Derby Strategic Plan, Adopted

8/2/2019 Derby Strategic Plan, Adopted

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Derby Public Schools

Strategic PlanSeptember 22, 2011

Prepared by:

2095 Crestlake Drive

Rockwall, TX 75087

203.676.5327 phone203.937.9180 fax

Email: [email protected]


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Introduction

On, November 1, 2010 representatives of the Derby Public Schools, Community Leaders, Parents and

Students gathered to begin discussion of the future of the Derby Public Schools. This group was

charged with developing strategies to build on the strengths of the Derby Public Schools and the

impact of the organizations programs. The strategy development process was facilitated by DNS

Associates, LLC.

The passion of the professional and volunteer leadership was evident as they discussed and debated

strategies to transform the Derby Public Schools from good to great. These initial efforts would

provide the framework for workgroups to move forward to develop a comprehensive action plan.

DNS Associates thanks the volunteers and staff of the Derby Public Schools, the Students, Parents and

Community leaders for their professionalism, passion and creativity that they brought to the process.

A special thank you is extended to the Southern Connecticut University Interns for providing research

and data to the committee so that they could make informed decisions and to Keith McLiverty for hispresentation on the City of Derbys fiscal workings and status.

The first phase of the planning efforts was reported to the Derby Public Schools on March 1, 2011.

Summary

Phase I of the Strategy Development Process brought together Derby Public Schools professional and

volunteer leadership, students, parents and community leaders of Derby to utilize the DNS Associates

Strategy Development Process to define their organization, including:

1. Developing a Mission and Vision Statement Based on Defined Core Values, Purposes and

Competencies

2. Identifying Key Strategies to Achieve the Vision and Mission

Phase II of the Strategy Development Process enlisted volunteers from the full planning committee to

join one of three workgroups that included:

1. Organizational Efficiency

2. Student Wellbeing and Community Engagement

3. Academic Excellence and Quality Instructional and Administrative Staff

The workgroups met 4-6 times between March 2011 and May 2011 to develop comprehensive plans to

propose to the full Board of Education for adoption.

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Table of Contents

................................................................................................THE FOUNDATION FOR A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 3

...............................................................................................................................Vision 3

.............................................................................................................................Mission 3

......................................................................................................................................................KEY STRATEGIC AREAS 3

............................................................................................................................................THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 4

........................................................................................................Agenda Development 4

.................................................................................................ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 6

STRATEGY: Promote Greater Economic Efciencies While Preserving Educational Quality.......................................................................................................................................15

STRATEGY: Promote Greater Economic Efciencies While Preserving Educational............................................................................................................................Quality 17

STRATEGY: Promote Greater Economic Efciencies While Preserving Educational Quality19



..........................................................................................................................PLANNING PROCESS COMPONENTS 48

.......................................................................................Determining The Core Ideology 49

...............................................................................................................Core Purpose 49

.................................................................................................................Core Values 49

.............................................................................................................SWOT Analysis 51

........................................................................................................................Strengths 51

.......................................................................................................................Weakness 51

.................................................................................................................Opportunities 52

..........................To Reshape the Educational Landscape (how we provide the education) 52

...........................................................................................................................Threats 52

.....................................................................................................Strategy Development 52

.........................................................................................................................................................................APPENDICES 56

......................................................................................................Committee Members: 57

......................................................................................................Workgroup Members: 57

.........................................................................Southern Connecticut University Interns: 57

..........................................................................................Core Idealogy-All Responses 58

................................................................................................................Core Purpose- 58

.......................................................................................................Core Competencies- 59

.........................................................SWOT Analysis and Vision Statement Development 60

Derby Public Schools Strategy Development FinalReport

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...............................................................................NOTES FROM THE SWOT ANALYSIS 61

..................................................................................................................................................................DATA SOURCES 62

The Foundation For A Comprehensive Plan

Vision

The Derby Public Schools Rigorously Prepares All Students For High Achievement And Success In A

Competitive Society

Mission

The Mission Of The Derby Public Schools Is To Team With Our Community To Provide All Students

With A High Quality Education And The Tools Necessary To Compete And Succeed In A Diverse,Global Society.

Key Strategic Areas

Academic Excellence

Each Of Our Students Is Academically Prepared To Succeed In Life And In The GlobalEconomy.

Organizational Efciency

Promote Greater Economic Efciencies While Preserving Educational Quality.


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Quality Instructional and Administrative Sta

We Will Recruit, Develop, Evaluate And Retain A Highly Eective, Diverse StaDedicated ToStudent Achievement And Success.

Student Wellbeing and Family & Community Partnerships

We Will Ensure A Positive Quality Of School Life For Every Student While Actively EngagingParents And Other Citizens As Partners.

The Comprehensive Plan

Agenda Development

Having identified the key strategies for the next 3-5 years, the Strategy Development Committee

began the task of developing action plans (the agenda) for the immediate future.Developing the agenda involves mapping out the tasks that will need attention in the next 12 -18

months. These are the items that can be acted on in the short term that will improve performance,

create added value for our students, staff and the community, and, ultimately, increase the efficiency

and impact of the Derby Public Schools. The workgroups also identified several goals that would

carry through for 60 months.

Current members of the Planning Committee as well as Board of Education Members and other

interested community members were recruited to participate in one or more workgroups. Each key

strategy was addressed and discussed in small workgroup settings. Participants were asked to

develop and recommend action items, create timelines, identify responsible parties and resources as

well as the process for evaluation that would begin to move the Derby Public Schools forward and

create momentum related to their assigned strategy.

The following plans are provided to the Derby Board of Education for review and adoption.

DNS suggests that the Board of Education proceed as follows:

Review and Adopt The Vision and Mission Statement

Prioritize The Strategic Areas Adopt the Prioritized Plan

Establish Committees co-chaired by a Board member and one staff or community leader.

These committees are as follows:

Organizational Efficiency

Academic Excellence/Quality Instructional and Administrative Staff


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Quality Student School Life and Community Engagement.

Once the Board committee chairs are established, DNS will meet with them to discuss the plans as

well as those persons they may want to recruit to serve as a Co-Chair and on the committee.

DNS will continue to be available to the committees to assist as needed and requested.


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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Strategy: Each Of Our Students Is Academically Prepared To Succeed In Life And In The

Global Economy.

Goal I: Every Child Would Be Reading With Fluency And Confidence By The

End Of Third Grade.

Objective: By 2016, 75% of third grade children in the Derby Public Schools will be

fluent and confident readers

Tasks/Steps Timelines/Benchmarks

Responsible

ResourcesRequired

Measures OfSuccess/

Evaluation

Work with Derby School

Readiness to ensure

that every child has

access to a quality early

childhood education

Nov. 2012-

Ongoing

Academic

Excellence

Cmtee

School

Readiness

Council

Derby

Discovery

Community

Plan

Evaluations

Increase in

Preschool access

and utilization

Provide early

identification and

screening of children

an. 2013-

May 2013

and ongoing

Special

Services

Dept.

School

Readiness

Council

Birth to

Three

Services

Assessment

Tools

Plan for Early

ID and

Screening

Established

Calendar for

Screenings

Increase in the

numbers of

children

screened

Numbers of

children

receiving early

intervention

services

Ensure the curriculum

reflects the academic

standards that have

been established by the

State of Connecticut

Nov. 2012-

May 2013

Acad.

Excel.

