Innovation Balance: People, Places and Program Connie Hayes, Superintendent Jean Jordan, Director of Educational Services

P E O P L E

People Addressing recruitment challenges Difficulty recruiting staff Staff let go mid-year Teacher shortage Diversity goals

People Grow Your Own program trains EAs to be teachers Partnership with U of MN, board of teaching Creates career ladder 23 graduates so far Existing staff are an important talent pool

People EA mentorship program improves retention Created for EAs, by EAs Online format creates structure, flexibility Better understanding of policies, procedures, district strategies Expanding to other employee groups

People Other efforts to diversify staff Job fair at black church Radio ads and radio show Golf cart outreach Postcard mailing Recruitment brochure and website LinkedIn and Indeed.com outreach

P L A C E S

Places History More complex and younger students More staff injuries Opportunity to enhance teaching & learning Facilities are a contributing factor

Places Planning Facilities study 2006-2011 Three-step plan approved in 2012 Two K-8 schools, one 6-12 school Architects with behavioral health experience Community input

Places

Places

Places

Places

Places

Successes Students Increased student achievement Increased student engagement Students want to come to school Increased pride Students stay regulated

Successes Staff Less focus on behavior management, more focus on teaching Less emotional and physical stress Fewer staff injuries Staff feel supported and happier

Restrictive procedures Successes Restrictive procedures Staff injuries

P R O G R A M

Programming-what are the people doing in our schools? History Purchased curriculum not in use or poorly adapted Inconsistent delivery of state standards More focus on behavior and social skills than on grade level standards Lack of training and support for teachers to teach academics

Components for Successful Change District Four Focus Areas Dedicated Principals Instructional Coaches Shared Curriculum building and pedagogy training

4 Focus Areas Standards-based teaching and learning Personal Learning Communities Technology Integration Equity

Principals who: Understood academic teaching for special education students, historically underserved students and career tech. Saw the need for more academic experiences for our students. Collaborated with the teaching and learning department to create training for all sites. Able to have tough conversations and celebrate Welcomed Instructional coaches

Instructional Coaches In every program Teacher leaders Dedicated to academic learning for all students

Instructional Coaches Meet monthly with the Teaching and Learning team Meet 2-3 times per month with principal Follow student-centered coaching cycles

Shared Curriculum and Pedagogy District Curriculum Hub Schoology Courses Technology Ed. Camp Shared district introduction on standards-based lesson planning

Current Successes Observed increase in student engagement and decrease in behavior. Parental comments on improved learning. Highly engaged teachers! Increases in credit earned (ALC).

Continued Challenges On-boarding, on-boarding, on-boarding. Maintaining momentum Finding time for curriculum writing Maintaining our Focus

4 Focus Areas Standards-based teaching and learning Personal Learning Communities Technology Integration Equity

Programming MTSS ensures resources used equitably Restorative practices encourage student success Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT) improves communication Trauma-informed practices make a difference Legislation will bring more new programs

Innovation Balance: People, Places and Program Connie Hayes, Superintendent Jean Jordan, Director of Educational Services