NH Department of Education Developing the School Improvement Plan Required by NH RSA 193-H and Federal Public Law for Schools in Need of Improvement May 2009

2 Statutory Requirements and Deadlines The Planning Process – Materials Needed – Recommended Planning Resources Writing the Plan – Plan Format – Review of Required Components Additional Requirements and Resources for Title I Schools Developing the School Improvement Plan Workshop Agenda

3 Developing the School Improvement Plan What’s In Your Workshop Packet? Powerpoint Presentation Instructions and Template for Developing the Plan – Two documents go hand-in-hand – Be sure you use the correct documents for your school (Title I or Non-Title I) Planning Resources Chart of State and Federal Requirements for Schools in Need of Improvement (SINI) Planning Grant Application (Title I Schools) Instructions for Downloading the Materials

4 Developing the School Improvement Plan How to Access These Documents Electronically Select “Programs, Information, and Services” Select the letter “S” Select “Schools in Need of Improvement” Select All documents will be posted in the section entitled “School Improvement Plan Instructions and Materials”

5 Developing the School Improvement Plan Statutory Requirements

6 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) New Hampshire’s school and district accountability statute requires the development of a school improvement plan for any school officially designated as a school in need of improvement. (NH RSA 193:H) For Title I schools designated as a school in need of improvement, the development of a school improvement plan is also required under federal law. (No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; P.L )

7 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) Duration of the Plan. The school improvement plan is in effect for a two-year period (the and school years). The “school in need of improvement” designation is removed once the school makes Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for two consecutive years in the content area(s) that caused the designation.

8 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) Required Focus. In contrast with other strategic plans which may be broader in scope, this improvement plan must be specifically focused on improving student achievement in the areas in which the school did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), resulting in the designation as a school in need of improvement.

9 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) Required Contents. At a minimum, the plan for all schools must include: 1. a description of the achievement gap(s) within the content area(s) for which the school has not made AYP for two consecutive years; AND 2. a description of the activities to be implemented to address the underlying issues most likely contributing to those achievement gap(s).

10 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) The Plan for Title I Schools must also contain: 3. an overview of the research demonstrating that strategies selected are of proven effectiveness; 4. strategies for parent and family involvement; 5. a description of the process by which parents and outside experts were consulted in designing the plan; 6. A description of the school or district’s teacher mentoring program;

11 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) The Plan for Title I Schools must also contain: (continued) 7. A description of the parent notification process, with a copy of said notice, explaining the reasons for the school’s designation as well as, if applicable, the procedures parents may use to request school choice for their child; 8. Signed assurances by the Superintendent of Schools; and 9. A detailed budget narrative, together with a completed OBM Form 1.

12 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) Deadline for Submission State and federal law require plans to be submitted no later than 90 days from the date the designation as a school in need of improvement became official. The designation was official at the close of the AYP appeals process, May 8, The deadline for submitting the plan is therefore August 6, 2009.

13 Developing the School Improvement Plan State and Federal Statutory Requirements (Pages 1 and 2 of the Instructions Document) Review and Approval Process Plans meeting all requirements will be submitted to the State Board of Education for approval. Criteria for reviewing the plans (described in Instructions document, “Criteria for Plan Review”) Once the plan is approved, schools must submit annual progress reports.

14 Developing the School Improvement Plan Developing the Plan

15 Developing the School Improvement Plan (Page 3 of the Instructions Document) What documents are required for developing the plan? The Instructions for Developing the Plan AND The School Improvement Plan Template. Be sure to download the documents appropriate to your school (Title I or Non-Title I), as they are different!

16 Developing the School Improvement Plan (Page 3 of the Instructions Document) What document is recommended by schools identified for improvement in prior years? The Planning Resources document (in your packet and also available on the NHDOE website) This document contains:  An example of a “root cause analysis” planning process;  A self-assessment planning tool (Continuum); and  Facilitator contact information

17 Developing the School Improvement Plan ( Planning Resources Document ) The planning process outlined in the Planning Resources document encourages the use of research-based practices:  The establishment of a core school improvement planning team with clear roles and responsibilities; involving others as appropriate;  Conducting a “school check-up” (Self-Assessment) on current school practices and programs designed to improve student achievement;  Examining results (data) rather than a singular focus on programs and practices (inputs);  Identifying achievement gaps (Which students? What areas? Trends?)  Identifying the underlying, root cause issues contributing to the achievement gaps;  Prioritizing the issues (those within the school’s control);  Creating an action plan to address the priorities; and  Monitoring the implementation and the effectiveness of the plan.