Cmtee

School

Admin

Teachers

Parents

BOE

State

Curriculum

Standards

Curriculum

Plans in

Classrooms

District K-12

Curriculum is

based on State

Standards

Improved

Reading Scores

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Instruction is

dierentiated in

response to the

learning needs of every

child and an individual

education plan and

profile charts the

progress of every child

as a learner

Nov. 2012-

Sept. 2013

Teachers

School

Admin

Special

Services

Guidance

School

Admin

Data on

students

Professional

Development

training for

instructional

sta

Individual

Planning

Process

Completed

plans for each

child

$ for training

Student Plans

Report on

individual

education plans

Percent of

children

receiving

interventions

Plans completed

for each child in

classes

Tasks/Steps

Goal I Cont.

Timelines/

Benchmarks

Responsibl

e

Resources

Required

Measures Of

Success/Evaluation

The schools partner

with the community to

promote family literacy

-Determine what is

being done now

-Identify and promote

available

programs

an. 2012-

Ongoing

School

Admin

Teachers/

Reading

specialist

Library

School

Readiness

CouncilPTO

Formal plan to

partner with

the

community

Report on eorts

Increase in family

engagement

Increase in

library use

The schools partner

with parents to improve

and enhance childrens

reading eorts

une 2012-

Ongoing

School

Admin

Teachers/

Reading

Specialists

Parents

Formal plan to

engage

parents in

reading

instruction

Increase in

parent

involvement with

schools on

reading eorts


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Strategy: Each Of Our Students Is Academically Prepared To Succeed In Life And In The

Global Economy.

Goal II: Schools Would Formally Address The Achievement Gap That Exists

In Derby

Objective: By 2016, through concerted eorts, the Derby schools will eliminate

the current achievement gap amongst its students

Tasks/Steps Timelines/Benchmarks

Responsible

ResourcesRequired

Measures OfSuccess/

Evaluation

BOE to support and

provide All Day

Kindergarten

Nov. 2012-

Ongoing

Acad.Exc

ell.Cmtee

BOE

School

Admin

City Govt.

Research on the

value and

impact of full

day

Kindergarten

Cost impact of

providing full

dayKindergarten

Funding to

Support

Available Full

Day

Kindergarten

Programs

Work with School

Readiness to ensure

all children have

screening for

kindergarten

readiness

Nov. 2012-

Ongoing

School

Admin

School

Readines

s Council

Consistent

screening tools

Process for

conducting

screening

Personnel to

screen

Determine and

Secure Funding

for Screening

Percentage of

children

receiving school

readiness

screening will

increase


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Implement individual

student educational

plans so that

education is

dierentiated

according to student

needs

Sept. 2012-

ongoing

Teachers

School

Admin

Student Plans

Inform Software

Plans completed

for each child in

classes

Develop a District

Data Review Team to

review data by

demographics,

school and grade

level to assess where

to target eorts and

develop a plan to

enhance

instructional eorts

May 2012-

une 2013

Teachers

School

Admin

Acad.Exc

el Cmtee

School/Student

Data Sets

Dashboard

Information

Developed Plan

for Improvement

Plan for

targeting eorts

to improve

achievement

Implementation

of plan

Tasks/Steps

Goal II Cont.

Timelines/

Benchmarks

Responsi

ble

Resources

Required

Measures Of

Success/

Evaluation

Review programs

and initiatives that

have proven to be

eective-afterschool

-in-school initiatives

April 2013-

une 2013

Acad.Exc

el Cmtee

School

AdminTeachers

Parents

Consulta

nt

Review current

initiatives

utilized

Research oneective

initiatives and

programs

Summary of

best practices

and

recommendation to implement,

including

financial

resources

required

Explore and engage

in community

partnerships to

assist

une 2013-

Aug. 2013

School

Admin

BOE

Business

City Govt.

List of potential

community

partners

Developed plan

for partnershipsby curriculum

area and school

Developed plan

for partnerships

by curriculum

area and school

Increase in

community

involvement

with schools


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Develop annual

Professional

Development Plan,

secure funding and

implement

Nov. 2012-

ongoing

School

Admin.

Teachers

BOE

Current

professional

development

plan

Review of best

practices

Survey of needs

Identification of

available

training

Financial

resource needs

report

Formal, annual

professional

development

plan

Evaluations of

development

eorts and

impact

Adequate

funding

Develop and expand

communication

process between

schools regarding

students to ease

transition

an. 2012-May

2014

Parents

Students

School

Admin

School

Personnel

-5th-6th

grade

and

8th-9th

grade

Parent/student

survey on

communications

/

transitions

Teacher survey

on

communications

and transitions

between schools

Current process

for transition-

communications/plan

Developed

improved

communication

and transition

plan for

students at all

levels

Improved

communication

as evidenced

through parent

and student

evaluation

Tasks/Steps

Goal II Cont.

Timelines/

Benchmarks

Responsi

ble

Resources

Required

Measures Of

Success/

Evaluation


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Explore the need for

development of an

alternative school for

students not thriving

in regular

classrooms and

make

recommendations to

BOE

-Current # of

students who could

benefit

-Costs associated

-Opportunity for

tuition student

-Determine what

other schools aredoing

une 2012-

Dec. 2012

Acad.Exc

el.Cmtee

School

Admin

School

Personnel

Parents

Guidance

City Govt.

Number/type of

students who

could benefit

Potential

locations to

provide

alternative

school-both

school and

community

property

Survey of area

schools for

potential

collaboration

Report

recommendatio

ns to BOE for

action

Review student

accessibility to

technology

-Develop

technology needs

report

an. 2012-

Mar.2012

Acad

Excel

Cmtee

School

Admin

School

Personnel

IT

Director

Survey of

Students

Report on

available

School/

Community

technology

Report on

Technology

Needs and

make

recommendatio

ns

Strategy: Each Of Our Students Is Academically Prepared To Succeed In Life And In TheGlobal Economy.


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Goal III: Instruction Is Guided By The Continuous Collection, Analysis And

Application Of Data Regarding Student Achievement

And Wellbeing.

Objective: By 2016, Derby schools will have a comprehensive protocol to

assess, individualize and improve the educational

outcomes and wellbeing of each student.

Tasks/Steps Timelin

es/

Benchm

arks

Responsibl

e

Resources

Required

Measures Of

Success/

Evaluation

Determine the current

individualization of

instruction that is

utilized and recorded

Nov.

2011-

Feb.

2012

School

Admin

School

Personnel

Acad.Excel.

Cmtee

Current policy

regarding

individualizatio

n

Teacher report

on

individualizatio

n

Report on current

individualization

practices

Provide additional and

ongoing professional

development on

interventions that could

be implemented for both

academic and social/

behavioral issues

Feb.

2012-

ongoing

School

Admin

School

Personnel

Plan for

professional

development

Funding

Increased

professional

development

workshops on

interventions

StaSurvey

Improved student

achievement

Develop a process forcommunicating

intervention needs

-that involves parents,

teachers and community

May2012-

Aug.

2012

SchoolAdmin

School

Personnel

Parents

Guidance

Currentprocess for

communicatio

ns

A formaldeveloped

process for

communicating

and involving all

concerned

partners in

identified

intervention

recommended to

the BOE for policydevelopment and

adoption


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Explore and define

available extracurricular

activities to support

instruction

Aug.

2012-

une

2013

Student

Cmtee

Acad. Excel

Cmtee

Parents

Teachers

Consultant

List of current

available

activities

Survey of

students on

activities

Research/

Information on

extracurricular

activities and

role in

education

Report on

extracurricular

benefits to

instruction and

recommended

actions to pursue

Goal III cont.

