DOWNINGTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Transition Plan Dr. Emilie M. Lonardi 2017-2018

PURPOSE OF TRANSITION Listen Gather Information Create Expectations/Goals in concert with needs of Board, District and Community Determine Priorities

DATA GATHERING Board (9) Administration(25) Teachers (13) Support Staff (12) Students (20) Parents (16) Total: 95

SATISFACTION SURVEY Board (7) Administration (62) All Staff (640) Community (21) Students (44) Parents (2098) Total: 2872

SURVEY QUESTIONS The Superintendent’s 2 prong vision of attention to Academic Rigor and Student Engagement makes sense at this time. The curriculum and instruction offered to students is relevant, engaging, rigorous, and supports 21 century learning. The gifted and/or special education services provided by the district adequately support our students’ needs. The school staff is supportive, caring and maintains an orderly learning environment. There is sufficient attention to balance both core and encore(elective) courses.

SURVEY QUESTIONS The athletics program is supported by modern and safe facilities, knowledgeable and caring coaches, adequate district funding, and teams that model sportsmanship and teamwork. The music program offered to students is of high quality and adequately funded by the district. Technology in the district supports 21st century learning, has a reliable infrastructure, and is adequately funded. The facilities are clean, well-maintained, kept current, and support the educational programs for students. Overall, Downingtown Area School District offers a quality education and I am proud to be a part of this school district.

SURVEY QUESTIONS Open Ended Questions What is going extremely well in DASD that the new superintendent should preserve? What is NOT going very well that should be the focus of the new superintendent?

Multiple Choice Results SATISFACTION SURVEY Multiple Choice Results VISION CURRICULUM SPECIAL ED STAFF CORE=ENCORE ATHLETICS MUSIC TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES OVERALL PERCENT SATISFIED 89.80% 88.40% 66.70% 92.60% 85.60% 77.10% 84.40% 81.90% 90.50% 94.50%

Open Ended Survey Results PRESERVE … Mentioned by >100 respondents Staff – great teachers and administration, caring teachers/staff Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment – STEM Academy, 21st Century learning, academic rigor, academic options. Technology – 1:1 initiative, access to technology Athletics, music, and arts – all strong programs

Open Ended Survey Results CHANGE … Mentioned by >100 respondents Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment – too much testing (K-5), too much homework, issues related to Math and Reading Special education and Gifted services – teacher burnout, caseloads too high Overcrowded classes -- not enough staff; class sizes high Technology – iPad gaming, ipad to laptop switch, consistent use of Schoology, Tech support, Wi-Fi reliability; infrastructure issues

Top 5 areas to PRESERVE … Academic Excellence Staff Technology Pride Continue focus on academic rigor and student engagement Continue STEM Continue focus 21st Century skills Staff Continue to promote positive contributions made by staff Continue to hire quality personnel Technology Complete the K-12 1:1 initiative Continue access to technology Pride Continue the annual District Welcome facilitated by the Superintendent to maintain district pride and sense of community Continue community outreach opportunities wherever possible Continue athletic and music programs – sources of pride Communication Continue to promote and encourage strong communication between schools and families Continue to use social media to reach the maximum number of constituents

Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION … 1. Academic Excellence Develop and implement a comprehensive K-12 curriculum review cycle Review MS course requirements and make recommendations Review and ultimately update HS master schedule Consider implementing full-day kindergarten Be mindful of the number of new initiatives  

Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION … Professional Development Create a plan that allows for increased teacher collaboration focused on instruction Clarify and communicate roles of central office administrators as related to daily operations Provide specific training in math for K-8 teachers

Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION … 3. Technology Assess current cyber and blended learning options and create a clearer vision in the best interest of students Increase consistent use of Schoology 6th through 12th grade Evaluate ways to reduce gaming on the District tablet devices Review device selection and select the best device for students and staff  

Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION … 4. Special Education Evaluate current K-12 gifted education program Increase communication regarding special needs programming Evaluate accelerated mathematics programming  

Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION …   5. Staffing/Class Size Evaluate staffing at all levels; particularly special education caseloads Evaluate support personnel for K-5 buildings Manage the District growth

I ask everyone to collaborate with me to make an excellent school district even better!