Planning for School Implementation

Choice Programs

• Requires both district and school level coordination roles

• The district office establishes guidelines, policies and procedures for the creation and monitoring of Magnet programs

• The principal is responsible for governing Magnet programs

Starting a Magnet Program

• Planning Team• Space on School Campus• Existing Campus Resources• Funds• Transportation• Strong Leaders and Quality Staff• Community Involvement• Recruiting

Planning Team

• Campus Administrators• Lead Teachers• Counselor• Parent (s)• Community Representatives• Experts-professionals or higher

education

Planning Team Roles

• Research• Facilitate the selection of the focus or

theme• Survey and communicate with all

stakeholders• Evaluate internal and external resources• Assess and recruit expertise in the community

• Create the Magnet Implementation Plan

Magnet Implementation Plan

• Mission and Vision Statements• Program Goals• Objectives• Curriculum or Theme Design• Implementation Steps• Policies• Marketing and Recruitment Strategies• Budget and Funding Plans• Timelines• Professional Development Plans• Monitoring and Evaluation Plans

Mission & Vision Statements

• The mission and vision statements drive the creation and maintenance of the program – The mission of the Magnet program is to be a

community of scholars using modern technology to attain varied knowledge and skills valued by society

– Upon completion of the Magnet program, the student will be an effective communicator, a proficient problem-solver, an independent worker/thinker, a cooperative team member, an efficient technology user, knowledgeable of worldwide issues, and most importantly a contributing citizen

Program Goals• Program goals outline the aim of the

magnet program-should increase academic options for parents– Enhance the educational program – Attract the neighborhood students back to the

zoned school– Improve school’s attendance rate and lower its

dropout rate by providing a stimulating learning environment

– Develop a strong link with community, institutions of higher learning, and business/industries to benefit student learning

Program Objectives• The program objectives outline

school and student accomplishments– The school will

• Provide students with experiences in and out of the classroom which enrich their learning and prepare them for future success

• Develop additional elective courses in science, mathematics, and computer technology

• Improve instruction by training teachers and adding up-to-date technological equipment

• Provide teachers with training to assist them in incorporating the latest technology into each of their instructional areas

• Initiate strategies for securing partnerships with businesses/industries and establishing linkages with colleges and universities

• Implement activities that promote vertical team alignment with feeder schools

• The student will• Expand their knowledge base in

mathematics and science• Become proficient in the use of technology

in their coursework• Participate in research activities outside the

classroom• Investigate career opportunities that focus

on mathematics, science, and technology

Curriculum or Theme Design

• Is the basic framework• Should be grounded in a school vision and

mission with a rationale, description, educational goals and objectives, and a method of evaluation

• Have a scope & sequence of specialty• Meet state and local guidelines-curriculum

and time• Can create (write), adopt existing courses,

or adapt (modify) existing courses with re-focusing

Curriculum or Theme Design Rationale

The school, in order to meet the needs of its students and the surrounding community, has been involved in revitalization efforts in several areas, including curriculum, technology, and student achievement. As part of this revitalization, a strong academic Magnet program in science, mathematics, and technology has been established

Implementation Steps

• Select and develop quality staff• Having teachers, administrators and board

members committed to the theme is critical• District-level administrators focused on

magnet programs or magnet programs as part of a broader choice program

• The right principal

• Develop curriculum• Align with state and local academic standards• Scope and Sequence

• Obtain necessary equipment and supplies

• Cultivate community resources• Key community members can offer time,

equipment, space, services, and money

• Define special roles• A Magnet coordinator can help with marketing,

transportation issues, volunteer coordination, parent communication, and other tasks that are especially important in magnet schools

• Build District Support• The school board’s strong commitment is

critical to magnet success

Policies and Procedures

• The application process• Qualifying students• Entrance• Probation• Exiting students

Marketing & Recruiting Strategies

• Parent access to information is critical– Marketing Firm– Central Magnet Office– Schools

• Target specific organizations• Present at meetings and events• Create and distribute market materials

Funding

• School Board• Campus Budget• Grants• Community

Community Resources

• Local museums, hospitals, universities, professional organizations, or companies

Request scholarships, equipment, guest speakers, internships, field experiences, sponsors, or curriculum input

Annual Funding and Budgeting

Considerations

• Staff• Materials and Supplies• Field Experiences• Maintaining or replacing equipment• Current Literature• Transportation

Timeline

• Year One• Create Magnet Implementation Plan• Build community partners

• Year Two• Professional development• Curriculum development• Obtain necessary equipment and materials• Market and recruit program

• Year Three• Begin the implementation process

Creating New Houston Independent School District

Magnet Programs• School contacts the Central Magnet Office• Magnet Office Manager meets with campus

personnel• Schools create their Magnet proposal with the

assistance of the Magnet Office• Magnet proposal is submitted to the Magnet

Office for approval• Magnet Office facilitates the approval process• The HISD School Board approves• School begins the planning/recruiting phase for

implementation

The Magnet Office

• District level employees-assist in the application process, recruiting, compliance, evaluation, and transportation

• Research & Accountability Department produces a journal of educational reports for Magnet programs

In Closing

• Planning for school implementation requires– Choosing appealing and sustainable

themes– Selecting and developing quality staff– Cultivating community resources– Defining special roles– Building district support