Tasks/Steps

Timelin

es/

Benchm

arks

Responsibl

e

Resources

Required

Measures Of

Success/

Evaluation

Utilize data to provide

input to guidance

counselors to assist in

working with student and

formulating class and

career

paths.

Nov.

2011-

May

2012

Guidance

Counselors

Students

School

Admin

Data reports

Current

Guidance

Process

Student Survey

A formal Guidance

protocol report to

the BOE for policy

development and

adoption

Make AP classes more

accessible to all students

Nov.

2011-

Mar.

2012

Acad. Excel

Cmtee

School

AdminHigh

School

Teachers

Parents

Students

List of Current

AP Classes

Current

AccessibilityGuidelines

Financial

Impact of AP

Classes

including

Stafng

Analysis of

Financial/Sta

impact if

expanded

Report and

recommendations

to BOE


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BOE provides continued

support for Data

collection system

an

2012-

ongoing

BOE

School

Admin

City Govt.

Costs of

maintenance

of Data

collection

system

including

upgrades

Current Budget

for Data and IT

needs

Support included

in annual BOE

budget

Establish a District-wide

data team to review and

recommend services for

individual students,

grade levels and schools

Nov.

2011-

ongoing

School

Admin

Teachers

Guidance

Defined

expectations

and time

commitment

for

participation

List of

identified

school

personnel by

school to

participate

Training plan

for participants

A trained and

defined team to

provide

recommendations

for needed

services for

individual

students, grade

levels and schools

Improved student

achievement

based on data

system reports


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ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCYSTRATEGY: Promote Greater Economic Efciencies While PreservingEducational Quality

GOAL I: Explore Regionalization

OBJECTIVE: By June 2013, A Comprehensive Report Regarding The Impact OfRegionalization On The Derby Public Schools Will Be Provided To

The Board Of Education.

RATIONALE:All Potential SchooShould Be Explored For Their PoteAnd The Efcient Use Of Resource

l Configurat

tial To Incr, Both Hum

ions And Mana

ase Educationn And Fiscal

gement Models

l Eectiveness

TASKS/STEPS TIMELINE

S/

BENCHM

ARKS

RESPONSIB

LE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Gather legal information on

the process required to

regionalize

April

2011

Organizatio

n

Workgroup

Contact with

SDE

Concise List of

Steps

Required

Discuss actual experience of

regionalization with other

districts, including costs,

savings, student outcomes

Nov.15,

2011-

Feb.

1,2012

Superinten

dent

Business

Manager

Organizatio

n Cmtee

Lists of

regional

districts

Info. On

similar

demographic

s

Notes

regarding

experience

and report to

committee

Evaluate the financial impact

of regionalization on the

district

Nov.15,

2011-

Feb.

1,2012

Business

Manager

Superinten

dent

Current

Derby Costs

Financials

from aRegional

District

Chart

comparing

costs

Determine the costs

associated with the process

Nov.15,

2011-

Feb.

1,2012

Org.

Committee

SDE

information

List of costs

associated

with

regionalization

Explore the variety of

models that could be

pursued:

K-12, K-8, 9-12

Nov.15,

2011-

Feb.

1,2012

Org.

Committee

Superinten

dent

Guidance

from SDE on

locations

Contactinformation

for each

model

Report on

potential

models and

impact onDistrict

Recommendati

on of best

model for

Derby

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Research and Align best

educational practices and

transition practices with the

regionalization process

Nov.15,

2011-

Feb.

1,2012

Superinten

dent

Consultant

Parents,

residents,

businesses

Principal

Research

Articles of

best practice

of

educational

environments

on youth and

their

achievement

Summary of

research

information

Goal I Cont.

TASKS/STEPS

TIMELINE

S/

BENCHM

ARKS

RESPONSIB

LE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Develop a model

organizational structure for

each potential modelexplored to include

administrative positions.

(infrastructure)

Feb.1-

May 12,

2012

Superinten

dent

BusinessManager

Org, Cmtee

Business Mgr.

SDE

Legislators

Grid

comparing

positions foreach model

Begin informal discussions

to determine if there are

local school systems

interested in regionalization

April

2011-

Aug.2011

Org. Cmtee

BOE

Superintende

nt

BOE

Report from

Superintenden

t

Determine community

reaction and support for

regionalization

an.

2012-

Mar.2012

Org.Cmtee

BOE Chair

Location

Initial Report

from

committee

Recorded

resident, key

stakeholderand school

personnel

statements


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Provide a report and

recommendations to the

Board of Education for

Action

une

2012

Org. Cmtee Report of all

findings

Board minutes

reflecting

report

presentation

Board Action

If the Board

Votes to

Pursue

Regionalizatio

n, a fully

developed

work plan

STRATEGY: Promote Greater Economic Efciencies While PreservingEducational Quality

GOAL II: Explore Reorganization of Elementary Schools to Achieve Greater

Efciency and DiversityOBJECTIVE: By June 2012, Determine the Value of Changing the Current K-5

Model to Pre-K-2 and 3-5

RATIONALE: Reorganization

3-5 provides the opportunit

delivery, shared resources a

student achievement and di

of schoo

y for cons

nd the op

ersity in

ls into Grades

istency in edu

ortunity for

ach.

Pre-K-2 and

cational

reater

TASKS/STEPS TIMELIN

ES/

BENCHM

ARKS

RESPONSIBL

E

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES

OF SUCCESS/

EVALUATION


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Speak with other districts

on their experience with the

model and the impact on

student outcome

Aug.

2011-

Nov.

2011

Superintende

nt/

Principals

Special

Services

Director

Contact

information

on locations

of various

models.

Developed

questions to

ask each

contact

Report to

committee

Survey teachers for input

and their perception of the

impact on the students,

their work and the families

if elementary configuration

is changed

Sept.

2011-

Nov.

2011

Principals

Consultant

Online survey

tool

Survey

responses

Survey parents for input on

the impact of the

reorganization on their

child, family and

neighborhood

Nov.

2011-

an. 2012

Teachers,

Principals

Survey tool

Forum at each

school

Collated

responses

Align the eects of

reorganization with

research-based best

practice for children

Oct.

2011-

Dec.2011

Superintende

nt

Consultant

Child

development

research

Report on

research

Determine the costs

associated with

implementation- Determineadded costs or savings

associated with the

reorganization

Nov.

2011-

Feb.2012

Superintende

nt

BusinessMgr.

Draft budgets

that compare

current andproposed

costs

Report

Compare the current model

of elementary education

delivery with new model for

teacher and support

services.

Dec.

2011-

Feb.2012

Superintende

nt

Principals

Current

stafng plan

and proposed

plan

Comparison

of current to

proposed

model

Make formal report and

recommendation to the fullBoard

March

2012

Org

Committee

Report Board

minutesrecording

Report and

recommendat

ion


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GOAL III: Explore Reorganization of Elementary Schools to Achieve Greater

Efciency and Diversity

OBJECTIVE: By June 2012, Determine The Value Of Closing One Elementary

School And Combining The Two Current ElementarySchools Into One Facility And Make Recommendations For Board

Of Education Action

RATIONALE:All Potential S

Management Models Shoul

Increase Educational Eecti

Resources, Both Human An

hool Confi

Be Explore

eness And

Fiscal

urations A

d For Their

he Efcien

d

Potential To

t Use Of

TASKS/STEPS TIMELINES

/

BENCHMA

RKS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Determine the current facilityand administrative costs foreach elementary school

an.-Mar.2012

BusinessManagerPrincipals

Currentbudgets andactual expensereports

Report

Explore potential renovationor construction that would berequired and approximatecosts

Mar.-June2012

Org. CmteeBusinessMgr.

