may 2009

NH Department of Education

Developing the School Improvement Plan

Required by NH RSA 193-H and Federal Public Law 107-110for Schools in Need of Improvement

May 2009

2

Statutory Requirements and Deadlines The Planning Process

– Materials Needed– Recommended Planning Resources

Writing the Plan– Plan Format– Review of Required Components

Additional Requirements and Resources

for Title I Schools


Workshop Agenda

3


What’s In Your Workshop Packet?

Powerpoint Presentation Instructions and Template for Developing the Plan

– Two documents go hand-in-hand– Be sure you use the correct documents for your school

(Title I or Non-Title I) Planning Resources Chart of State and Federal Requirements for

Schools in Need of Improvement (SINI)Planning Grant Application (Title I Schools)

Instructions for Downloading the Materials

4


How to Access These Documents Electronically

www.ed.state.nh.us Select “Programs, Information, and Services” Select the letter “S” Select “Schools in Need of Improvement” Select 2009-2010 All documents will be posted in the section entitled

“School Improvement Plan Instructions and Materials”

5


Statutory Requirements

6


State and Federal Statutory Requirements(Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document)

New Hampshire’s school and district accountability statute requires the development of a school improvement plan for any school officially designated as a school in need of improvement. (NH RSA 193:H)

For Title I schools designated as a school in need of improvement, the development of a school improvement plan is also required under federal law. (No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; P.L. 107-110)

7



Duration of the Plan. The school improvement plan is in effect for a two-year period (the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years).

The “school in need of improvement” designation is removed once the school makes Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years in the content area(s) that caused the designation.

8



Required Focus. In contrast with other strategic

plans which may be broader in scope, this

improvement plan must be specifically focused

on improving student achievement in the areas

in which the school did not make Adequate Yearly

Progress (AYP), resulting in the designation as

a school in need of improvement.

9



Required Contents. At a minimum, the plan for all

schools must include:

1. a description of the achievement gap(s) within the content area(s) for which the school has not made AYP for two consecutive years;

AND2. a description of the activities to be implemented

to address the underlying issues most likely contributing to those achievement gap(s).

10



The Plan for Title I Schools must also contain:

3. an overview of the research demonstrating that strategies selected are of proven effectiveness;

4. strategies for parent and family involvement;5. a description of the process by which parents and

outside experts were consulted in designing the plan;

6. A description of the school or district’s teacher mentoring program;

11



The Plan for Title I Schools must also contain: (continued)

7. A description of the parent notification process, with a copy of said notice, explaining the reasons for the school’s designation as well as, if applicable, the procedures parents may use to request school choice for their child;

8. Signed assurances by the Superintendent of Schools; and

9. A detailed budget narrative, together with a completed OBM Form 1.

12



Deadline for Submission State and federal law require plans to be

submitted no later than 90 days from the date the designation as a school in need of improvement became official.

The designation was official at the close of the AYP appeals process, May 8, 2009.

The deadline for submitting the plan is therefore August 6, 2009.

13



Review and Approval Process Plans meeting all requirements will be submitted to the State

Board of Education for approval. Criteria for reviewing the plans (described in Instructions

document, “Criteria for Plan Review”) Once the plan is approved, schools must submit annual

progress reports.

14


Developing the Plan

15

Developing the School Improvement Plan(Page 3 of the Instructions Document)

What documents are required for developing the plan?

The Instructions for Developing the Plan

AND The School Improvement Plan Template.

Be sure to download the documents appropriate to

your school (Title I or Non-Title I), as they are different!

16

Developing the School Improvement Plan(Page 3 of the Instructions Document)

What document is recommended by schools identified for improvement in prior years?

The Planning Resources document (in your packet and also available on the NHDOE website)

This document contains: An example of a “root cause analysis” planning process; A self-assessment planning tool (Continuum); and Facilitator contact information

17

Developing the School Improvement Plan(Planning Resources Document )

The planning process outlined in the Planning Resources document encourages the use of research-based practices:

The establishment of a core school improvement planning team with clear roles and responsibilities; involving others as appropriate;

Conducting a “school check-up” (Self-Assessment) on current school practices and programs designed to improve student achievement;

Examining results (data) rather than a singular focus on programs and practices (inputs);

Identifying achievement gaps (Which students? What areas? Trends?) Identifying the underlying, root cause issues contributing to the

achievement gaps; Prioritizing the issues (those within the school’s control); Creating an action plan to address the priorities; and Monitoring the implementation and the effectiveness of the plan.

