GARDEN CITY DISTRICT LEADERSHIP November 6, 2012

PreK-6 Protocol Update

Intermediate/High Protocol Update

Let’s Review and Complete Review: Group Norms (will replicate for BLT) Decision Making Method (will replicate for BLT) DLT Responsibilities Complete: DLT Core Beliefs Policies and Practices Professional Development BLT Responsibilities and Meetings BLT Action Plans Communication Plans (will replicate for BLT)

Let’s Select a Bookkeeper

DLT Norms Begin and end each meeting on time. Be respectful of other’s opinions. Everyone’s voice is important and should be heard. Ensure confidentiality within the group. Stick to the agenda. Have student’s best interests in mind. Disengage in sidebar discussions. Guarantee that no decisions are made about a program/level unless that group is represented.

Decision Making

DLT Decision Making Method 1. All attempts will be made to reach consensus. 2. If consensus cannot be reached, then the majority will rule: 80% is the decision point for majority. 3. When majority can’t be reached, a final determination will be made by a core team of DLT representatives. 4. Any decision made will be supported by all members of the District Leadership Team.

Document Your Decision Making Method

DLT Responsibilities Create the rationale for implementing MTSS. Ensure the rationale for MTSS is reflected in district and building vision, core beliefs, mission, policies, procedures, and practices. Ensure staff has support necessary to successfully achieve what they’re being asked to accomplish. Create a culture that allows staff to be actively involved in data- driven decision making. Ensure regular bi-directional communication with all stakeholders. Monitor and provide checks and balances for district expectations. Support building and overall systemic changes. Provide clarity to building and collaborative teams. Hold high standards for the implementation of MTSS systemically.

Core Beliefs

Document Your Core Beliefs

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 1. Students will learn in a safe environment where everyone will be treated with dignity and respect. Students, staff, and patrons will model and implement the school culture in which relationships are built upon trust and respect and every child makes a connection with at least one adult. An individual has the right to create an environment that is degrading to students. Culture and environment are determined by individual staff. Value Statement: All people are respected and valued to help build a positive district culture. Commitment Statement: The school district will model the appropriate expectations, be accountable and take action when necessary.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 2. Every child will learn and achieve to high standards. No excuses. Based on data, all students will continually show growth and have skills for college and career readiness. All students will reach the same benchmarks at the same time in the same way. Value Statement: We value individual student growth, quality instruction and effective leadership. Commitment Statement: All stakeholders will persevere to establish a culture for learning and success for all students. We commit to quality research-based and data-driven instruction for all students.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 3. Learning includes academic and social competencies. Curriculum is aligned with standards. Student learning is measured both in academics and behavior. The focus is only on high stakes assessments and discipline referrals. Value Statement: We value the development of the whole person through quality research-based instruction and positive interactions among all stakeholders. Commitment Statement: To develop the whole person, we will utilize best practices gained from ongoing support/training.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 4. Every staff member will grow, learn and reflect. There is a required commitment to professional growth and using/sharing new learning to improve student learning. Just attending workshops outside the district. Value Statement: We value district approved ongoing support and training for all district staff. Commitment Statement: We will provide support and training, including job embedded, to all staff members in order to develop life long learners.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 5. All district staff will be responsible for the learning of all students. District staff contributes to student learning in academic and social skills. There is collaboration among staff. Learning is student centered and not subject centered. Isolation One person’s role is better than another. Student label/placement removes responsibility for student learning. Value Statement: We value the inclusion of all district personnel in educating all students. Commitment Statement: All staff will know the vision and mission of the district and take responsibility for all students.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 6. Effective change is positive, intentional, coherent, and dynamic. Change is based upon student need and supported by data that is communicated to and supported by staff. Change is based on personal agendas. Value Statement: We value purposeful, ongoing change that results in a continual cycle of growth. Commitment Statement: We are committed to using student data to promote effective change.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 7. Family involvement is instrumental in the education of children. Creating meaningful opportunities for families to be involved in their child’s learning. Limiting family involvement to one way or negative communication. No news is good news. Value Statement: in order to develop, encourage, and foster collaboration among all stakeholders, all cultures and beliefs will be respected. Commitment Statement: We are committed to fostering two-way communication, educating families, and creating an atmosphere conducive to family involvement.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 8. Effective communication is essential. Consistent, ongoing two- way communication with all stakeholders. One way communication. Value Statement: Everyone has a voice and it should be heard. Commitment Statement: We will listen to and address all stakeholder input.

DLT Core Beliefs We believe…This means…This does not mean… 9. All decisions will be data-based. Data will drive decisions with consistent and frequent analysis. Decisions are based on personal views or perceptions without supporting data. Value Statement: We value data informed decisions. Commitment Statement: We are committed to using multiple data pieces and training staff members to interpret, analyze, and utilize data effectively.

Policies = Practices Come away from the window! You don’t want to be a Child Left Behind do you? Sounds good to me!

Check Yourself Existing Policies & Practices

BLT Action Plan Begin here on 1-15 by putting folks in sub- committees related to policies to investigate.

January 15, 2013 Bring your DLT notebooks. We will continue developing: Professional Development Plan Communication Plan Policies and Practices Action Plan BLT Responsibilities and Meeting Agenda

January 29, 2013 Bring your winter screening data Have classroom level, grade level, building level data forms complete Will meet by levels (schedule TBD) Elementary Schools Intermediate/Middle Schools High School Have a great holiday season!!!