The Road Ahead In a Changing Community 4. Looking Back at Strategic Growth 5. Phases of Strategic Design 8. Building Capacity 10. Defining Our Work 11

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2 Contents Page About St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Our Story - Where Paths of Past and Future Meet 3 The Road Ahead In a Changing Community 4 Looking Back at Strategic Growth 5 Strategic Design Introduction to Strategic Design Shared Beliefs Vision Our Living Statements 7 Phases of Strategic Design 8 Building Capacity 10 Defining Our Work 11 Core Task One: Cultivating Community Relationships & Shared Understanding Core Task Two: Producing Experiences and Results for Customers Core Task Three: Sustaining a Learning Community & Leading for Improvement Core Task Four: Refining Access to Resources, Support, & Technology St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 2

3 About St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Our Story- Where Past and Future Paths Meet For over a century St. Tammany Parish public schools have been providing a caring environment for learning, challenging and relevant curriculum, and solid student achievement. During the first fifty years, the demographics of the public schools in St. Tammany Parish consisted primarily of rural communities. The completion of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in 1956 brought Northshore communities into the New Orleans metropolitan area, and the rural landscape began to change as the population of St. Tammany Parish began to climb. Almost half a century later in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the region saw another dramatic change in landscape. The St. Tammany Parish Public School System was quick to respond preserving the past and developing the new. The Northshore has become a blend of historical communities alongside new construction in both commercial and residential settings. In tracing the history of St. Tammany Parish, the public schools provide architectural time-stamps to the development of the communities. The Schoen Administrative Complex mirrors the meeting of past and future paths. As we round the corner to the next decade, non-traditional learning environments such as the Virtual Academy and the University Learning Park will provide new shapes and contour to the landscape of St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 3

4 About St. Tammany Parish Public Schools The Road Ahead In a Changing Community St. Tammany Parish is characterized as one of the fastest growing parishes in the state. As the population of the parish increases, the overall enrollment of St. Tammany Parish Public Schools experiences similar growth. Parish Population 228, Estimate Population Increase 18.5% Since 2000 A tradition that residents of St. Tammany Parish expect to continue is having one of the highest rated school systems in the state. The quality of the public schools is often a selling point for potential residents. As the population of the parish expands, the demographics are exhibiting signs of rich diversity. Residency Established By Current Population 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 1969 or earlier 1970 to to to to or later Source: US Census Bureau St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 4

5 About St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Looking Back at Strategic Growth Strategic focus areas from the 2004 Reaching New Heights include the Guaranteed Curriculum, highly qualified personnel, professional development, collaboration time, and systems structures. The highlights provide strong evidence of strategic and systemic growth. An addendum to the strategic plan includes rebuilding our communities and schools post Katrina. Guaranteed Curriculum Initial implementation, Fall 2005 Access via Blackboard, Fall 2008 Frequent curriculum updates Continuous expansion of content Technology infused lessons Integrated literacy strategies elearning platform for teachers a 3 Virtual Academy Highly Qualified Personnel Employee raises Recruiting efforts New teacher induction Parish-wide assistant principals Personnel recognition program Professional Development Literacy initiative Online professional development calendar and registration Substitute training Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Summer Institute for teachers Instructional Technology Center as hub for professional development & collaboration St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 5

6 About St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Time to Collaborate Learning walks Affiliation with the Schlechty Center for Leadership in School Reform Monthly Design Team meetings Blackboard professional learning communities Monthly district level meetings, i.e., principals, assistant principals, curriculum team, technology resource teachers (or resource helping teachers) Administrator meetings with law enforcement Ambassadors meetings Ninth grade academies Systems Structures Literacy initiative Bond Issue for technology and safety initiatives Online grade access for parents District Checkpoints in math Safety initiative security cameras PREP Transportation web query & hotline Energy management program Construction Projects new schools, renovations, maintenance projects Resource officers Channel 13 broadcasts Technology resource teachers Para techs in schools Major Recognition Named one of the top 100 school systems within the Nation's major metropolitan areas by Money magazine Seven schools named National Schools of Excellence by the U. S. Department of Education Earned District Accreditation from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) Selected for the SchoolMatch What Parents Want Award every year the award has been presented Received highest award for financial reporting by Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for 19 consecutive years Food Service Program selected for numerous national awards by the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the National School Food Service Association Received three national energy conservation awards - the Energy Milestone Award from SEE (Schools for Energy Efficiency), an Energy Star-Leader Certificate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and an Energy Star Label for the Instructional Technology Center 14 teachers chosen for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching by the National Science Foundation School-to-Career programs earned numerous forms of national recognition Teachers and programs throughout the System honored by various national organizations and agencies Educators and other personnel frequent presenters at national, regional and state conferences and officers and committee members of professional organizations Numerous chosen Louisiana Students, Teachers and Principals of the Year St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 6

