1. Planning for Success: Creating an Effective District Strategy and Plan
Federal Grant Programs Conference
November 2, 2018

2. Lori Likis, Ed.D Kimberlee S. Chappell Presenters
Planning for Success Consultant
Kimberlee S. Chappell
Title I/Literacy Coordinator, North Adams Public Schools

3. The Planning for Success model and process
Agenda
The Planning for Success model and process
Creating or refining a multi-year strategy and plan
Creating an annual action plan for implementation
The North Adams experience: Kim Chappell
Q & A

4. Planning for Success is…
Inclusive
Flexible
Hands-on
Simple and accessible DIY resources
Recommended

5. The PfS Model A multi-year academic improvement plan
The heart of coherence when systems and resources are aligned
Budget and grants, Educator Evaluation System, school improvement plans
Implemented through an annual action plan

6. The Planning for Success Process
Create Plan
Analyze district performance, educator evaluation, and community feedback data for trends and patterns
Envision the future
Backward design the improvement strategy from specific, desired student outcomes, researching effective practices
Align Systems
Connect Educator Evaluation goals and School Improvement Plans to the District Plan
Leverage budget, grants, and resources in support of the District Plan
Build community commitment to the District Plan
Implement
Create an annual action plan with progress and impact benchmarks
Monitor and publicly report on progress
Redesign the District Plan if necessary
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

7. PfS Superintendent Feedback
“We weren’t just trying to come up with a plan; we were trying to change culture at the same time.” Superintendent Bob Sanborn, Cape Cod Regional Technical High School
“Compliance vs. engagement isn’t just about the kids; it’s about the adults, too!”
Superintendent Barbara Malkas, Webster Public Schools
“If you’re a teacher, principal, social worker, you can see yourself somewhere in this document.” Superintendent Dave DeRuosi, Malden Public Schools
Source: District Planning Case Studies: Planning for Success 2015 Pilot Projects

8. Some PfS Districts Include…
Burlington
Cambridge
Cape Cod Regional Technical
Concord and Concord-Carlisle
Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical
Malden
Marshfield
Northbridge
North Andover
North Middlesex Regional
Pilgrim Area Collaborative
Quabbin Regional
Randolph
Reading
Saugus
Silver Lake Regional
Valley Collaborative
Webster
Weston
Whitman-Hanson Regional

9. Creating/Refining the Plan

10. Elements of a Strategy and Plan
1. Mission, vision, core values
2. Data analysis and theory of action
3. Strategic objectives and initiatives, including:
a. Professional development
b. Teacher induction and mentoring activities
4. Outcomes (SMART goals)
Multi-Year Plan
(3 years)
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

11. Creating a Strategy and Plan: PfS Resources for Each Step
PfS facilitation resources available for:
Designing the planning process
Getting started with the Planning Team
Analyzing the current context
Envisioning the future
Drafting and revising the plan
DIY resources available on website

12. PfS Facilitators Trained in Creating a Plan
Approximately 50 facilitators trained to date
Approximately 30 available for contracting with districts
Facilitator bios and contact information posted on website
Facilitator training to be offered again this year
Contact Lori Likis to learn more

13. Creating the Action Plan

14. Elements of an Action Plan
Implementation benchmarks
Process benchmarks: what, when, who
Early evidence of change benchmarks: measuring impact during implementation
Resources
Action Plan
(annual)
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

15. Implementation Benchmarks
Process
What will be done, when, and by whom
Are we on track to accomplish what we want to accomplish? Is the work getting done?
Early evidence of change
Changes in practice, attitude, or behavior you should begin to see if the initiative is having its desired impact
Does our selected strategy appear to be having the desired impact?

16. What is the current state of the district plan?
Action Plan Readiness
What is the current state of the district plan?
What level of knowledge do stakeholders inside and outside the district have of the plan?
What are some of the cultural issues the district is facing?
Who should be involved in the action planning process and why?
How would you like to structure the action planning process in order to build capacity and address some of the district’s cultural and leadership issues?

17. Creating an Annual Action Plan: PfS Resources for Each Step
PfS facilitation resources available for:
Creating the Action Planning Team
Analyzing planning practices and culture (SWOT)
Creating the action plan
Reviewing the draft action plan for quality
Monitoring and reporting on action plan progress
DIY resources available on PfS website

18. PfS Action Plan Facilitation Training: Action Plan Networks
Action Plan Network objectives
Support districts in creating an action plan
Support district leaders in building facilitation skills
Foster the development of a professional learning network

19. 3-4 retreats over a 4-5 month period
Action Plan Networks
3-4 retreats over a 4-5 month period
Participants trained to facilitate a workshop at each retreat
No cost to districts
PDPs available for participants
Two networks launched to date
Approximately 15 diverse districts
Third network launching fall/winter 2018
Contact Lori Likis to learn more

20. The North Adams Experience: Kim Chappell
A PfS Action Plan Network #2 participant
Assessed the current district plan using PfS resource
With Superintendent Barbara Malkas, leadin process to update and revise the North Adams plan and begin action planning

21. PfS facilitation resources, sample plans, and case studies
Questions?
PfS facilitation resources, sample plans, and case studies
Lori Likis, Ed.D., PfS consultant