Strategic Plan for Student Achievement

Building 21st Century Professional Learning Communities Strategic Plan for Student Achievement 2006-2010 Priorities for 2008-09

BOARD OF EDUCATION Linda Angona Wes Fifield Steve Frazee P. Joseph Lenz Michael Varela Dr. Gary Rutherford, Superintendent 1

Vision and Goal Statement All students will acquire and apply knowledge at high levels. Student achievement results will show mastery of standards by individual students as well as by student sub-groups…with no significant differences in performance between groups. 2

The Collective “Work of the District” 1. Test Score Disaggregation 2. Timeline Development 8. Monitoring 7. Sustained Effort 3. Instructional Focus 4. Assessment 5. Intervention 6. Enrichment 3

Building 21st Century Professional Learning Communities 2008-2009 Inherent to a PLC is a persistent disquiet with the status quo and a constant search for a better way to achieve goals and accomplish the purpose of the organization. Members of a professional learning community are not content to merely describe the future they seek; they also articulate and promote the attitudes, behaviors, and collective commitments that must exist to create that future. If schools are to improve, they need educators who believe in the possibility of a better future – and in themselves. - Robert Eaker, Rebecca & Richard DuFour, A Leader’s Companion 4

2008-09 TIMELINE • Data Collection and Input • Board Study Sessions and Annual Retreat • Management End of Year Meetings & Leadership Seminar • Analysis of Student Performance • Board Consideration • Board Sessions: July 15, August 9 & 19 • Aligned Action Planning – October • Goals & Objective Meetings with Sites and Departments • Mid-Term Progress Report - February • Interim Accountability Report • Year End Report – June • Accountability Year End Summary Report 5

Disciplined Action High Student Achievement Evidence of Accomplishment Strategic Plan for Student Achievement Ensure high achievement for all students through dynamic parent partnerships, strong community connections, and effective board governance Ensure high achievement for all students through disciplined attention to effective teaching, ongoing assessments, and timely interventions 1 2 3 Ensure high achievement for all students by aligning fiscal, facility, and human resources in support of our shared vision, goals and priorities 6

Disciplined Action High Student Achievement Evidence of Accomplishment Priority 1: Teaching + Assessment + Interventions Implement effective teaching & learning strategies to ensure all students experience success in a rigorous, standards-based curriculum Develop and implement ongoing assessments for data-driven instructional planning to meet students’ unique learning goals Design and deliver timely intervention support to ensure student success in a rigorous, standards-based curriculum 7

1.A Disciplined Actions: Effective Teaching • Increase the academic rigor of each student’s instructional program to ensure the widest range of opportunities upon graduation. (Initiatives: Continue to increase number of students in college prep courses; implement UHS Design for Excellence action plan; develop a plan to meet the new state mandate for 8th grade Algebra I) • Support continuous improvement of the Freshmen Success Initiative (FSI) to enhance student achievement.(Initiatives: Reconfigure houses to better serve students – Six houses, each with English, Science, Math, and PE) • Design and implement instructional practices that benefit socio-economically disadvantaged and English language learners. (Initiatives: Ensure that all EL receive standards-based English Language Development; continue professional development on effective instructional strategies for both special education and EL students – GLAD, SDAIE, Frontloading, vocabulary development; increase number of special education students in college prep courses through collaborative models) • Implement and monitor the student wellness program to instill healthy nutritional habits and provide increased opportunities for physical activity. (Initiatives: Install secondary school fitness centers to increase opportunities for conditioning and physical activity; develop a plan to provide parents with ongoing information their child’s physical performance and development; expand elementary program to include intervention for students struggling with obesity) 8

1.A Disciplined Actions: Effective Teaching • Meaningful integration of technology equipment and applications to support 21st century learning in all classrooms, for all students, across all areas of the curriculum.(Initiatives: Collaborate with 21st Century Task Force to identify goals and student outcomes; design and implement professional development to increase integration of 21st century technology into effective teaching and learning) • Provide opportunities for professional growth that support effective teaching, ongoing assessment, and instructional interventions.(Initiatives: Professional development calendar will include: Professional Learning Communities administrative and site-based learning teams; Effective literacy strategies for all students, including EL and special education; Algebraic skills and thinking strategies for all students, including EL and special education) • Conduct a study to determine the potential benefits, costs, and parent support for a dual language bilingual program model.(Initiative: Written board report) 9

