Strategic Plan 2017 How will you contribute to our success?

U.S. Education: Where We’ve Been Half of students never made it to 8 th grade Graduation rate between 30-50% Limited opportunities for non-whites Half of students never made it to 8 th grade Graduation rate between 30-50% Limited opportunities for non-whites National Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Graduation rate around 70% National Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Graduation rate around 70% Education Reforms – NCLB Act of 2001 Graduation rate around 80% ? 1960s 1980s 2000s 2020s 1920s

Despite high spending, U.S. lags internationally in education U.S Rankings in the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Out of 34 OECD Countries, the U.S. Ranked: Reading Skills: 14 th (average) Science: 17 th (average) Math: 25 th (below average) Source: National Center for Education Statistics Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2009 Results

Fulton’s SAT Scores exceeded Georgia and National Scores for the last three years

Fulton’s 2012 SAT Scores by School Red Line Denotes 2012 Fulton County Average SAT Score Black Line Denotes 2012 State of Georgia Average SAT Score

Fulton County Schools Physically bisected by Atlanta Public Schools – 70+ miles between northern- and southern-most points – 13 cities Fourth largest school district in Georgia – Nearly 94,000 students – 100 schools 6,800 certified teachers Diverse student population – A majority/minority District – 45% free and reduced lunch – 6% English language learners – 10% special education

Our work is supported by beliefs and value statements Our Mission Is to educate every student to be a responsible, productive citizen. Our Vision Is for all students to learn to their full potential.

Over 1,000 teachers, administrators, and parents attended 7 Community Forums, and over 80 students participated in Focus Groups Board votes to pursue and submit Charter System Application Input collected from 300 teachers, administrators, and parents at 3 Town Hall Meetings “Building our Future” and the strategic planning process announced Fulton County Schools is approved by Georgia Board of Education to become the state’s largest Charter System Fall 2010 – Spring 2011 Summer 2011 Fall Winter 2011 Spring 2012 Summer 2012 Stakeholders told us where we can improve...

Limited freedom in instructional delivery methods and course options. Compliance driven evaluation process with lack of opportunities for employee development. Lack of cutting edge technology tools to improve teaching and learning in all schools. Narrow opportunities for collaborative leadership in the management of schools. Rigid guidelines and inefficient methods to allocate resources in and among schools. …and identified several challenges

Challenge Strategic Focus Area Ensuring Effective Schools Rigid guidelines and inefficient methods to allocate resources in and among schools. Narrow opportunities for collaborative leadership in the management of schools. Lack of cutting edge tools to improve teaching and learning in all schools. Compliance driven evaluation process with limited employee development. Limited freedom in instructional delivery methods and course options. Managing Resources Integrating Technology Enhancing People Advancing Instruction This led to development of 5 strategic focus areas

Our Three Measures of Student Success Graduation College Readiness Career Readiness

Goal 1: Graduation 90% of Fulton students will graduate High School on time. Source: GA Department of Education Strategic Goal of 90% Our Opportunity Percentage of Students

Goal 2: College Readiness 85% of seniors will earn an SAT score to be competitive for admission at University System of Georgia Institutions Scores and participation rates rise at all schools Stretch Goal: 35% more students achieve a score considered “high likelihood of college success” (1550) Source: Fulton County Schools Data Warehouse Strategic Goal of 85%

Goal 3: Career Readiness 100% of students will meet an objective standard for work readiness in the areas of: Applied math Reading for information Locating information

Charter System enables flexibility Strategic Focus AreaExample of Flexibility Provided Ensuring Effective Schools Managing Resources Integrating Technology Enhancing People Advancing Instruction School flexibility in the allocation of local resources including equipment and materials. Stakeholders have increased decision making authority with School Governance Council model. Use technology in innovative ways based on guidance from the Governance Council and best practices. Flexible and clear career ladder options for teachers. Introduce additional courses and subjects at the school level.

Strategic Focus AreaExample of Flexibility Provided Ensuring Effective Schools Managing Resources Integrating Technology Enhancing People Advancing Instruction School flexibility in the allocation of local resources including equipment and materials. Stakeholders have increased decision making authority with School Governance Council model. Use technology in innovative ways based on guidance from the Governance Council and best practices. Flexible and clear career ladder options for teachers. Introduce additional courses and subjects at the school level. Charter System enables flexibility

An example of how the Charter System supports the Strategic Plan: Advancing Instruction Develop customized programs of study to meet individual student needs and interests. Blended learning options available to address individual student instructional needs Create a broader array of credit-bearing internships aligned with students’ career and academic interests. Example of Flexibility ProvidedAdvancing Instruction Action Item Develop additional courses or partner with universities, to allow students to excel beyond a traditional high school curriculum by relaxing seat time requirements. Teach applications of science and math by using qualified professionals, in addition to certified teachers, and developing practical, relevant and current course lessons and projects in partnership with corporations. Increase challenging, innovative learning opportunities for all students. Infuse programs of study across math, science, and the humanities that promote student skills necessary for college and career

“Building Our Future” is the key to realizing our goals By 2017: 90% of our students graduate on time 85% of our seniors are competitive for admission at University System of Georgia 100% of students are career ready One District aligned to Build the Future of the Students of Fulton County.

How will you contribute?