2. Accountability & Program Assessment Governing Board Online Training Module

3. Accountability Structure Philosophy and Structure All schools should have an accountability group Separate committee that reports to the governing board Governing board may expand the responsibilities of the accountability group Governing board provides direction to the accountability group Job description Membership guidelines Reporting structures

4. Group Purpose To advise the governing board and to submit recommendations concerning the contents of the strategic plan To meet frequently to discuss whether school leadership, personnel, and infrastructure are advancing or impeding implementation of the school’s vision and mission

5. Group Membership Best practice suggests the group should have: At least seven members School administrator(s) No more than two board members Teacher(s) Parent(s) Community member(s) Members of an organization of teachers, parents, and students

6. Group Function EVALUATE for effectiveness MONITOR progress REPORT to the governing board RECOMMEND for improvement

7. What should the Group Evaluate? School program effectiveness as it relates to the vision and mission of the school Student achievement Parent satisfaction School safety

8. Evaluating Program Effectiveness & Student Achievement Student performance on standardized tests and classroom assessments in major subjects Student portfolios Student preparation for future learning Plan to help underachieving students who may not qualify for intervention services Plan for challenging advanced students

9. Evaluating School Safety & Parent Satisfaction Surveys should be designed to measure: Academic progress School safety School Climate Parent satisfaction Surveys should be approved by the governing board prior to distribution Survey results combined with academic achievement data inform board decisions and strategic planning.

10. What should the Group Monitor? Progress on strategic plan goals Progress on accreditation goals (DRSLs)

11. Evaluating Progress on Strategic Plan Goals The governing board develops goals, strategies, and measures The governing board assesses goal alignment with the school’s vision and mission The governing board directs the accountability group to: Monitor data, measures, and targets Monitor goal timelines

12. Accreditation The Northwest Accreditation Commission accredits district secondary schools and charter schools Every school must have an accreditation plan and submit an annual report Four levels of accreditation: Approved Advised Warned Dropped

13. Evaluating Progress on Accreditation Goals Every accreditation plan must include goals that are specific to the school The accountability group makes recommendations to the governing board regarding accreditation goals The accountability group,may recommend timelines, benchmarks, performance indicators, and data sources The governing board adopts the accreditation plan and develops policy based on any implications The governing board may assign the accountability group ongoing monitoring responsibilities

14. What should the Group Report? Summary data School survey results Goal progress reports

15. Summary Data Data reflecting the school’s values (vision and mission) Data mentioned in the charter application; probably linked to school goals Data required by the Charter Agreement Data needed by administration Data needed for financial decision making

16. Examples of Data Sources for the Group School improvement planning Goal accomplishment and tracking Climate survey results Demographics Discipline, attendance, and graduation records Parent involvement Needs assessment and acquisition records

17. Group Reporting Responsibilities The accountability group should report to the governing board at least quarterly. Summarized data reports Survey progress and summary reports Written recommendations The governing board formally reports to the authorizer on an annual basis The accountability group may provide year-end reports to the community Accountability group meeting minutes

18. What should the Group Recommend? Goals and targets for improvement Needs assessment Resource allocation

19. Summary A program evaluation process and an accountability structure are essential The accountability group could exist as an accountability structure to monitor and ensure: academic progress, school safety, parents satisfaction, and successful attainment of goals. The primary functions of the accountability group could include: evaluating the program for effectiveness, monitoring progress toward accomplishing goals, providing summary reports to the governing board, and making recommendations for school improvement. Data driven decision making should occur at all levels of the school, including the accountability group.