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You Have to Have a Plan...
In July the new U-46 District Improvement Plan will take effect. In a district with more than 4,500 employees in 60 buildings working to improve the education of 41,000 plus students, it is important to have a plan.
This year the plan, often referred to as the “DIP”, has a different look. Six pillars of work have been replaced by five to provide a clearer focus and more specific goals (19). While student learning still occupies the bulk of the attention, the supporting systems are in the spotlight, too. For example, the Accountability Pillar was developed to help ensure work is being done in a way that will measure and ensure progress.
The District Improvement Plan also includes the top priorities of the Board of Education and district staff. For 2009-10, the priorities are:
- Implement PreK-12 writing curriculum
- Increase access for students to take rigorous courses
- Identify and implement targeted interventions to close the achievement gaps among student groups
- Establish benchmarks and targets
- Institute a comprehensive family and community engagement strategy recommendations
- Continuation of implementation of Teacher Appraisal Plan
While to many this may not seem like fascinating reading; in truth, it is the focus of the district for the next year and success will depend on its implementation.
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