Estimatedsq.footagerequired

Currentconstructioncosts

Report onapproximatecosts

Explore and report onpotential locations

And grade configurations

Mar.-June2012

FacilitiesCommitteeParents,residents

List ofpotentiallocations

Report andrecommend

Top two prioritylocations

Survey parents for input onthe impact of thereorganization on their child,family and neighborhood

Include withsurveyconductedbetweenNov. 2011-an. 2012

Org. CmteeSuperintendentConsultant

Information onpotentiallocations/costs

Survey results

Survey teachers for input and

their perception of theimpact on the students, theirwork and the families

Include with

surveyconductedSept.-Nov.2011

Superintend

entInstructional StaConsultant

Information on

potentiallocations/costs

Survey results


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Align the eects of thereorganization withresearch-based best practicefor children

April-July2012

SuperintendentConsultant

Researchregardingschool sizeand studentachievement

Summary ofresearch

Determine added costs or

savings associated with thereorganization

uly 2012-

Sept.2012

Superintend

entBus.ManagerFacilitiesCommittee

Current costs

compared tonew buildingcosts

Cost Analysis

Provide full report and makerecommendations to the BOE

October2012

Org. Cmtee Full Report Board Minutesand Action

STRATEGY: Promote Greater Economic Efciencies While Preserving EducationalQualityGOAL IV: Explore Online Instructional Delivery Models for Improved and ExpandedCurriculum Delivery to Positively Impact

Student Achievement and Fiscal Efciency

OBJECTIVE: By June 2012, Deliver a Formal Recommendation Regarding OnlineLearning to the Board of Education for Consideration

RATIONALE: The use of onlicurriculum options for studemodel for some courses thatmaterials costs. Online instrother districts.

ne instructints as wellcould resul

uction coul

n would provs provide a ct in reduced salso attract

ide expandedhanged deliverytafng andtudents from


S/

BENCHMA

RKS

RESPONSIB

LE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES

OF SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Explore known successesand online users

an.2012-Mar.2012

Superintendent

Org. Cmtee

State Dept. ofEducation

Identified onlineusers from otherSuperintendents

Report on

findings

Determine the technologyrequirements and costsnecessary to implement

an.2012-Mar.2012

Principals

Facilities

Onlineproviderguidelines

IT Director

Current techinventory

Specifications ofupgrade needs

Report on

findings

Establish the fiscal andorganizational impact ofonline learning to thedistrict

Mar.2012-May 2012

Superintendent

Bus.Manager

IT Director

Summary andcomparison ofcurrenttechnology costs,and costs forimplementationof online courses

Fiscal report


20


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Review the types of onlineprograms available by gradelevel

Mar.-May2012

Org. Cmtee

Superintendent

Principals

Lists of Providers

Contactinformation oncurrent users

Report on

online

programs

Review the research

regarding best practice andvalue of online learning

an. 2012-

Mar. 2012

Superintende

ntConsultant

Available

research on howchildren learnand componentsof eectiveinstruction

Report on

findings

Determine the impact oncredits for graduation andmethods of assessment

April2012-June2012

Superintendent

Principals

SDE Report

GOAL IV CONT.

TASKS/STEPS

TIMELINE

S/

BENCHMA

RKS

RESPONSIB

LE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES

OF SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Review how online

learning programs align

with the CT curriculum

standards

April

2012-July

2012

Superintend

ent

Org.Cmtee

Consultant

State Standards

Online

curriculum

Comparison

of standards

to online

curriculums

Develop a potential

stafng plan if online

learning is implemented

Aug.

2012-

Nov. 2012

Superintend

ent

Principal

Instructional Sta

Identified

instructional

stawho could

participate in

onlineinstruction

Report

Determine professional

development needs to

implement and the

impact of retention and

hiring

Oct.

2012-De.

2012

Principals

Instructiona

l Sta

Superintend

ent

Survey of

interested sta

and those

wishing to

receive training

Professional

Development

Plan


21


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Determine potential

available public and

private dollars to support

costs to support online

learning pilot and/or

initiative

Oct.-Dec.

2012

Superintend

ent

Consultant

List of Potential

Foundations to

Approach

Selected online

provider and

costs

Report on

potential

funders and

plan for

solicitations

Report to the full BOE

with recommendations

for action

an. 2013 Org. Cmtee Comprehensive

Report and

Power Point

presentation

Report and

Board Minutes


GOAL VI: Explore Creation of a Magnet School and/or Alternative Education

Program

OBJECTIVE: By June 2014, the Board of Education will Determine Whether to

Develop a Magnet School or Develop a Model that

Includes a Magnet School Within An Existing School.

RATIONALE: A Magnet SchCan Serve As A Means To

Attract New Tuition Paying

Improving Its Fiscal Positio

ool or Alternetain Studen

Students To

n.

tive Educatts In The Di

The District

ional Programstrict As Well As

, Thereby

TASKS/STEPS TIMELINES/

BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURE

S OF

SUCCESS

/

EVALUAT

ION

Secure State guidelinesand information regarding

Magnet Schools

an. 2012 Org. CmteeConsultant

SDE Guidelines GuidelineDocumen

ts


22


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Seek Input from

Community and Students

on Potential Areas of

Focus

Mar.2012-

See Goal #1

Org. Cmtee

Consultant

Superinten

dent

Venue

List of Potential

Focus Areas

Questions To Pose

Event

Attendan

ce

From Indentified Focus

Areas, review similarprograms in/out of the

State for student

outcomes and fiscal

impact

April 2012-

une 2012

Org. Cmtee

ParentsStudents

List of Contacts

and MagnetSchools

Report on

Findings

Identify the Model Most

Appropriate for the

District, its Facilities and

Fiscal Efciency

une 2012-

Sept. 2013

Org. Cmtee

Superinten

dent

Principals

Parents

Developed Model

Schematics With

Stafng Patterns

etc.

Identified

Model

Evaluate Current Facilitiesfor Appropriateness of

Model

Sept. 2013-an. 2014

Superintendent

Org. Cmtee

BOE

Evaluation Report

and

Recomme

ndation

Provide BOE with a report

that includes

recommendations for

consideration

March.

2014-June

2014

Org. CmteeComprehensive

Report

Board

Minutes

and

Action


23


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QUALITY INSTRUCTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFFSTRATEGY: We Will Recruit, Develop, Evaluate And Retain A Highly Effective, Diverse StaffDedicated To Student Achievement And

Success.

