Charting the Future JT2015 A Collaborative Process for Long-Range Strategic Planning

Jefferson Township 2015 Advisory Committee Ann Marie Barone Robin Knutelsky Robin Carlson Dr. Alan Markowitz Dr. Joseph Ciccone Brielle Messerschmidt Gregory Currie Evelyn Montague Joseph Guziewicz Miguel Rodriguez Lorrie Hardy Cynthia Stumpf Nancy Harris Michael Valenti Dr. Richard Bozza, Facilitator

Advisory Committee Duties Between May and June, the Advisory Committee: Reviewed consensus data, research data, community survey Formulated goals from a). Consensus findings b). Research findings c). Community survey results d). Committee brainstorming activities e). JT2015 Goals Recommended five goals for Board of Education adoption

Advisory Committee Vision The Jefferson Township 2015 Advisory Committee envisions a future school system where: All students are held to the highest standards for academic, social and ethical behavior. They are motivated to learn, self-assured, and confident individuals. Students are prepared to apply their skills and knowledge as productive citizens in an ever-changing world. Members of the educational community are facilitators of learning who work cooperatively and support students. The educator differentiates instruction while encouraging inquiry-based learning, critical thinking skills, and community based activities. Instruction focuses on practical and technological problem solving applications. A diverse curriculum provides opportunities which promote student learning. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary connections and a global perspective. Student assessments provide continuous feedback on achievement of benchmarks which align with learning outcomes, state, and national standards.

Advisory Committee Beliefs We believe that Jefferson Township students should develop a sense of responsibility emphasizing interpersonal relationships, good citizenship, cultural and global awareness. We believe that Jefferson Township students learn best in a safe and secure environment which encourages them to accept challenges and become creative problem solvers. We believe that Jefferson Township students should be able to communicate appropriately and effectively with others in a diverse population. We believe that Jefferson Township students should be prepared to apply acquired skills and knowledge in an ever-changing society. We believe that Jefferson Township students should reach the highest academic, social, and ethical standards. We believe that Jefferson Township students should make positive contributions to the community. We believe that Jefferson Township students should become life-long learners.

JT2015 Goals Students will be responsible and contributing citizens. Students will make decisions that contribute to continuous personal growth. Students will develop the skills necessary to be productive and competitive in society. Students will respect and appreciate individual differences and cultural diversity. Students will achieve academic excellence.

Students will be responsible and contributing citizens. We shall know if we are attaining this goal if: Students demonstrate environmentally responsible behaviors. Students understand and participate in the democratic process. Students participate in community service opportunities. Students create innovative solutions to global issues. Students work in conjunction with community members. Students participate in programs such as student government, student council, anti-bullying clubs, and peer mentoring. Students show a sense of obligation to their school which is characterized by sharing, mutual trust, and ethical behavior. Students discern bias in the media and on the Internet. Students apply their knowledge of history in their decision-making as citizens of today.

Students will make decisions that contribute to continuous personal growth. We shall know if we are attaining this goal if: Students accept responsibility for their actions and the consequences of those actions. Students maintain health and wellness. Students practice compassion, kindness, and caring. Students demonstrate skills that lead to inquiry and life-long learning. Students demonstrate self-discipline when afforded personal freedoms. Students have the self-confidence to accept challenges and participate in new experiences. Students are aware of different learning styles and recognize their own preferences. Students make decisions that lead to their own social and emotional growth. Students participate in extracurricular activities.

Students will develop the skills necessary to be productive and competitive in society. We shall know if we are attaining this goal if: Students work cooperatively to achieve a goal. Students and the educational community use emerging technology tools and resources to create, access, and integrate information; to communicate with others; and to solve problems in a variety of contexts. Students apply critical thinking and decision-making skills. Students identify new technologies and other organizational tools to use in personal, home, and work environments for information retrieval, entry, and presentation. Students identify problems and formulate strategies to solve them. Students comprehend and communicate written and verbal thoughts, ideas, directions, and information.

Students respect and appreciate individual differences and cultural diversity. We shall know if we are attaining this goal if: Students attend presentations and interact with speakers from various groups in programs that promote empathy, understanding, and respect for differing points of view. Students participate in activities which provide cultural exchange through partnerships with other schools. Students exhibit behavior resulting in fewer discipline referrals for intolerance and bullying. Students participate in activities which develop community-building, ethical decision-making, and good character. Students participate in special events designed to enhance awareness of cultural diversity. Students use media center and other learning resources which reflect initiative to develop an understanding of the values and perspectives of different racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. Students experience curriculum at all levels that fosters understanding, appreciation, and respect for people of other cultural, language, socioeconomic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Students participate in extracurricular activities which promote school spirit and interaction among students of diverse backgrounds.

Students will achieve academic excellence. We shall know if we are attaining this goal if: Students gain recognition beyond the district by taking part in extra curricular academic clubs and competitions. Students demonstrate increased proficiency on statewide assessments. Students excel on district, state, and national assessments. Students employ effective study skills. Students exceed graduation requirements. Students recognize their potential as life long learners. Students demonstrate continuous academic progress as measured by benchmark assessments, portfolios, and report cards. Student participation in the Gifted and Talented, Advanced Placement, Honors, and other enrichment programs increases. The percentage of students accepted to post-secondary education following graduation increases.

Steering Committee Tasks Between October and December, the Steering Committee will: Participate in an in-service on the topic of strategic planning (October 8). Serve as a co-chairperson for individual goal committees. Oversee the coordination of the goal committees to ensure vertical and horizontal articulation. Develop a Master Plan that is inclusive of all individual goals committee strategic plans. In January, 2008, present the Master Plan to Board of Education. Between December, 2007 and 2015, meet on a periodic basis to oversee and adjust the Master Plan.

Individual Goal Committee Tasks Between October and December, the Goal Committees will: Review specific goal and develop objectives, activities, and benchmarks. Develop a strategic plan for the years for achievement of identified goal.

Timelines for District Goals September, BOE adopts 3-5 goals recommended by Advisory Committee October 8, In-service Steering Committee October – December, Individual Goal Committee Work --Steering Committee Review January, Steering Committee Master Plan Finalized January 15, Final/Approved Plan – --Steering Committee’s Public Presentation 2008 – Monitor, Adjust Yearly