1.B Disciplined Actions: Ongoing Assessment • Support schools in the implementation of the Data Director system in order to analyze student performance and develop data-driven instructional plans and support. (Initiatives: Provide training for new employees; continue professional development on the use of Data Director to develop and analyze common formative assessments) • Develop and implement formative assessments on at least a quarterly basis to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. (Initiatives: Continue to expand administration and analysis of common assessments in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science) • Develop and publish curriculum pacing guides to align instruction to state standards and assessments. (Initiatives: Review and revise curriculum maps in order to prepare all students for success in eighth grade algebra) • Use technology to enhance and support ongoing assessment. (Initiatives: Continue to support the administration, scoring and quick turn-around of common assessments and benchmark tests) 10

1.C Disciplined Actions: Timely Interventions • Implement and monitor a Pyramid of Interventions at every school site that articulates the support systems in place to meet the unique needs of each student in the least restrictive environment.(Initiatives: Design, refine and implement Tier I and Tier II interventions for students in English Language Arts and Mathematics at each school site; Implement interventions during the school day to ensure student success in rigorous college-preparatory coursework; Implement an ongoing after school intervention program in English Language Arts and Mathematics at each school site) • Collaborate with SBCOE to explore opportunities for UUSD to provide services for Community Day School students within our region. (Determine need, develop proposal that includes fiscal analysis and implications) • Develop and implement a district-wide attendance incentive program. (Determine need, develop proposal that includes fiscal analysis and implications) • Develop and implement a plan for Summer School to respond to reductions in state funding and the withdrawal of the Options for Youth ‘Get Ahead Program’. (Determine need, develop proposal that includes fiscal analysis and implications) • Continue to implement and enhance after school ASES program and services. (Determine effectiveness, monitor and adjust, provide a board report) • Continue to improve and expand the district’s Independent Study program. (Determine effectiveness, consider costs, monitor and adjust, provide a board report) 11

Disciplined Action High Student Achievement Evidence of Accomplishment Priority 2: Parent, Community & Board Connections Strengthen an inclusive, responsive, supportive, respectful and collaborative environment for all parents Enhance the image of the district through improved public relations and meaningful opportunities for involvement • Govern effectively to build unity and enhance an organizational culture that ensures a high quality education for all students 12

2.A Disciplined Actions: Parent Partnerships • Provide annual stakeholder report regarding progress of UHS Design for Excellence. (Initiatives: Provide the following annual board reports: UHS Design for Excellence; Freshmen Success Initiative; WASC Action Plan implementation and progress) • Provide opportunities to engage the parent community in strengthening parent involvement and active engagement at the all levels. (Initiatives: Promote and expand participation in Schoolloop at secondary schools; continue use of ConnectEd at all sites; reconfigure front office and reception area at UHS to improve customer service; develop an action plan to improve the phone system and responsiveness at UHS) • Collaborate with Upland Council PTA to sponsor a district-wide Parent Partnership Symposium evening, featuring a guest speaker with a relevant, powerful message. (Initiatives: Keynote address scheduled at the Highlander Auditorium on September 22, 2008) • Utilize technology resources to enhance home-to-school by sharing information and providing opportunities for feedback. (Initiatives: Continue ConnectEd for messages and survey collection; expand Schoolloop participation among teachers and parents) • Engage and involve parents of English learners through the establishment of district and site English Learner Advisory Councils. (Initiatives: Continue site-based English Learner Advisory Committees, district English Learner Advisory Committee; continue Latino Family Literacy Training; increase the number of school flyers and Connect Ed messages in Spanish; examine Parent Academy in Redland Unified as a model program) 13

