Describing Recommendations and District/Campus Improvement Initiative/Action Research Lessons Learned
Review the above analysis, and write at least one page thoroughly describing recommendations and lessons learned from experiences with the improvement initiatives or action research plans.
Early on before entering the Superintendent Certification program I realized that the majority of my educational experiences occur at the elementary level. During the internship I gained knowledge and skills from the performance outcomes through the assignments, networking with district personnel in positions at the district’s central administration, as well as the frequent interviews with my district superintendent, site-supervisor and foremost my cohort 4 team members. These learning experiences provided opportunities for me to branch out and explore the complex nature of the superintendency beyond the elementary level.
The lessons learned from experiences with improvement initiatives are focused on 1) meeting the needs of special education students in ELAR, 2) Correlating effective after school programs, 3) Time management and use of web-based network programs for reading and math.
To be an effective superintendent I understand that the nature of a school district is not just centered on leadership, but the district wide student performance improvement plan and campus plans. Our district implemented the Plan4Learning District and Campus Improvement Planning software in 2009. The software has been significant in keeping the district and campus improvement plans on track by providing built in features to evaluate the measurable goals addressed in the plans.
This year we are in Stage I of School Improvement. We began our 2011 school year with an accountability rating of academically acceptable, due the fact that the district missed AYP for the second year in Reading/ELA for Special Education. All campuses were given the charge to revisit and include specific measurable achievement goals, target specific academic problems of low-achieving students with solutions to improve the prior plan with determinations to increase student academic achievement. The long range goal to continue communication with all stakeholders regarding the district’s progress in the area of Special Education was addressed by providing ongoing professional development. The activities included strategy/activities such as inclusion principals, motivational techniques, effective instructional strategies, differentiated instruction for best instructional practices in reading and math initiatives. Teachers and staff were given opportunities to attend professional development sessions and evaluations of lessons learned were conducted by the Special Education department and campus administrative leaders with ongoing monitoring of class room walk through observations, ARD committee reviews/updates, analyzing six weeks benchmark data, district wide monthly parent visitation, annual community education summit, and integration of technology programs with professional staff development. Reports from the technology programs were utilized to measure the academic successes of the students.
In addition, campuses were to provide evidence reflecting RTI documentation for special education students, as well participation in after school tutorial programs for reading and math initiatives. Several options were available to students to receive extending learning for reading and math. Before, during, and after school programs were established to meet the needs of the students at-risk of failing. By use of Eduphoria student monitoring groups were created to mirror a quick view of the student’s academic performances for each six weeks. Action plans were adjusted and modified to meet the needs of students that were at risk of failing. Frequent campus meetings, communicating with parents, and visits by central office content supervisors were conducted to provide support to teachers and students.
As we continue to pursue growth in the areas of academic achievement, fiscal, physical improvements, parental involvement, and staying abreast of the measureless changes in the world of technology our district has experienced hardships and successes. District and campus improvement plans are instrumental to student performance and unifying the community to ensure that mission and goals of the school district are achieved. I am fortunate to be a part of the school district that is on the cutting edge of providing students and teachers with the necessary skills and resources needed to make teaching and learning possible.
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