GOAL I: We have a systematic employment process that results in the selection of high

quality candidates for every teaching

position and ensures that our faculty reflects the diversity of the students and thecommunity that we serve

OBJECTIVE: By 2016, a systematic recruitment and employment process will

ensure high quality diverse sta

RATIONALE: A high qualit

educational achievement

y profession

f our studen

l stais ke

ts.

y to the


BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES

OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATI

ONReview current

recruitment and

employment systems and

protocols

an 2012-

May 2012

Quality

Sta

Cmtee

School

Admin

Teachers

Parents

Current written

protocol

Meeting

minutes

Identify and define high

quality attributes and

revise protocol to reflect

the definitions

May 2012-

Aug. 2012

Quality

Sta

Cmtee

School

Admin

Teachers

Any research

regarding

attributes of

quality

administrators

and instructional

sta

Report

and

recommen

dations for

adoption

of revised

recruitmen

t protocol

24


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Establish goals to bring

school personnel in line

with the diversity of the

student body and

community

May 2012-

Aug.2012

Quality

Sta

Cmtee

School

Admin

Teachers

Parents

Data regarding

demographics of

student

population

Data regarding

demographics ofschool personnel

Recruitment and

employment

protocol

See Above

STRATEGY: We Will Recruit, Develop, Evaluate And Retain A Highly Effective, Diverse StaffDedicated To Student Achievement And

Success.

GOAL II: We employ differentiated staffing in order to extend the influence of great

teachers and to control personnel costs.

OBJECTIVE: By 2016, instructional stawill implement dierentiated stafng

and instructional models that will provide enhanced

educational achievement and provide fiscal efciency

RATIONALE:The knowledgsalaries makes it evident thamaximum advantage. Low-le

money or supervising recessnon-professional personnelprescription development, trto specialist teachers. Roles

order for increased learning t

e explosion athe professio

vel responsibi

or sports evehile the profeatment and aand responsib

o take place.

d the rise innals time mlities such a

ts needs tosional taskssessment silities must b

professionalst be used tocollecting lunch

be delegated toof diagnosing,ould be assigned

e differentiated in


BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES

OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATIO

N

Survey school personnelfor skills and expertise

that fall outside their

current role

Aug. 2012-October

2012

SchoolAdmin

Quality

Sta

Cmtee

Consultant

SurveyDocument

Defined listof school

personnel

talents and

expertise


25


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Review current curriculum

and stafng patterns to

determine how

dierentiated stafng

might better support

student outcomes

-Analyze financial impact

Oct. 2012-

Feb. 2013

School

Admin

Quality

Sta

Cmtee

Consultant

Curriculum

Stafng

patterns by

school

Report and

proposal

regarding

Dierentiate

d stafng

Report recommendations

to the Board of Education

for consideration and

adoption

March 2013 Quality

Sta

Cmtee

STRATEGY: We Will Recruit, Develop, Evaluate And Retain A Highly Eective,Diverse StaDedicated To Student Achievement And

Success.

GOAL III: We invest in our faculty by providing a comprehensive, coherent

program of professional development that focuses on

the needs of our students.

OBJECTIVE: By 2013, a comprehensive system to identify and provide ongoing,

targeted professional development opportunities to the

instructional and administrative stato strengthen instructional

and administrative capacity that will enhance their ability to

positively impact student learning.

RATIONALE: In addition tparticipating teachers, profto the school's social capitamay enhance student learnipractices. When teachers hcommunity their morale isProfessional community helteachers address the uncerteaching of the sort encour

enhancing th

ssional devell. In this view,ng through itsve a strong seetter and teac

ps support teaainty that accoged by many

human ca

pment canprofessionaleects on t

nse of profeher commitching practimpanies nochool refor

ital of

lso contributedevelopmentachingsionalent is higher.es, and helps

n-routineinitiatives.


BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATIONReview past professionaldevelopment activities

an 2013-Feb.2013

Acad. ExcelCmteeSchoolAdmin

List ofProfessionalDevelopmentProvided in2001-2012

Minutes ofmeeting


26


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Survey administrative andinstructional staforindividual professionaldevelopment needs

Feb. 2013-April 2013

Acad. ExcelCmteeSchoolAdminConsultant

Survey Tool Collation ofResponses

Discuss with school

principals whatprofessional developmentis needed school-wide

Feb. 2013-

Mar.2013

Acad. Excel

CmteeSchoolAdmin

Meeting Time List of

professionaldevelopmentneeds

Determine costsassociated withprofessional developmenteorts

April 2013 Acad. ExcelCmteeSchoolAdminBus. Mgr.

Budget Report Identified Costs

With SchoolAdministration, develop aprofessional developmentcalendar for the next year,

including cost projections

April-May2013

Acad. ExcelCmteeSchoolAdmin

Bus. Mgr.

CalendarBudget

A Calendar ofProfessionalDevelopmentActivities

ProfessionalDevel. Is includedin the schoolbudget

QUALITY OF STUDENT LIFE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTSTRATEGY: We Will Ensure School Environments That Promote a Quality Of Life ForEvery Student And Enhances Their Engagement

And That Of The Parents And CommunityGOAL I: Our Schools Will Value, Fund And Provide Students With TheOpportunity To Engage In Extra Curricular Activities That

Include Athletics And The Arts (Performing, Music, Creative Arts)

OBJECTIVE: By September 2012, Students Can Continue To Participate In Athletic OrArts Programs. So They Can Have A Well Rounded School

Experience.

RATIONALE:The Derby Schoutside of the curriculum tbuild new skills and learn texperiences provide a mor

assist students in their abilpost high school educatio

ool experieno allow studeo work in teae well- round

ity to gain acal pursuit.

e must inclnts to explom settings.ed individua

ceptance an

de programse interests,Thesel as well as

funding for


BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSIB

LE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATIONReview CIAC Studyconducted previously

Nov. 2011-an. 2012

Student LifeCmtee

Report Improvement Plan


27


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Determine participationrates for all currentextracurricular activitiesand clubs

an. 2012 SchoolAdmin

ClubAdvisors

Lists ofActivities bySchool

Attendance/Member Lists

Report of number ofstudentsparticipating byschool and activity

Survey students on

interests and access tocurrent activities

See Goal # 5

Conduct a communityforum on what they wouldlike to see available

See Org.Cmtee Planand ShareForum

Student LifeCmtee

Establish goals for studentparticipation

April 2012-une 2012

Student LifeCmtee

SchoolAdvisors

SchoolAdmin

ScheduledMeetings

Published List ofGoals for StudentParticipation

Goal I Cont.

TASKS/STEPS

TIMELINES/

BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSIB

LE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Obtain data from other

schools on their

participation rates and

what they are doing

an. 2012-

April 2012

Student

Life Cmtee

Contact

Information

List of Activities

Provided in other

Districts with

Comparative Derby

Data

Explore school/

community

collaborations to

expand and enhance

participation/oerings

une 2012-

Sept. 2013

Student

Life Cmtee

SchoolAdmin

Meetings

with

Community

Members

Agreements

for

Participation

Agreements for

Participation/

Implementation of

new or enhanced

activities


28


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Explore/Secure

Resources for program

enhancement

an. 2012-

Ongoing

School

Admin

Student LifeCmtee

Consultant

Local/

Regional

Foundations

Valley

Foundations

List of Potential

Sources of funds

Secured Resources

STRATEGY: We Will Ensure School Environments That Promote aQuality Of Life For Every Student And Enhances Their

Engagement And That Of The Parents And

Community

GOAL II: Our Students Feel A Sense Of Safety And Belonging

OBJECTIVE: By September 2013, Systems Will Be In Place To InsureThat All Students In The Derby Public Schools Can

Participate In A Safe, Inclusive And Welcoming

Environment

RATIONALE: Students M

That Is Conducive To Th

A Sense Of Belonging Is

Diminish Their Need Con

Aect On Their Future

st

ir

e

ne

Be Provided

Continued D

To Student

ct With Grou

ith A Safe

velopment

otivation A

s That Can

Environm

nd Learn

nd Can

Negatively

nt

ing.


