Highlights • Goal Action Teams conducted comprehensive reviews of teaching and learning, special programs, teacher working conditions, and school resources/ supports, assessing our current levels of performance. • Goal Action Teams established world class standards in each area and began the work of communicating those standards to all stakeholders. • ABSS established the instructional focus for our classrooms, schools, and support services as we work to implement exemplary practices in 2015-16.

The focus includes the following components: 1) A safe and caring learning environment for every child; 2) The appropriate standards taught by competent teachers in all of our classrooms; 3) Engaging teaching and learning – every day; 4) Rigorous student learning activities and opportunities; 5) Immediate and specific feedback based on data which personalizes learning and promotes student advancement.

• ABSS formed a Joint Facilities Task Force in partnership with the Alamance County Commissioners to assess our physical plants and make recommendations for a five year plan. • The Superintendent and Board of Education developed a comprehensive budget aligned with the Board of Education priorities and the Vision for Public Education in Alamance County. • New programs were developed and are ready for implementation, including the Early College at ACC, the A+ Arts program in two elementary schools, SPLASH at two elementary schools and one middle school, Global Passport at three elementary schools, the Virtual Academy, and STEM programs in three of our secondary schools.

Fall of 2015 • Agreement on core values, cultural norms, and actions in support of our strategic priorities and targeted practices. • Identification of targeted practices for 2015-16 (for example, Grading Practices, Assessment, Lesson Design). • Zero – Based budgeting process to ensure responsible and efficient utilization of resources. • Results of the Joint Task Force on Facilities study and recommendations. • District strategies and processes for enhancing our Customer Focus at the classroom, school and district levels. • Continued growth of specialized programs in two additional school zones. • Digital Resource Implementation – Grades 9-12

Alamance-Burlington SchoolsStrategic Plan Summary

The involvement and support of parents, community, and employees of the school system are essential to the Strategic Plan’s successful implementation.

Get involved and support our plan by: • Following plan implementation and progress on the ABSS web page (www.abss.k12.nc.us), Facebook (Alamance-Burlington Schools Public Information Office), and Twitter (@abssweb). • Talking with district and school leaders about the plan and its impact on children’s education. • Attending community and school system updates. • Volunteering in your child’s school.

Our Mission Providing engaging work for our students will enable the Alamance-Burlington

School System to educate all students to meet high academic standards andbecome responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world.

ABSS Strategic Plan Accomplishments for 2014-15

Proud To Be Public

OUR PRIORITIES

Alamance-Burlington Schools offers several assurances to students, parents, and the community, including: • Every student will graduate college and career ready. • Students will have opportunities to participate in customized learning experiences that prepare them for the future. • Students will attend school in modern facilities that provide excellent learning environments. • Students will have teachers and principals who represent the best of the best in education. • Students will be educated in schools that have the resources, technology, and personnel to ensure high levels of achievement. • Alamance-Burlington Schools will be a national model for its students and the community.

The plan requires continuous work and improvement. It also requires a commitment to change to ensure its success. Implementing the strategic plan is being accomplished through Goal Action Teams comprised of central office administrators, building-level teachers and leaders, parent representatives, and community representatives. District leaders are collaborating to ensure consistency and alignment. The district is working purposefully toward achievement of the goals. As the plan is implemented, ABSS will go through periods of transition where “what has been” is changing and“what is to be” is not fully in place. These times of transition are necessary for improvement. During this process, the district is committed to ongoing communication with all stakeholders as we partner to continue the work of the strategic plan.

Goal 1 - Exemplary Classroom Teaching and Instructional Leadership Students, teachers, and schools will be expected to perform at higher levels to ensure that every student graduates college and career ready. Excellence will be the standard in every classroom, in every school, every day. Goal 2 - Master Plan for Specialized Programs Students will have the opportunity to participate in customized learning opportunities and environments over and above the standard curriculum. Through these learning opportunities, students will take part in multiple learning experiences designed to meet their interests, advance their achievement, and align with future local and national workforce needs.

Goal 3 - Written Five-Year Facilities Plan Students will attend school in modern facilities that are safe, orderly, attractive, and well- maintained. Schools will have infrastructures that support the use of technology and provide excellent learning environments.

Goal 4 - World-Class Teacher Working Conditions Teachers will be supported and have opportunities to grow professionally. They will have access to quality resources and leadership opportunities. They will work in environments where integrity and accountability are cornerstones.

Goal 5 - Compensation for Building-Level Employees Teachers, principals, and other school employees will be paid at levels that are competitive with surrounding school systems.

Goal 6 - Classroom and School Supports Classrooms and schools will have the materials and resources necessary to close achievement gaps and ensure high levels of achievement for all students.

OUR FOUNDATIONWe envision a public school system that is a national model for its curriculum and community

engagement to empower all Alamance County students with equal opportunity for civic engagement,a meaningful quality of life and skills for economic success – for them and our community.

- A Vision for Public Education in Alamance County, adopted June 2013 On June 16, 2014, the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education adopted the Alamance-Burlington Schools Strategic Plan as a road map for achieving the Vision for Public Education in Alamance County. This strategic plan defines the necessary steps for change in order for the district to become a national model for public education.

STRATEGIC GOALS

School Equity and Consistency Every student, regardless of classroom

or school, will be provided qualityeducational opportunities in exceptional

learning environments.

Recruiting and Retaining High Quality Staff Students and parents will benefit from

outstanding leaders, teachers,and support staff in every school.

The district pledges to recruit and retainhighly skilled staff who are committed to

Alamance-Burlington Schools and its students.

Classroom and School Support Students and parents will benefit from classrooms and schools that receivesupport which ensures high levels of

achievement for all students.