2.B Disciplined Actions: Community Connections • Culminate the process to establish an Educational Foundation to provide community and corporate funding in support of a high quality, enriched public education for students in the Upland Unified School District. (Initiatives: Coordinate with HEF; determine program goals and targets; transfer balance from district donation account) • Increase public awareness of district issues and events by reaching out to the media and community. (Initiatives: Monthly articles for Chamber Impact, In Touch with Upland Schools and local press releases; continue to strengthen positive collaboration with Daily Bulletin’s City News and Time Warner Cable; continue “ambassadors” program to increase involvement of district representatives in local service clubs; study methods of enhancing and upgrading the community access channel broadcasts; explore CSBA Gamut to update and provide on-line access for Board Policy ) • Maintain and refine a user-friendly, attractive, and informative district website.(Initiatives: Phase I of project completed in July 2007; evaluate enhancements for Phase II) • Strengthen a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the City of Upland.(Initiatives: Continue to foster a positive relationship through current effective partnerships, the City/School District sessions, and Traffic Safety meetings; continue to clarify “fee for service”) • Increase involvement with the West End P-16 Council to develop strategies to better coordinate, integrate, and improve education for preschool through college students with the ultimate goal of closing the achievement gap.(Initiative: Supt Co-Chairs the Council) • Collaborate with Chaffey College and Baldy View ROP to establish and strengthen partnerships that will benefit students at UHS.(Initiatives: Foreign language offerings, vocational education partnerships) 14

2.C Disciplined Actions: Board Governance • Ensure opportunities for the diverse range of views in the community to inform board deliberations.(Initiatives: Continue to implement Board Governance Handbook agreements; schedule board meetings at school sites; respond to delegations/communications in a timely and customer-service oriented manner; utilize ConnectEd for matters of district-wide interest) • Ensure that a safe and appropriate educational environment is provided to all students and staff.(Initiatives: Collect concerns of employees at Road Show, Ad Council, and Custodian and Safety Committee meetings; emergency notification system in place through ConnectEd; Asst Supt of HR will continue to collect and monitor all reports of sexual harassment in the district; install and monitor surveillance systems at all schools and at the district office) • Increase opportunities to provide community leadership on educational issues and advocate on behalf of students and public education at the local, state, and federal levels.(Initiatives: Supt conducts monthly meetings with staff from Supervisor Biane, Assembly Member Emmerson and Senator Dutton; Dr. Kaminski continues to represent interests of district and public education in Sacramento as an ACSA leader; continue to write timely letters to legislators on pending matters of importance; continue to attend county’s annual Legislative Night sessions) • Schedule opportunities to periodically evaluate the board’s effectiveness.(Initiatives: Monitor compliance with CSBA Governance Standards and board’s Governance Handbook) 15

Disciplined Action High Student Achievement Evidence of Accomplishment Priority 3: Align Resources to Support Shared Vision Maintain inviting, safe, clean, orderly and attractive school buildings and grounds that promote student learning and wellness Recruit, develop, evaluate, recognize and retain employees who are committed to high quality performance for every child, every day • Utilize the best of business practices to maximize existing funds and acquire new resources to make our vision a reality, while operating within a balanced budget 16

3.A Disciplined Actions: Facilities and Grounds • Complete final Measure K-2001 construction project, consistent with the voter-approved bond measure. (Initiatives: Expansion of UHS main office and updated main entry to campus) • Initiate Measure K-2008 construction program professional services, consistent with the voter-approved bond measure. (Initiatives: Select and train Oversight Committee, hire architects, project managers, inspection firms, testing firms and counsel) • Complete initial Measure K-2008 construction projects, consistent with the voter-approved bond measure. (Initiatives: Student parking lot at UHS, security upgrades at all school sites and at the district office) • Prepare for Phase 1 of 21st Century Classroom renovation, in accordance with Measure K-2008. (Initiatives: Model site visitations, district-wide committee, adopt plans and specifications, obtain Department of State Architect’s Office approval, complete bidding process, initiate construction in Summer 2009 for selected classrooms at PJHS, PT, UE, BV, SV, CIT, UHS and HHS) • Study and make recommendations regarding learning environments for performing arts/music programs at UHS. (Initiatives: Redesign of current band and choral practice rooms, dance team space, Regiment practice field) 17