BENCHMARKS

RESPONSIBL

E

RESOUR

REQUIR

CES

ED

MEASURES

OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATIO

N

Adopt a District-wide

developmental guidance

program

See Goal #5


29


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Review/Revise facility

safety protocols and

responses a. Propose

revisions to Board of

Education for approval

uly 2011-

Sept. 2011

Superinten

dent

Principals

Current Plan Final

adopted

and

implement

ed plan.

Assess the welcoming

environment and culture

each school

of

Nov. 2011-

May 2012

Principals

Faculty

Students

Parents

Welcomin

Schools

Assessme

nt

Completed

Assessmen

t and

report to

Board of

Education

Provide a welcoming

environment in each

school

Sept.2012-

Ongoing

Principals

Faculty

Recomme

ons from

Assessme

nda

nt

ti

Follow up

assessment

in 2013

indicates

changes.

Review student handboo

for information on stude

life

-Revise student

handbook as necessary

ks

nt

an. 2012-

Sept. 2012

Principals

Students

Parents

Teachers

Current

handbook

Revised

handbook

Goal II Cont.

TASKS/STEPSB

IMELINES/NCHMARKS

RESPONSIBLE

RESOUR

CES

REQUIRE

D

MESU

EV

SC

L

URES OFESS/

ATION

Involve students in

decision-making

-develop annual

survey for student input

Se

St

Previous

p


30


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STRATEGY: We Will Ensure School Environments That Promote a Quality OfLife For Every Student And Enhances Their

Engagement And That Of The Parents And Community GOAL III: Our Students Experience A Sense Of Empowerment AndSuccess OBJECTIVE: To Develop A Curriculum And Support Network To Ensure ThatStudents Have The Opportunity To Acquire The

Experiences Necessary To Feel Empowered And Successful.

RATIONALE: Research hasrelated to the development obelonging, usefulness, compshould have the opportunityeducational experience.

hown thatf key assetetence andto experie

stu

themce

dent succes

at include:powermenteach throu

s

.h

is directly

sense ofStudentsout their


S/

BENCHM

ARKS

RESPONSIBL

E

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEA

OF S

EVA

SURES

UCCESS/

UATION

Survey students regardingtheir interests

Seeprevioussteps

Engage the students andcommunity in mentoring

and tutoring-define mentoring/tutoring

-review current practices

April2012-

Sept. 2012

StuCm

SchCoproPar

dent Lifetee

ool Adminmunity

gramsents

Pl

tRtrD

an forentoring and

toringelease Plan foravelefined Program

Defiprog

deveAgreregaparti

Parepermparti

edram

lopedmentsdingipation

tission toipate


31


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Develop a wider variety ofextracurricular and interestgroups and determine costs

See goal#1

StuCmSchCo

dent Lifeteeool Adminsultant

SCifCT

udent/ommunityput fromrumost Estimatesarget resources

Newoer

Newsecusuppactiv

activityings

fundinged toortities

Recruit communityvolunteers to assist withspecial interest groups andclubs

Sept.2012-ongoing

SchTeBoEd

ool Adminchersrd ofcation

CLievOf

ontactsst ofpectations forlunteers

rientation planr volunteers

ComVolunum

Numstudparti

munityteerers

bers ofntsipating

Solidify current Child StudyTeam

May2012-Ongoing

ChiTe

Sch

ld Studym

ool Admin

Meeting Time FormStud

al ChildTeam

Goal III Cont.


BENCHM

KS

S/

R

RESPONSILE

B

RESOURCEREQUIRED

S MEASURES OF

SUCCESS

/

EVALUAT

ION

Identify and intervene

with struggling students,

either academically or

socially

Nov. 2011

ongoing

- Guidance

Counselor

Teachers

Child StudTeam

School

Admin

Individual

Intervention p

Assigned

instructionalsta/voluntee

Assigned

guidance

lans

r

Individual

Plans

Progress

ReportsReport on

numbers

and

impact


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STRATEGY: We Will Ensure School Environments That Promote aQuality Of Life For Every Student And Enhances Their

Engagement And That Of The Parents And Community

GOAL IV: TheSchools Will Ensure That All Students Receive

Comprehensive Guidance And Counseling Services

OBJECTIVE: By September Of 2012, Develop And Implement A

Formal, Written Guidance And Counseling Service Process

RATIONALE: Students needdevelop future goals that wilchoices as well as working thmay restrict their achieveme

formal guidal assist them irough thoset.

ce and counplanning tehaviors an

seling toeir curriculumbarriers that


BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Review the process for

early identification and

screening of students

an. 2012-

Ongoing

Guidance

faculty

Special

ServiceDirector/

Sta

DNS

Current

Process

State statutes

and lawsgoverning

Report on

process and

revisions to

improve

Survey students regarding

guidance needs and

expectations

See Step on

Annual

student

survey

Develop a District-wide

developmental guidance

system

See Goal #5

Review current guidance

and counseling processes

an. 2012-

Feb. 2012

Guidance

faculty

DNS

Current

Process

Report on

Findings


33


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Revise guidance and

counseling process to

eect positive student

results

a. Ensure there is a

process to guide studentsto appropriate paths to

attain post High School

goals

April 2012-

Sept. 2012

Guidance

faculty

Superinten

dent

Principals

Current

Process

Student

Surveys

Explore potential online

guidance to support

students. (See NEASC ref.)

an. 2012-

Sept.2012

School

Admin

Guidance

Information

on Models

Recommended

model

Resources

STRATEGY: We Will Ensure School Environments That Promote aQuality Of Life For Every Student And

Enhances Their Engagement And That Of The

Parents And Community

GOAL V: Our Schools Teach, Model and Promote Respect for

Self and Others

OBJECTIVE: By September 2012, Students will Be Informed of the

Schools Model for Behavior and Their

Core Beliefs Regarding Respect for Self and Others

RATIONALE: Students And

Areas Will Experience A R

For Improved Learning En

Schools T

duction O

ironments

at Internaliz

Behavioral Is

.

Respect In

sues And All

ll

ow


/

BENCHMA

RKS

RESPONSIBLE RESOURC

REQUIRE

S MEASU

RES OF

SUCCES

S/

EVALU

ATION


34


36/60

Explore Developmental

Models for Behavior

a. Discuss and define what

would be included and

outcomes desired

b. Determine any districtwide models in place

c. Research best practice

d. Propose a district-wide

developmental model for

adoption by the Board of

Education

e. Ensure that all school

personnel and volunteers

are provided with trainingon the adopted model

(Responsive classroom,

Boys Town Model etc.

Nov.

2011-Mar.

2012

Superintende

nt

Guidance

faculty

Student Life

Committee

Board of

Education

Consultant

Outlines of

various

development

models

Information o

current modebeing utilized

Research on

practice

Volunteer

handbook

l

n

ls

est

A

formal,

district-

wide

develop

mental

plan.

Adoptio

n by the

Board

of

Educati

on

Implem

entation

byGuidanc

e

Counsel

ors and

Teacher

s

An

annual

evaluati

on ofresults

Goal V Cont.


