Cluster Planning: Streamlined and Aligned November 12 th, 2014 CINS at SPARK David White and Betsy Bockman

2 Revise Strategic Plan Cascade Strategic Plan throughout the District 2 Plan and Select State Operating Model Plan Implementation of Operating Model Develop Cluster Plans (Phase 1) Develop Cluster Plans (Phase 2) January 2015 Equity Audit Community Feedback Staff & Principal Feedback Student Feedback Senior Leadership Feedback School-based Data Best Practices State Standards (CCGPS/GPS) Board Expectations Tentative FY16 Budget INFORMS June 2015 INFORMS Operating Models/ Flexibility Options Cluster Plan Strategic Plan Successful Execution of the Strategic Plan (including the Operating Model Implementation and the Cluster Plans) INFORMS How It Fits

Why Cluster Planning? Purpose To build stronger schools and clusters to ensure consistent high quality academics and focused programming exists across the district Context Atlanta Public Schools is beginning the planning process to define the future direction for each school cluster within the district. The planning process will include action steps to implement each cluster plan. The cluster plan will guide the academic direction for students within each cluster. The cluster plans will inform the FY16 Budget and, to the extent possible, the School System Operating Models and Flexibility Options.

Cluster Planning Timeline TasksTimeline Background Information (Including Survey Data) November 26 th, 2014 Cluster Vision/Mission (Signature Program is a part of the mission) December 5 th, 2014 Cluster Priorities (potential areas: Early Childhood Focus; Wrap- Around Services; School Environment/Culture ) December 19 th, 2014 Key Partnerships Budget Requirements Flexibility January 2015 – April 2015* Implementation PlanApril 2015 – June 2015 * This timeframe (January 2015 – April 2015) allows for alignment with Operating Model discussions, the application development, and the FY 16 Budget process. Cluster Meeting with Community Stakeholder Representatives January 26 th – 30 th, 2015 Topic: Key Partnerships and Budget Requirements Cluster Meeting with Community Stakeholder Representatives February 23 rd – 27 th, 2015 Topic: Flexibility March 30 th – April 3 rd, 2015 Topic: Review Progress to Date Cluster Meeting with Community Stakeholder Representatives March 30 th – April 3 rd, 2015 Topic: Implementation Plan December 8 th – 12 th, 2014 Topic: Vision/Mission, Priorities Cluster Meeting with Community Stakeholder Representatives

Sample Cluster Vision and Priorities Cluster: Central Atlanta Cluster Vision: A high-performing cluster where every student believes success has no boundaries and every school has a team of educators, families, and community members that believe the same. Cluster Mission: Emphasizing the arts paired with integrating STEM, our cluster will graduate engaged, productive members of society highly-skilled at inspiring creativity while advancing a 21 st century world. Cluster Priorities: Implement a STEM curriculum based on fostering critical thinking skills, inquiry, and real- world connections. Integrate fine and performing arts into the curriculum. Ensure STEM and arts-aligned career clusters are available, rigorous, and applicable. Increase counseling services to enhance social and emotional learning. Align Pre-K programs with the STEM and fine arts curriculum. Implement consistent positive behavior interventions. Develop leadership skills using strength-based activities for all staff.