18


A self-assessment or “check up” is a useful starting point in the Planning process. Consider using the guiding questions in Part Aof the Planning Resources document, and/or the Continuum self-assessment tool in Part B, to assess school practices in the following areas:1. Standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment2. Accountability and evaluation3. Structural reform strategies4. Leadership and governance5. Professional development6. Culture and climate7. External support and resources8. Parent and community support9. Extended learning

19


Within each domain, ask… what factor, conditions, or issues are getting in the

way of student achievement in the area(s) in which the school is identified for improvement;

what evidence do we have, and what additional evidence do we need to be sure;

what strategies might we implement to address these issues (what’s proven to be effective?); and

what’s feasible for our situation?

20


Some schools have found it helpful to acquire the services of an outside facilitator to guide the team through this planning process.

See Part C of the Planning Resources document for a list of experienced facilitators.

Title I Schools are eligible to apply for a planning grant.The application form is in the Title I workshop packet and will also be available on the NHDOE website.

21

Developing the School Improvement Plan (Page 4 of Instructions Document)

Writing the Plan:

Required Components

22

Developing the Plan Required Components

(Page 4 of Instructions Document)

REQUIRED PLAN COMPONENTS Cover Page ---------------------------------- Memorandum of Understanding--------- Demographic Information ----------------- Plan Abstract--------------------------------- Plan Narrative--------------------------------

Action Plan ----------------------------------- Title I Budget Information------------------ Parent Notification Requirements-------

School Improvement Plan Template Document

Title 1 Non-Title 1

Form Page 1 Form Page 1






Form Pages 7-9

Form Page 10

23



Cover Page (Form Page 1). Complete all information.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)Form Page 2 is completed by the Superintendent. Submit the MOU with original signature by regular mail.

School Demographics (Form Page 3). Complete all information.

Improvement Plan Abstract (Form Page 4).As the plan is a public document, the abstract is used to inform the State Board of Education regarding the school’s strategies for improvement in the area(s) for which it is identified.

24



Improvement Plan Narrative (Form Page 5). Describe the plan development process:

Who was involved?

Who was consulted?

How was the plan reviewed prior to submitting it?

How will it be disseminated and explained to others?

25



Improvement Plan Narrative (Form Page 5). Location of Achievement Gap(s)

Be specific

Focus on the content area(s) in which the school is

identified for improvement

Focus on struggling learners

Identifying the “Root Cause” Issues

Provide a summary of the issues identified, and those selected as priorities for this plan.

26



Action Plan for School Year 2009-2010 (Form Page 6). Duplicate Form Page 6 as needed. For each area in which the

school is identified for improvement, clearly describe the

Goal (achievement gap to be reduced)

Strategies (to be implemented)

Objectives (anticipated changes in professional practice AND student learning)

Proposed Activities for 2009-2010 to achieve the Objectives.

27

Developing the Plan

Additional Requirements and Resources

for Title 1 Schools

28

Developing the Plan Additional Requirements and Resources

for Title I Schools

Title I Schools are eligible to receive School

Improvement Funding (see Page 5 of Instructions).

When completing the Action Plan, also complete

the Title I Budget Narrative and Related Forms

(Form Pages 7-9).

Submit an OBM Form 1 with original signature.

29

Developing the Plan Additional Requirements and Resources

for Title I Schools

Parent Notification Narrative and Letter

Before completing Form Page 10, review the

Public School Choice Requirements and Guidance on

Pages 7-14 of the Instructions for Developing the Title I

School Improvement Plan.

30

For More Information

Title I Schools

Mary Ellen Arigo ([email protected] or 271-8315)

Non-Title I Schools

Merry Fortier ([email protected] or 271-7382)