Troy School District External Review Exit Report April 21-24, 2013

AdvancED AdvancED is the global leader in advancing excellence in education through continuous improvement, organizational effectiveness and accreditation. © 2012 AdvancED

Systems Accreditation An international protocol for school systems committed to systemic, systematic, and sustainable improvement Builds capacity of the system and its schools to increase and sustain student learning Stimulates and improves effectiveness and efficiency throughout the system © 2012 AdvancED

Key Elements for Accreditation Assessment of Standards and indicators Self-Assessment External Review Team Assessment Student Performance Results Stakeholder Perceptions Student Teacher Parent Unlike other governmental and non-governmental agencies that focus on only one facet of the institution, AdvancED uses a BALANCED, PERFORMANCE-BASED protocol that examines multiple facets of the institution and how these facets work together to produce results. The AdvancED process takes into consideration not just an evaluation of standards, but also student performance and stakeholder feedback. © 2012 AdvancED

External Review The External Review team The External Review process Is comprised of professional peers with diverse experiences and rich contextual perspectives Assesses and evaluates district effectiveness in meeting requirements of accreditation The External Review process Provides important validation and recognition Delivers valuable feedback and direction for improvement © 2012 AdvancED

AdvancED Standards 3.25 3.5 2.75 3.12 3.2 © 2012 AdvancED

Learning Environment Ratings 1 Equitable Learning Environment 2.8 2 High Expectations Environment 3.1 3 Supportive Learning Environment 4 Active Learning Environment 3.2 5 Progress Monitoring and Feedback Environment 6 Well-Managed Learning Environment 3.3 7 Digital Learning Environment 2.2 © 2012 AdvancED

Activities of the External Review Team Conclusions Activities of the External Review Team Reviewed Standard Assessment Report and District Website Listened to District Presentations Interviewed District Stakeholders Examined Artifacts Visited a Representative Sample of Schools Observed Practices and Learning Environment Collected and Organized Data © 2012 AdvancED

Conclusions During the on-site External Review, team members visited 6 schools and interviewed: 6 Board members 41 Administrators 58 Teachers/Instructional Staff/Counselors 20 Support staff 34 Parents, community, and business partners 41 Students TOTAL Stakeholders 200 © 2012 AdvancED

Conclusions Progressive administrative and teacher leadership teams promote equitable learning opportunities for students and are highly responsive to community expectations. They are proactive in their thinking, very supportive of district initiatives and have strong working relationships.   Strong community relationships and business partnerships provide the district and its schools numerous opportunities for collaboration and shared leadership and advance improvement efforts. These collaborative relationships promote high expectations and strong academic achievement for students, as well as assist the district in advancing improvement efforts and system effectiveness. © 2012 AdvancED

Conclusions The diversity of the school district is embraced, valued and celebrated. Stakeholders truly believe diversity defines who they are as a school community and gives students unique learning experiences and opportunities. Parental involvement enhances school effectiveness at all levels, creating a true partnership. This partnership and numerous volunteer efforts contribute to students’ academic and social growth. Stakeholders share a meaningful vision of excellence that is embedded in the culture and serves as a source of pride for the community. The community’s perception is that Troy is a quality place to learn. © 2012 AdvancED

Conclusions Long range plans have been crafted to carefully plan for the preservation and management of human, physical, financial resources and support services necessary to sustain the vision and purpose of the district and to ensure the achievement of all students. Resource allocation is determined by student learning needs based upon on multiple data sources. © 2012 AdvancED 12

Conclusions Powerful Practices Troy School District has developed and implements a systemic and comprehensive internal review process to assist the schools in their efforts to monitor, document and communicate continuous improvement efforts. Through the implementation of this process, a variety of stakeholders are given the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the work of the schools with a focus on increasing learning for all students. Through the adoption of clear policies and procedures, the supportive nature of the governing body advances all aspects of the district's vision as the system continues to work collaboratively to develop the necessary processes, alignment, and measures needed to meet the standards and capacities expected for high performing systems. © 2012 AdvancED

Conclusions Powerful Practices The governing body of Troy School District has earned the distinction of being an “Honor Board” through the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). In addition, two of the governing body’s members have achieved the MASB’s Presidential Level of Service. These achievements reflect each Board member’s commitment to educational leadership through extensive training, coursework and professional development. The governing body of Troy School District clearly understands its role in adopting, establishing, and maintaining policy for the benefit of its students, personnel, and community. They are highly supportive of school leadership as well as the teaching and learning process and operate in a fiscally responsible manner that maximizes the system’s financial resources while maintaining outstanding educational programs for students. © 2012 AdvancED 14

Conclusions Powerful Practices Promoting communication and positive relationships among stakeholders is part of the customer service philosophy promoted by the district. Numerous system-wide strategies are in place to facilitate communication and engage families in meaningful ways in their children’s education. The use of Edline and the district’s annual Student Learning Showcase serve as examples of this commitment. Through a rigorous hiring process, the district actively recruits, employs and retains a highly-qualified, professional staff who possess a strong sense of efficacy dedicated to the creation of a caring, nurturing community and culture committed to high expectations for student success. © 2012 AdvancED 15

Conclusions Powerful Practices System and school leaders monitor and communicate comprehensive information about student learning and the achievement of improvement goals through the internal review process, the work of the District Continuous Improvement Team, systemic data meetings and vision planning meetings. © 2012 AdvancED 16

Opportunities for Improvement Conclusions Opportunities for Improvement Investigate ways to systematically formalize student advocacy programs to ensure each student’s academic and social success in school. Create and consistently implement a systemic grading and reporting process that reflects each student’s attainment of content knowledge and skills across all schools, grade levels and courses. © 2012 AdvancED

Required Actions The External Review team determined Troy School District must act on the following: Create, implement and evaluate a formalized plan of professional development that addresses the needs of all staff members as well as expands opportunities available through mentoring, coaching and induction. Investigate ways to systemically and systematically formalize collaborative learning structures across the district that will provide and protect instructional time for staff and students. Uses of this time should include analyzing a multitude of data to differentiate instruction, group learners, target interventions and refine curriculum and assessments as well as examine student work, inform processes and provide staff members with meaningful opportunities for reflection. © 2012 AdvancED

Accreditation Decision External Review Completed! AdvancED Accreditation Office Reviews and Sends Report Back to Institution 30 Business Days AdvancED Accreditation Commission Grants Accreditation and Status January June © 2012 AdvancED

Final Thoughts The External Review team: Appreciates your hospitality, support, and professionalism; Respects and acknowledges the efforts to improve the quality of your school district; and Congratulates your progress towards achieving Systems Accreditation. © 2012 AdvancED

We believe in the power of education. © 2012 AdvancED