7 Introduction to Strategic Design The St. Tammany Parish Public School System engages in strategic planning to document a clear commitment to continuous improvement in achieving high educational standards. A Strategy for Building Capacity showcases a foundation built upon the capacity standards adopted through affiliation with the Schlechty Center for Leadership in School Reform. Aligning all work with capacity standards ensures the district, schools, and classrooms work together to meet the needs of students. Assessing district capacity through the lens of all stakeholders confirms a common understanding of shared beliefs and a compelling vision for St. Tammany Parish Schools. In determining future direction, sources of information must include historical influences, expected traditions, community perspectives, current trends, and future forecasts. The strategic plan is designed to build capacity for sustained commitment to continuous improvement and high performance. The desired result of the strategic plan is to cultivate another century of high quality education. Our Living Statements We are a good school system, and we will be great. We make our decisions based on one question: Is it best for kids? We address the needs of EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY. Shared Beliefs We believe that: We are a good school system, and we must strive to be a great school system. Our core business is to create engaging work for every student, every day. High-quality schools and exemplary student achievement are the responsibility of the entire community. Teachers are leaders and designers who create engaging work for students. Student engagement is the key to learning. Effective instruction must meet the needs of all students so that every child can learn at expected high levels. Therefore, we make a commitment with our community to engage all students in high-quality education resulting in life-long learners who can contribute to the society in which they live. Vision Our vision is to provide an exemplary school system, widely respected for high standards and first-rate performance and for outstanding student achievement. In this System, public schools are valued and supported and a strong partnership exists between educators, students, families, and the community to help ensure that: students have safe, caring environments for learning; students are positively challenged, enriched, and inspired; students learn to be self-motivated and lifelong learners, prepared for life s pursuits; and students learn to be responsible and contributing members of a global society. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 7

8 Phases of Strategic Design To effectively design a strategic plan for capacity building, three phases must be attended to: A Future Orientation Direction and Focus Strategic Action These phases are not sequential, but instead align with core tasks which are essential for continuous improvement. The Capacity Standards associated with each phase will be assessed with both formative and summative effectiveness measures. Capacity building involves selectively determining where to put energy, resources, and focus. Gathered evidence of progress is communicated for further capacity building and strategic redesign. A Future Orientation Design Team Begins Process September 15, 2008 Stakeholders Input Meeting October 2, 2008 Design Team Reviews Input October 13, 2008 Online Collaboration October 15 - December 15, 2008 Design Team Standards Assessment January 26, 2009 Principals Standards Assessment February 4, 2009 Steering Committee March 26, 2009 Design Team Develops Strategy April 23, 2009 Public Input May 4, 2009 Writing Teams May 15 - June 15, 2009 Present to Board September 17, 2009 St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 8

9 Direction and Focus Strategic Action Challenges Changing demographics with changing needs Meeting the employment needs of the community Acquiring resources needed to move forward Building Capacity Stakeholders Understanding Urgency for Transformation Mirroring current technology available in students daily lives Equipping students with 21 st Century Skills to meet the demands of the future workplace Closing individual achievement gaps to promote on time graduation for all students Stakeholder Input Stakeholder Group Students Identified Focus Area Increase Options & Opportunities for Courses Capacity Standards Our Beliefs Communicating and Collaborating with All Stakeholders Monitoring Effectiveness with Ongoing Measures Sustaining a Learning Organization Refining Resource Allocations Based on Results Parents Community Teachers Administrators Communication Preparing Students for Workplace & Meeting Individual Student Needs Meeting Individual Student Needs & Technology Training Professional Development & Technology Training St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 9

10 Building Capacity Core Task One: Cultivating Community Relationships & Shared Understanding Standards 1, 2, & 10 Shared Beliefs Results for "Customers" Core Task Two: Producing Experiences & Results for "Customers" Standards 3 & 5 Design Resources Culture of Improvement Core Task Four: Refining Access to Resources, Support, & Technology Standards 7, 8, & 9 Core Task Three: Sustaining a Learning Community & Leading for Improvememt Standards 4 & 6 Schlechty Center s Capacity Assessment Standards Standard 1: Developing a Shared Understanding of the Need for Change Standard 2: Developing Shared Beliefs and Vision Standard 3: Developing a Focus on Students and on the Quality of Work Provided to Students Standard 4: Developing Structures for Participatory Leadership Standard 5: Developing Structures for Results-Oriented Decision Making Standard 6: Developing Structures for Continuity Standard 7: Providing Ongoing Support Standard 8: Fostering Innovation and Flexibility Standard 9: Employing Technology Standard 10: Fostering Collaboration St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 10