/

BENCHMA

RKS

RESPONSIBLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEA

OF

SUC

EVA

N

SURES

ESS/

UATIO


35


37/60

Annually survey students

on the current school

environment (Gr.1-4) (Gr

5-12)

-develop survey questions

-survey students inanuary of each year

-collate/share survey

results with faculty

-include survey results

when possible in school

improvement plans

Aug.2011-

Dec.2011

Students

Superintende

nt

Principals

DNSConsultant

Survey

instrument

Process for

online

distribution

Incentives forreturn or

survey

90%

stud

all s

will

com

the s

of

nts at

hools

lete

urvey

Develop and include a

district-wife statement of

beliefs and include instudent handbook and

display in schools

May 2012-

Sept. 2012

Superintende

nt

Principals

Teachers

Board of

education

Parents

Students

City rep.

Meeting

space and

time

Funds/in

kind

resource to

print posters

or banners

Visib

displ

beliestate

in th

scho

thro

the c

le

ays of

fments

e

ols and

ghout

ity




GOAL VI: Schools Will Exhibit A Respect For Cultural DiversityOBJECTIVE: By January 2012, A Process For Student Recognition

In Schools And The Community Will Be Implemented

RATIONALE: Exhibited respegender related increases a studas assists them in gaining apprworkplace and the global societ

ct for diversity,nts sense of ipriate attitude

y.

whether cultuclusion and bnecessary fo

ral, racial or

elonging as wellr success in the


36


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BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES

OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATIO

N

Develop a protocol forcommunications so that

they are accessible to

non-English speaking

families and students

an. 2012-Mar. 2012

SchoolAdmin

Student

Life Cmtee

Parents

Students

Currentprotocol

Parent Input

Formalprotocol

Adoption by

Board of

Education

Promote events that

celebrate our diverse

population

April 2012-

Ongoing

School

Admin

Students

Parents

Meeting Times Calendar of

Events


Enhances Their Engagement And That Of The Parents

And Community

GOAL VII: Parents And Other Citizens Will Be Actively Engaged As Partners In

The Work Of The Derby Public Schools.

OBJECTIVE:To Provide An Environment That Is Welcoming To Students,

Families And The Community That EncouragesInvolvement And Engagement

RATIONALE: The Educatio

Interest, Engagement And

n Of Our Stu

Support Of T

ents Is De

he Full Com

endent On The

munity.


37


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BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURE

S OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATI

ON

Assess all schools for awelcoming environment

Sept. 2011-Dec. 2011

SchoolAdmin

Student

Life

Committee

PTO/PTA

Students

Board of

Ed

City Rep

Consultant

Assessment To l Completedassessmen

ts and

delivered

reports

Explore and develop

potential volunteer

opportunities for parents

and community members

and include in student

handbooks

See Step #3

Develop and implement a

communications plan to

inform key stakeholders

of school e

orts andactivities

an. 2012-

Mar.2012

Student

Life Cmtee

School

AdminSchool IT

Person

Senior

Center

Parks &

Rec. Dept.

Current Plan

List of

Communication

to share

s

Formal

Communic

ation Plan

BOEAdoption

Goal VII Cont

TASKS/STEPS

TIMELINES/

BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

M

O

SU

EV

N

ASURES

CCESS/

ALUATIO


38


40/60

Explore and develop

partnerships with local

businesses and

organizations to support

schools and students

April 2012-

Ongoing

School

Admin

Consultant

In

Fo

Pa

ormal and

rmal

rtnerships

Identify any existing

barriers for parent and

community engagement

and remove

See

Org.Cmtee

Forum Plan

Parents

School

Admin

Consultant

An

Pa

Su

nual

rent

rvey

STRATEGY: We Will Ensure School Environments That Promotea Quality Of Life For Every Student And



GOAL VIII: Our Students Are Recognized By Their School And The

Community For Their Eorts And Successes.

OBJECTIVE: By June 2012, A Formal Plan Is Developed And Implemented ToProvide Recognition For Students

RATIONALE: Recognition

Fosters A Sense Of Belongi

Community With Positive I

And Support For The Scho

f Students F

ng And Provi

formation T

ls.

r Their E

es Them A

at Builds A

rts And Succ

nd The

Sense Of Prid

ss

e


39


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BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURC

REQUIRE

S MEASURE

S OF

SUCCESS

/

EVALUAT

IONDevelop a process and

protocol for daily

announcements of

student eorts or success

-secure locations for

display

Aug.2011-

Sept.2011

Principals

Students

Teachers

Information

submitted by

students, fac

Agreement of

Principals to

participate

lty

Record of

the

number

of

student

kudos

announce

d.

Create a district

newsletter that could beelectronic, posted on the

district and school

websites and facebook at

least three times per year

a. Develop calendar for

submissions

b. Develop protocol for

process, editing

c. Create a Districtfacebook page for each

school

d. Print 100 hard copies

for distribution in

Community

e. Solicit community for

contributions of paper

and ink.

Aug.2011-

Sept.2012

Webmaster

SchoolPersonnel

Students

Available

Technolog

y

Communit

y

Volunteers

Board of

Education

Library

Consultant

Computer/Te

system

Resources to

support

ch Printed

newsletters

Newslette

rs on

District

website

Goal VIII Cont.


BENCHMAR

KS

RESPONSI

BLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEA

SUC

EVA

URES OF

ESS/

UATION


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Develop a quarterly,

online student-driven

newspaper for each

school

-discuss with Bradley the

specifics of theirnewspaper including costs

-develop an editing

protocol

-determine if hard copies

should be printed and

distributed

-engage community

ournalism professionals

to assist-if hard copies are

prepared, solicit

community contributions

of paper and ink

-determine potential for a

newspaper or journalism

club

Oct.2011-

April 2012

Principals

School

Volunteers

Communit

y

Volunteers

Students

Available

computer

and software

A stu

news

the 2

of 2

then

time

there

dent

paper innd quarter

12 and

three

per year

after

Review and update theformal website

management plan to keep

information current

-develop approved list of

items to be included

-ensure a system is in

place for gathering

information

-determine humanresources required/costs

Nov.2011-Sept.2012

Webmaster

Superinten

dent

Principals

Teachers

Reviewcurrent plan

Formfor w

man

Time

place

infor

webs

al planebsite

gement

ly

ment of

mation on

ites


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Goal VIII Cont.

TASKS/STEPS

TIMELINE

S/

BENCHMA

RKS

RESPONS

IBLE

RESOURCES

REQUIRED

MEASURES OF

SUCCESS/

EVALUATION

Develop a student andfaculty speakers bureau

-recruit faculty and

students who could speak

in the community on

topics of interest

-promote available

speakers to local

organizations

-determine release cost

for faculty and

considerations for

students leaving school

during instructional time

Sept.2013-

Sept. 2014

Superintendent

Faculty

Students

List of speakersand topics

Faculty andstudents are

engaged to

speak at least

five times per

year

Ensure annual recognition

and/or awards assemblies

or banquets are

conducted

-review what awards arecurrently available

-define list of

recognitions and awards

that could be provided

-engage business

community and alumni in

sponsoring the events

Sept.

2012-June

2013

Superinte

ndent

Principals

PTOs

Alumni

List of current

available awards

Any current plan

for student

recognition

All schools

have a

minimum of

one

recognition

event annually

Provide students with the

opportunity to mentor/

read/tutor youngerstudents as a reward for

academic achievement

Nov.

2012-

Sept. 2015

Guidance

Superinte

ndentPrincipals

Parents

Student

Life

Cmtee

Information on

student

mentoring andtutoring

programs

Student, parent

and faculty input

Formal

implementatio

n Report onparticipation

and evaluation

of experience

by mentor/

tutor and

mentee/tutee.