18 Developing the School Improvement Plan ( Planning Resources Document ) A self-assessment or “check up” is a useful starting point in the Planning process. Consider using the guiding questions in Part A of the Planning Resources document, and/or the Continuum self- assessment tool in Part B, to assess school practices in the following areas: 1. Standards-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment 2. Accountability and evaluation 3. Structural reform strategies 4. Leadership and governance 5. Professional development 6. Culture and climate 7. External support and resources 8. Parent and community support 9. Extended learning

19 Developing the School Improvement Plan ( Planning Resources Document ) Within each domain, ask… what factor, conditions, or issues are getting in the way of student achievement in the area(s) in which the school is identified for improvement; what evidence do we have, and what additional evidence do we need to be sure; what strategies might we implement to address these issues (what’s proven to be effective?); and what’s feasible for our situation?

20 Developing the School Improvement Plan ( Planning Resources Document ) Some schools have found it helpful to acquire the services of an outside facilitator to guide the team through this planning process. See Part C of the Planning Resources document for a list of experienced facilitators. Title I Schools are eligible to apply for a planning grant. The application form is in the Title I workshop packet and will also be available on the NHDOE website.

21 Developing the School Improvement Plan (Page 4 of Instructions Document) Writing the Plan: Required Components

22 Developing the Plan Required Components (Page 4 of Instructions Document) REQUIRED PLAN COMPONENTS Cover Page Memorandum of Understanding Demographic Information Plan Abstract Plan Narrative Action Plan Title I Budget Information Parent Notification Requirements School Improvement Plan Template Document Title 1Non-Title 1 Form Page 1 Form Page 2 Form Page 3 Form Page 4 Form Page 5 Form Page 6 Form Pages 7-9 Form Page 10

23 Developing the Plan Required Components (Page 4 of Instructions Document) Cover Page (Form Page 1). Complete all information. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Form Page 2 is completed by the Superintendent. Submit the MOU with original signature by regular mail. School Demographics (Form Page 3). Complete all information. Improvement Plan Abstract (Form Page 4). As the plan is a public document, the abstract is used to inform the State Board of Education regarding the school’s strategies for improvement in the area(s) for which it is identified.

24 Developing the Plan Required Components (Page 4 of Instructions Document) Improvement Plan Narrative (Form Page 5).  Describe the plan development process: Who was involved? Who was consulted? How was the plan reviewed prior to submitting it? How will it be disseminated and explained to others?

25 Developing the Plan Required Components (Page 4 of Instructions Document) Improvement Plan Narrative (Form Page 5).  Location of Achievement Gap(s) Be specific Focus on the content area(s) in which the school is identified for improvement Focus on struggling learners  Identifying the “Root Cause” Issues Provide a summary of the issues identified, and those selected as priorities for this plan.

26 Developing the Plan Required Components (Page 4 of Instructions Document) Action Plan for School Year (Form Page 6).  Duplicate Form Page 6 as needed. For each area in which the school is identified for improvement, clearly describe the Goal (achievement gap to be reduced) Strategies (to be implemented) Objectives (anticipated changes in professional practice AND student learning) Proposed Activities for to achieve the Objectives.

27 Developing the Plan Additional Requirements and Resources for Title 1 Schools

28 Developing the Plan Additional Requirements and Resources for Title I Schools Title I Schools are eligible to receive School Improvement Funding (see Page 5 of Instructions). When completing the Action Plan, also complete the Title I Budget Narrative and Related Forms (Form Pages 7-9). Submit an OBM Form 1 with original signature.

29 Developing the Plan Additional Requirements and Resources for Title I Schools Parent Notification Narrative and Letter Before completing Form Page 10, review the Public School Choice Requirements and Guidance on Pages 7-14 of the Instructions for Developing the Title I School Improvement Plan.

30 For More Information Title I Schools Mary Ellen Arigo or Non-Title I Schools Merry Fortier or