11 Defining Our Work Core Task One: Shared Beliefs Cultivating Community Relationships & Shared Understanding The strength of the community lies in the common message that there is a need for change. The School System fosters effective communications and relationships with and among all stakeholders. A compelling, common vision and belief system is communicated and drives the central focus of teaching and learning. Core Task Two: Results for Customers Producing Experiences and Results for Customers Through data driven decisions, teaching and learning are fostered and promoted to build capacity for change. The School System provides rigorous curriculum and research-based best practices which facilitate high achievement for students. A systematic assessment plan monitors on-going performance and uses results to improve system and school effectiveness. Core Task Three: Culture of Improvement Sustaining a Learning Community & Leading for Improvement A true learning community has both a collaborative and collegial climate. A supportive environment provides ongoing opportunities to share best practices and engage in collaborative decision making. Collegial conversations provide trust and respect. A shared leadership approach to teaching and learning ensure continuity and strengthen the capacity to build a systemic learning community. Core Task Four: Design Resources Refining Access to Resources, Support, & Technology Efficient allocation and systematic monitoring of resources provide continued opportunities for high levels of engagement and quality work. Innovation and best practices are supported through a variety of flexible, professional learning opportunities. Optimizing the effectiveness of technology and multimedia integration promotes the acquisition of 21st Century Skills. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 11

12 Core Task One: Cultivating Community Relationships & Shared Understanding Capacity Standard 1 Develop among all stakeholders a common understanding of the nature of the challenges and opportunities that confront the school district. Capacity Standard 2 Develop a compelling vision of what schools can be and how schools should be related to the community. Capacity Standard 10 Strengthen current structures for collaboration within the school district, between schools and parents, and among those agencies and groups that provide service to children. Focus Activities Gather data and develop new information sources concerning the opportunities and challenges that confront the school district for both internal and external audiences. Present clear and convincing evidence that those persons and organizations whose support for the schools is needed have an understanding of the beliefs and vision that provide direction for the school district. Evaluate the development and sustainment of collaborative activities both internal to the district and with external stakeholder groups. Examine the quality and effectiveness of the district and schools communication structures for both disseminating and receiving information. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 12

13 Strategic Design Core Task Two: Producing Experiences & Results for Customers Capacity Standard 3 Develop a clear focus on students and the quality of the work provided to students work that results in students learning what is expected by schools, parents, and community. Capacity Standard 5 Develop a results-oriented management system and a quality-focused decision making process that guides the district. Focus Activities Implement quality assurance measures that support reflection and feedback regarding levels of student engagement and the quality of work provided to students. Examine data and develop new information sources concerning the needs of students to provide a variety of extended and flexible learning opportunities. Evaluate formative and summative achievement data to determine the effectiveness of learning experiences in achieving intended academic results for students. Monitor student learning in real time to determine growth, along with status, so as to redirect learning interventions, forecast future outcomes, provide tiered instruction, and respond with additional support services. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 13

14 Core Task Three: Sustaining a Learning Community & Leading for Improvement Capacity Standard 4 Develop patterns of participatory leadership and a structure of relationships such that all school district-level activity is focused on providing direction and support for schools. Capacity Standard 6 Develop systemic continuity to provide stability in leadership, structure, and culture over time. Focus Activities Routinely meet to make strategic decisions regarding the direction of the district/school, make decisions with regard to keeping district/school policies and actions focused on student engagement, and design and refine the organizational structures needed to ensure all students are provided high-quality, engaging work. Routinely conduct an assessment of the district s/school s capacity to initiate and sustain change and use these findings in decision-making processes about resource allocations, staffing assignments, staff development and training. Recruit, induct, and retain members who are committed to ensuring all students are provided high-quality, engaging work. Increase opportunities to those committed to the common direction of the district/school to participate in systemic collaboration and professional learning. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 14

15 Core Task Four: Refining Access to Resources, Support, & Technology Capacity Standard 7 Provide systems of training and support for those who are committed to the district s beliefs and vision. Capacity Standard 8 Foster flexibility and innovative use of resources, including time, technology, staffing, and space, to create forms of curriculum organization that are responsive to student needs. Capacity Standard 9 Provide students and adults who work in the schools the tools and training required for quality work and the development of 21st Century Skills. Focus Activities Provide a variety of flexible and extended learning opportunities aligned with the competencies, knowledge, and skills that are essential to successful performance by teachers, administrators, and other employees. Examine and adjust the allocation of instructional resources to reflect emphasis on research based best practices and innovative strategies. Examine and adjust the allocation of human and physical resources to reflect emphasis on providing the most productive technologies and training for student and teacher work. St. Tammany Parish Public Schools A Strategy for Building Capacity 15