Part 4: Comparing District Improvement Plans

Part 4 Comparing District Improvements and Importance of Funding

In careful review of the comparison of Austin ISD District Improvement Plan to Beaumont ISD there are considerable differences, yet there were a few similarities notes in the plans.  Both plans reflect introductions and A Comprehensive Plan System for Continuous Improvement.  It is evident that both plans are developed to implement continuous student improvement. Both plans include models that identify goals and strategies to meet the needs of student improvement which must stated in the plans.

The layouts of both plans are uniquely different.  In viewing the documents AISD included an Alignment flow chart that identified three major long range goals attached to strategic activities.   Our long range goals are created in a template with sub heading to identify the responsible personnel, costs, funding sources, proficiency level, specific measurements, and formative evaluation dates of the strategic activities.   Another noted difference is the layout of the calendar in both plans. AISD models membership and attendance records.  Our calendar describes by months district professional development activities for the school community, as well as testing information.   

In appendix A and B of AISD the SCE’s a few of programs are similar; AVID, Curriculum Specialists, Tutorials, Guidance and Counseling.   External Grant/ Federal Funds that were similar are Title I Part A, Title II A, IDEA B.  Austin models the funds lumped in one total, but list the special programs that will receive funds.  Our plans format shows an at a glance view of the funding sources, costs, and strategic activities with the specific goals for each measureable objective for the Strategic Long Range Goals.   I found Austin’s plan to include more budget update information and specifics about ACCESS.   The goals for site visits include narrative dialogue and questions and concerns with decision statements.

Based on the needs assessment of the districts both plans are specific and detailed in addressing the areas of concern to ensure that student improvement is achieved.