3.A Disciplined Actions: Facilities and Grounds • Continue to explore additional funding sources for district-wide facility priorities. (Initiative: Collaborate with local legislators and district consultant) • Complete scheduled deferred maintenance projects. (Initiatives: BV exterior paint, SV window replacements, modernize special education rooms at UHS, upgrade lighting in UHS Library, install HVAC system in renovated building at UJHS) • Complete installation of 10 gig fiber-optic network to all district sites by September 2008. (Initiatives: Continue collaboration with contractor and City of Upland) • Update demographic projections to determine enrollment trends and site utilization. (Initiatives: Establish a consultant agreement, provide a board report) 18

3.B Disciplined Actions: Human Resources • Continue to study and make recommendations for methods of recruiting and retaining employees for positions needing highly qualified applicants. (Initiatives: College and university recruitment events; higher education advisory meetings; maintain affiliations with teacher training programs, maintain 100% NCLB highly qualified teachers at K-6 level; increase the number of highly qualified teachers at secondary level; assist secondary administrators with proper assignment of all staff members; use the new CMIS Report to guide placement of teachers based on equitable experience among all elementary and junior high sites) • Collaborate with the Educational Services Department to support new teachers through a comprehensive induction process; create meaningful professional growth opportunities for all employees; and provide support, intervention and accountability for employees who are under-performing. (Initiatives: BTSA new teacher induction; professional development calendar; monitor evaluation process by providing principal training; collaborate with UTA to refine and improve implementation; partner with Education Services to provide quality assistance plans for struggling teachers) • Increase the number of teachers who are qualified to provide instruction to the district’s English learners. (Initiatives: Maintain practice of requiring EL authorization for all new hires, support remaining ten teachers in completing authorization) • Design and implement an employee recognition program to honor employees for exceptional performance in reaching district goals and priorities. (Initiatives: Continue Upland PRIDE recognition, with honorees posted on web site) • Continue professional development in the area of effective customer service. (Initiatives: Provide training through SBCOE for classified personnel) 19

3.B Disciplined Actions: Human Resources • Audit procedures in HR to update written guidelines, streamline operations and ensure accurate employee records. (Initiatives: Complete transition to fully paperless application process; attend EDJoin training; develop a secure web site location to post forms on-line) • Negotiate a new three-year contract with UTA provide clarity and address the interests of the district and employees.(Initiatives: Schedule ongoing sessions, arrange for training of new and continuing team members as necessary) • Provide mandatory sexual harassment training to all managers in accordance with Government Code. (Initiatives: 100% complete training by December 2008) 20

3.C Disciplined Actions: Fiscal Resources • Closely monitor adoption of 2008-09 State Budget and make adjustments to District budget as necessary to maintain district priorities within a balanced budget.(Initiatives: Actively support educational advocacy groups to influence outcome; work closely with School Services of California to attain most current and reliable information; provide Board with timely updates; keep employee and community stakeholders informed and engaged ) • Support all schools and departments in utilizing EduReports as a tool to monitor “real time” spending in order to provide customized budget formats that align with district and site/department priorities.(Initiatives: Provide additional training; periodically assess participation and monitor progress) • Continue to meet oversight obligations with the Options for Youth Charter School to ensure that OFY is operating in full compliance with the Charter Schools Act, the district’s charter agreement, and all applicable provisions of the law.(Initiatives: Continue to monitor and require timely submissions and compliant audits; study impact of OFY’s unilateral actions to withdraw from WESELPA; develop district response to OFY’s unapproved acquisition of an additional facility; monitor student progress and WASC outcome) • Study findings of FCMAT analysis of the district’s warehouse and transportation divisions and develop a plan for continuous improvement while containing costs. (Initiatives: Share findings and recommendations with Board; adopt a plan and implement a plan of action as necessary) 21

3.C Disciplined Actions: Fiscal Resources • Establish all budget and oversight procedures for issuing, receiving, spending and monitoring proceeds from Measure K-2008.(Initiatives: Establish and train Oversight Committee, review and update current practices; close out files from K-2001; maintain transparency and keep Board and community stakeholders informed and engaged; provide Board with updated UUSD staffing reports, with related costs, to support installations ) 22

Strategic Plan for Student Achievement