Summer 2013

Non-effective School Districtsdistrict staff issue a plethora of uncoordinated and

often contradictory directives while presiding over resource allocation, staffing and other critical decisions

bureaucracy aboundsinefficiencies in operating processes such as human

resources, purchasing, facilities and information technology

highly politicized environmentmultiple constituencies with often-conflicting

interestslong-standing organizational mores

Information on the following slides was taken from http://www.dpsk12.org/pdf/district_role.pdfThe Role of the District in Driving School ReformBy Robert D. Muller, Ed.D.November 2004

Effective School Districts1. Transparent Focus on Student Achievement

have an unwavering commitment to improving student achievement

have high expectations for all students set expectations for their schools, with supports,

rewards and sanctions as incentives do not prescriptively dictate how principals should run

their schools and how teachers should run their classrooms

have the courage to acknowledge poor performance and the will to seek effective solutions

Effective School Districts2. Strong Emphasis on Instructional Support

are instructional leaders assist with improvement efforts by helping build and

coordinate the capacity of schools and teachers for teaching and learning that boosts student achievement

help schools determine the best options for meeting standards

help teachers perform to the best of their capacity provide guidance and leadership in areas where there can

be synergy and benefit from a degree of centralized analysis and support, instead of having every school and classroom duplicate efforts in investigating options for improving performance

Effective School Districts3. Better Use of Data

improve collection, analysis and use of data for decision-making and community-building

examine data collection practices to ensure that data requested is used, useful and accurate, and that it reflects a wide range of indicators that can help inform practice

have a district wide system for periodically examining data and ensuring schools are routinely using data

improve the validity and reliability of data collected provide technical assistance in how to use data for

management, instruction and curricular purposes

Effective School Districts4. Optimized Human Resources

have a significant focus on recruiting, retention and development of high quality personnel at all levels

ensure the personnel processes function well allow for local autonomy according to consistent

standards of quality encourage innovation and creativity principals should make their own hiring decisions,

within guidelines established by the district

Effective School Districts5. Optimized Financial Resources

are transparent with finances help principals to understand and control budgets

for their staff and programs improve understanding of where resources exist and

how they can be reallocated and better used

Effective School Districts6. A Delicate Balance between

Centralization and Decentralization

consider what makes sense to do across the system and what makes sense to decentralize

know that local control and autonomy are extremely important for ensuring accountability and providing incentives for improved performance

provide a policy context, expertise, guidance and support

Effective School Districts7. Effective Community Involvement

establish open, credible processes for community and stakeholder involvement

build trust to sustain strong and supportive collaboration

have district guidelines for assisting schools in actively engaging parents

Effective School Districts8. Shift from Bureaucratic Control to

Customer Service

have high quality services that are responsive to user needs

give satisfaction surveys have clear process goals about turnaround time and

quality raise expectations regarding the provision of basic

services

Help us help you.

The District Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP)District level set of indicators within Indistar

(42)Aligned with five key areas of effectiveness

The School Comprehensive Achievement Plan (CAP)Districts should be involved in school plan(s).Districts may add tasks to school plan(s). The

indicators are broad enough that districts can make sure district wide initiatives are included in school plan(s).

Districts may have standard practices in data or curriculum, etc. that may look the same across all schools.

Districts know their schools better than ODE knows their schools.

School BudgetsAll funding sources should be included for a full

picture.Schools will need district support with the budget

(object codes, etc.).Districts need to approve school budget(s) before

uploading into Indistar.Communications between schools and ODE

should include both school and district staff.District staff member should include name and

contact info on “Start Here” tab of budget.District Indirect on “Summary” tab should be

entered (not left blank).

District Level Set-Aside of Title IA Allocation (up to 20%)