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Planning Process Components

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Determining The Core Ideology

Core Purpose

The core purpose is the Derby Public Schools reason for being

and is the idealistic motivation for doing the Schools work.

to ensure that every student receives the highest quality

education possible, with the goal of creating well-

educated, responsible and productive members of

society.

to realize high levels of academic achievement and the

personal well being for every child.

to be committed to the development of our students

character, talents, abilities and intellect in order that they

may have the opportunity to succeed in a global society.

Core Values

Core values are the essential and enduring principles that guide

every action and decision on behalf of the Derby Public Schools

That the Derby Public Schools establish clear goals,

measure progress, and take responsibility for results.

That as educators, we accept responsibility for thesuccess of our students.

That the family is an integral and valued part of the learning process.

That the Derby Public Schools provide a supportive and respectful environment that

Promotes the development of the whole (physical, social, emotional and cognitive) child and

enhances learning for all children.

That the Derby Public Schools openly share relevant information about their performance with

all stakeholders.

These core values should be communicated and embraced throughout the organization. They should

be honored by everyone involved, particularly the board and staff leadership.


49

Determining the Core

An important first step in theplanning process for anyorganization whether it is for-profit or nonprofit - is determiningthe core. This part of the processdefines the organization. The corepurpose and core values aredefined.

Core Purpose

The organizations reason forbeing.

The core purpose states what theorganization seeks to accomplish the reason for its existence.

Core Values

These are the non-negotiableintrinsic beliefs that serve asguiding principles for theorganization, its sta, andvolunteers. While these values maynot necessarily be published, they


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Core Competencies

To accomplish our purpose, the Derby Public Schools must

ensure:

The understanding of the academic standards established

by the state of Connecticut.

High quality, effective instruction for all students.

Systematic professional development that promotes academic excellence and assists teachers in

the delivery of effective instruction.

That every educator is skilled in the promotion of motivation, engagement and self discipline

among our students.

The capacity to collect, analyze the utilize data on student performance so as to provide

constructive feedback and to promote the improvement of instruction.

Proactive support services (PCRC, Youth Service Bureau etc.) are engaged and available to

support students and educators.

To provide a stimulating, challenging and culturally responsive curriculum.

That a metric is established to evaluate and monitor child development and instructional

programs of the educational system

Effective relationships and interpersonal skills

Rigor (thoroughness, meticulousness, care, attention, precision)-Need a more concise

statement-can you make this a statement

That all staff members and students are effective communicators.

The effective use of modern communications and learning technology with an infrastructure

that supports ongoing advances in technology.


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Core Competencies

The core competencies are thoseactivities or programs anorganization must do well in ordeto pursue its core purpose. These

are the things the organizationmust excel at to accomplish thepurpose.


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SWOT Analysis

At this point in the process, the Derby Public Schools has

defined itself by determining its core and has its sights set on

where it would like to be in the long-term through the

envisioned future. Prior to setting a course to reach that future,

the Schools set a baseline understanding of its current capacity.

Through completion of the SWOT Analysis, committee

members identified the Schools Strengths, Weaknesses,

Opportunities and Threats the result of this SWOT analysis

follows:

Strengths

Our Students

The Intimacy of Our School

Dedicated, Caring and Committed Staff

Small District

Small Community

Diverse Population in Schools and Community

Weakness

Student Turnover

Large Class Size

Educational Apathy in the Community

Transient Population

Small District

Imbalance of Diversity in Elementary Schools

Lack of Resources


51

The SWOT Analysis

The SWOT Analysis is a tool forassessing the organizationinternally and externally.

Internally by charting the

Strengths capabilities that enablethe organization to excel

Weaknesses characteristics orpractices that prohibit theorganization from reaching itspotential

Externally by charting the

Opportunities - trends, forces,events and ideas on which theorganization can capitalize

Threats trends, forces or eventsoutside of the organizationscontrol, that may negatively impact

its eorts

In an eort to focus the analysisand apply business principles, theSWOT Analysis was conducted usingthe following four perspectives:

Internal Operations operationalprocedures, products and services,cost, quality, asset utilization, etc

Intangible Assets human capital,corporate culture, technology, etc.

Customers / Clients cultivation,

interaction, and satisfaction ofcustomers


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Opportunities

To Provide Excellent Programs to Attract Students from Out of Town

To Bring Back Pride and a Positive Image to Derby

Room for Improvement

A Data Collection System That Allows For Timely Response to Data

To Reshape the Educational Landscape (how we provide the education)

Continued Professional Development

Threats

State and Federal Regulation and Funding

Unmotivated and Directionless Student

Students Leaving District to Attend Other Schools

East vs. West Old versus New

Lack of Revenue Stream

Curriculum

Real Estate (City has little geographical room to grow for increased tax base through home ownership

or business developmentLack of Community Development

Strategy Development

Utilizing the SWOT Analysis, the Committee Developed Six Key Strategies and Identified Potential Goals ThatCould Be Considered by Workgroups as They Construct an Action Plan For Each. These Include TheFollowing:

1. Academic Excellence

We Will Ensure That Each Of Our Students Is Academically Prepared To Succeed In Life And In The

Global Economy.


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Indicators of Success

Every child is motivated and engaged to do quality work in school.

Every child has access to a quality early childhood education.

Every child reading with fluency and confidence by the end of third grade.

The achievement gap between the children of families who are well off and those who are less

well off will become a thing of the past.

Instruction is guided by a curriculum that reflects the academic standards that have been

established by the State of Connecticut.

Instruction is differentiated in response to the learning needs of every child. Every student has

an education plan and profile that charts her/his progress as a learner.

Instruction is guided by the continuous collection, analysis and application of data about

student achievement and wellbeing.

We take full advantage of the power and flexibility offered by on line learning to promote

student achievement.

2. Quality Teaching

We will recruit, develop, evaluate and retain a highly effective, diverse staff dedicated to student

achievement and success.


We have a systematic employment process that results in the selection of high quality

candidates for every teaching position.

The diversity of our faculty more nearly reflects the diversity of the students and the

community that we serve.

We employ differentiated staffing in order to extend the influence of great teachers and to

control personnel costs.

We invest in our faculty by providing a comprehensive, coherent program of professional

development that focused on the needs of our students.

We have a program of teacher evaluation which places a premium on demonstrated success

in promoting student achievement.


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We have a culture of accountability that celebrates teaching excellence, provides assistance

to those who need improvement and deals forthrightly with those who prove incapable of

meeting our standards for quality teaching.

3. Organizational Efficiency

We will pursue alternatives to the districts present organizational arrangements that will promote

greater economic efficiencies while preserving educational quality.


We will explore the creation of a regional school district that would result in a reduction of

administrative and overhead expenses for schools in the lower Naugatuck Valley.

We will examine the feasibility of closing Derby High School and tuitioning our students out to

neighboring high schools. We will consider reorganizing our elementary schools such that all students in grades K-2 are

served in one school and all students in grades 3-5 in the other.

We will consider closing one of our four school facilities and consolidating enrollment in the

remaining three buildings.

4. Family & Community Partnerships

Parents and other citizens will be actively engaged as partners

in the work of the Derby Public Schools.

Indicators of Success Our schools go out of their way to be welcoming to families and other visitors.

We encourage community volunteerism and mentoring in our schools.

We have active partnerships with area businesses, community organizations and institutions of

higher educa

Documents

Derby Strategic Plan, Adopted