Strategic Planning Process
Science Advisory Committee Meeting
June 9, 2004
Purpose of this review…
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The Strategic Plan is a vital part of the
science reform process
The Strategic Plan is reviewed as part of
the grant application process
Many of today’s attendees were not part of
the original LASER team
Strategic Planning Institutes
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Original plans for the Beckman@Science
programs were written by teams attending
multi-day institutes presented by the
LASER Institute (Leadership and
Assistance in Science Education Reform).
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Bonnie Swann, Director of Elementary
Curriculum K-6.
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Bob Kelly, Science Mentor/Coordinator and an
experienced elementary school teacher with
demonstrated leadership skills.
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Aaron Thompson, an experienced upper
elementary school teacher with demonstrated
leadership skill.
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Laurel Ritter, an experienced primary teacher
with demonstrated leadership skill and interest in
promoting science in the district.
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Dan Gil, Ph. D., principal scientist at Allergan,
Inc. who worked with the district to develop
community support for science education reform.
At the Strategic Planning
Institute…
The Institute Goals:
 Develop a shared vision of K-8 science
teaching and learning
 Develop and sustain a corps of science
reform leaders
Institute Objectives…
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Explore current empirical research on children’s
cognitive development and program design
Develop an awareness of organizational systems
Model skills and strategies required to implement
systemic change
Follow the NSRC model of systemic change
First Step was to…
Develop a Mission Statement
This statement gave the purpose for the
existence of the district’s hands-on science
program.
“The mission of this program is to enrich
science education and create scientifically
literate students who will rise to the
challenges of an increasingly technological
future.”
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Develop a Vision Statement
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A view of the future described in the form
of desired results.
“Students of the Newport-Mesa Unified
School District will leave sixth grade with
a powerful, comprehensive, articulated,
inquiry-based science experience.”
Critical Success Categories
Develop goals, objectives, and activities for
each of the five program areas:
 Curriculum
 Professional Development
 Assessment
 Materials Support
 Administrative and Community Support
Goals…
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Describe the elements of the vision grouped
by category, and how they will be achieved
“Professional Development:
All N-MUSD teachers will become
knowledgeable in science content and
skilled in inquiry-based teaching
methodology,”
“Curriculum:
Newport-Mesa will develop and implement
a well-defined, articulated, standards
based curriculum for all NMUSD
students.”
Materials Support:
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N-MUSD will create a science materials
support system that will allow immediate
access to inquiry-based, hands-on kits to
facilitate continual science education,
which supports the California science
standards.”
“Assessment:
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N-MUSD will assess student learning and
program effectiveness using multiple
assessment measures.”
“Administrative and Community
Support:
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N-MUSD will establish a broad base of
community involvement and support,
integrating input, support and resources
for the school board, administrators,
parents, local businesses, community
leaders, community organizations,
universities and secondary schools.”
Objectives…
Translate the goals into specific achievable
milestones
“Objective 2.1 – Create an educator
development program to empower teachers
to continually increase their level of
scientific knowledge and methodology”
Objective 2.2 Establish a continuous support
system”
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Activities…
Should be discrete, measurable elements, each
with a responsible “owner”
 Activity
 Responsible person
 Schedule (time-line)
 Remarks and progress
 Refer to chart on page 2-22 for examples
In conclusion,
an effective Strategic Plan is…
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Written collaboratively by a team of
representatives of all stake-holders
Realistic in its goals and objectives
Specific enough to guide the program
A dynamic, working document that is
reviewed and revised annually