Resource Allocation and District Action Reports: RADAR Introductory Workshop Summer, 2018

AGENDA Agenda 1 2 3 4 Using state data to support resource analysis An initial look at RADAR AGENDA 3 Resource allocation decision-making 4 Using RADAR

1 Using state data to support resource analysis

DESE is offering new information on resource allocation. Data collections from districts hold much useful information DESE analysts can mine that data to provide reports RADAR is visual, comparative, longitudinal RADAR creates new metrics about resources People and time data, as well as money

There are three RADAR packages available to districts District in state context Change over 5 years Per-pupil expenditure Staff FTEs per 100 students SPED enrollment/placement SPED staff Class size by grade and subject area District comparisons District schools Class size/courses Security portal Special education Benchmarking Public website District SPED program Students identified for or moving off services, by grade Four year placement trajectories

How can you access the three different RADAR tools? RADAR Benchmarking RADAR Special Education RADAR Class Size On the DESE website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/research/radar/ Includes an introductory video, online tutorial, and other supporting materials Security Portal Dropbox Central RADAR Dropbox You need RADAR Dropbox permission assigned to your user ID by your data coordinator

2 An initial look at RADAR

Select comparison districts on Home Page to populate reports

The Home page generates two lists of similar districts for your consideration Select your own comparisons Districts with similar demographics Districts with similar community wealth

It’s an art, not a science A good selection of comparison districts adds credibility to a district’s analysis of resource use It’s an art, not a science Districts typically compare to some nearby districts, even if they are quite different They typically don’t look at far-away districts, even if they are quite similar Worth considering: districts on both demographics and community wealth lists

An example of criteria used recently by a district : Districts can choose criteria to build a comparison list that works for their analyses An example of criteria used recently by a district : Located within 50 miles Spending per pupil is no more than $3,000 higher Student performance is equal or higher Especially interested in growth Given other criteria, closest to our enrollment size Given other criteria, subgroup percentages closest to ours

RADAR Benchmarking: Change Over 5 Years Students Performance Staff Spending

Change Over 5 Years with guiding questions (separate link)

RADAR Benchmarking: Per Pupil Expenditure

RADAR Benchmarking: Staff FTEs per 100 Students

RADAR Benchmarking: Special Education Enrollment

4 Resource allocation decisions Resource allocation decision-making 3

RADAR tools can help connect plan and budget Create Plan Align Systems $ People Use of Time Implement RADAR Tools

Budgets don’t always reflect strategic plans Divergent needs and priorities across stakeholders….. … lead to resource uses that don’t always match district’s stated priorities More spending vs. tax reductions General education vs. special education Core subjects vs. STEM vs. the arts

Data can help build a shared understanding Classroom Teachers Superintendent Special Education Teachers Paraprofessionals Most of my students can read at grade level Far too many students do not read at grade level Co-teaching is the best way to serve struggling readers We do a great job teaching reading to struggling students Build Shared Understanding In some similar communities over 90% of students read at grade level Only 70% of our students read at grade level Our current approach is not producing the results we want.

Districts have used RADAR to support decision-making Benchmark Communicate Cite an outside source Connect plan and budget Reallocate resources

4 Resource allocation decisions Using RADAR 4

Pair and share about your RADAR reports Activity Pair and share about your RADAR reports Something that surprised you, or confirmed something for you How you might use that information Share with the whole group

Activity (small groups) Special Education Enrollment What similarities and differences are there among special education programs in these districts, based on these enrollment charts? Special Education Staffing What similarities and differences are there among special education programs in these districts, based on these staffing charts? What questions might you raise in a district discussion of resources?

In your district’s budget process this year: Discussion In your district’s budget process this year: When could your district team use RADAR? Who should be looking at RADAR? What other data might help align resources to your district strategic plan?

Comments and questions? Comments, feedback, questions? Contact radar@doe.mass.edu