Approve All School Improvement Plans (SIPs), School Advisory Council Composition Forms and Waivers for 2009/2010 (Office of School Improvement)

Florida Statues 1001.42(16) and 1001.452 require School Boards to annually review and approve the composition of School Advisory Councils (SAC), School Improvement Plans (SIPs) and waivers for every school in the district.

Through School Improvement Plans, schools implement a collaborative and ongoing process for improvement that aligns with the district goals and schools’ student data. The purpose of School Improvement Plans is to provide a current description of students’ performance along with a system of goals, objectives, action steps, evaluation tools, evaluation process, and professional development. Each year, schools develop their School Improvement Plans with all stakeholders and submit full documentation to the Office of School Improvement for review. Throughout the school year, School Improvement Plans are working documents that capture adjustments to schools’ strategies as a result of ongoing data analysis and continued efforts to meet the needs of all students.

The Office of School Improvement and Title 1 Office of School Improvement review all plans and work with schools to ensure compliance and high standards. School Improvement Plans along with waivers (Standard and Non-Standard) have been voted on and approved by each school’s faculty and SAC. A Standard Waiver Summary and Non-Standard Waiver Summary are attached for your review. Appropriate district-level staff and the Classroom Teachers Association have reviewed and approved the Non-Standard Waivers. The majority of the requested Non-Standard Waivers have been approved in prior years with the exception of one new theme. The new theme involves using the first half day of the month for one hour of Professional Learning Communities so they can effectively practice the Florida Continuous Improvement Model.

Executive Summary continued on attachment.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Demonstrate consistent and effective teaching methods, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

Funds of $578,965 from the District’s Office Depot Rebate and Purchasing Card Rebate are budgeted to support School Improvement Plans (Project 5105). Each school is provided funding of $3 per student.

August 30, 2010