April 15, 2008

BOEs Theory of Action Managed Performance Empowerment Theory of Action Adopted Feb. 06 Acknowledges success of Managed Instruction Retains certain components Recognizes need for more flexibility Mandates balance between accountability and empowerment Requires decentralization

CMS Strategic Plan 2010 Global competitiveness Presented December 2006 Outlines seven major goals Goal V incorporates Theory of Actions key components –Develop a district-wide accountability system –Reorganize and decentralize central administration –Empower schools with more freedom and flexibility to increase student achievement

Summer 2007: Reorganized and decentralized school district Fall 2007: Presented initial version of accountability system to Board of Education Spring 2008: Currently refining the accountability system Spring 2008: Granting Phase 1 of Freedom & Flexibility Goal V Implementation Strategy Timeline

Freedom & Flexibility Phase 1 Key Components Who gets it? How were they selected? What is the duration? What freedoms are granted? Accountability for results Budget and resources

Who gets it? Principals All principals will receive some Freedom & Flexibility (F&F) Selected principals will receive more Freedom & Flexibility Long-term goal: All principals will have Freedom & Flexibility First group of 48 principals includes 15 FOCUS schools

How were they selected? Selection goals – Phase I –Use objective criteria –Sought critical mass Selection criteria – Phase I –More than 2 years experience principal –Average growth during the last two years, when available –Not on action plan/performance review Superintendent discretion and final selections

What is the duration? Three years, but not longer than employment contract Subject to annual review Principals keep Freedom & Flexibility if they transfer Schools can keep initiatives if approved by area superintendent

What freedoms are granted? Phase I – focus on core business of teaching and learning All principals will receive F&F on discipline plans and class size Most requirements will be optional for F&F principals F&F initiatives will be part of School Improvement Plans

Accountability for Results Unleash innovation which will increase student achievement Success measured by schools progress in reaching goals Less than average expected growth over 3 years = less Freedom & Flexibility

Budget and Resources Phase I focus is on instructional management No additional funding or resources provided More flexibility with use of existing resources Requires approval of area superintendent

Phase II Considerations Evaluate opportunities for Freedom & Flexibility within operational management areas Will involve first group of F&F principals in this process First group of F&F principals will share what they learn so everyone benefits from Phase I

Questions & Answers