Academics 2005 - 2008
SPECIFIC GOAL: We will develop and implement quality programs that result in continuous academic improvement for all learners.

• Core Curriculum Coordinators and Department Heads for each academic area will meet as a team for one full day each semester.

• There is clear and convincing evidence that curriculum leaders are using the knowledge gained to promote and enhance the quality of the district academic programs.

• Core Curriculum Coordinators and Department Heads have met second semester to learn about a curriculum mapping tool.

• We will has established a district standard for staff technology skills based on Instructional Skills for Technology Education (ISTE) and Michigan Department of Education (MDE) standards.

• All staff will be exposed to cutting edge ideas that assist them in effectively integrating technology into the curriculum.

• Ongoing
• We are reviewing current status and needs for use in summer professional development, technology goals and curriculum adoption projects
• Year 2 of GISD Pioneer Teachers Program enables teachers to share from across the county as well as in their own district and buildings.
• GenNET Phase III initiative is furthering Interactive TV from high school through middle school to elementary buildings
• We are currently exploring software technology as an intervention strategy to integrate technology and enhance student learning.

• Staff will participate in conceptual discussions about educational research and theory to provide guidance on issues regarding effective instruction.

• Staff will participate in skill based workshops to improve their instructional strategies and overall job performance.

• Professional Development opportunities will be offered in the summer, on early release days, before and after school, during technology luncheons and on other occasions per bargaining unit guidelines.

• Staff members will implement strategies taught in professional development sessions to enhance their professional practice.

• Ongoing opportunities occur on early release days, technology luncheons, in before and after school workshops, summer in-services and through district sponsored attendance at state and local conferences.
• In 2006-2007 we implemented district grade level meetings to support delivery of district curriculum.
• Professional development is geared toward literacy intervention provided in 1st-5th grade.
• Implemented World Book Online for K-5th grade.
• Monthly Interactive Tech Support Professional Development for Administrators to learn about instructional and management initiatives.

Assistant Superintendent
Director of Technology

• We will have well aligned curriculum that integrates technology into all academic areas.

• All students will have opportunities to participate in class offerings and additional learning that supports their needs and interests and assists them in maximizing their academic potential.

• Staff knowledge of assistive technology will increase.

• Staff will use knowledge of assistive technology to increase access for all students.

• Ongoing

Assistant Superintendent
DCC

• Facilities Committee will have current and projected program needs when reviewing facility needs.

• Recommendations directed to Facilities Committee 2007

Building Administrators
Assistant Superintendent
Director of Technology
Superintendent

• Analyze data gathering regarding the number of hits to the district web site and information activity line.

• Gather and analyze data from the community regarding the effectiveness of our current methods of communication.  Data collection will include:  surveys, informational interviews at open houses, coffee klatches, etc.

• The following methods of communication will be used:  building open houses, parent conferences, building and district annual reports, building and district web pages, Permanent Records, teacher and building newsletters, Hi-Lights, Tri County Times, Reports to the Board at meetings.

• Ongoing

1.  Identify and eliminate barriers to enrollment in district offered programs.
2.  Review schedules for purpose of increasing ability of students to enroll in courses of interest and need.
3.  Review/revise high school graduation requirements.
4.  Expand learning opportunities to all students with consideration being given to;

     a)  ACT/SAT prep
     b)  Advanced Placement courses
     c)  Transitions from grades 5-6 and 8-9
     d)  Expanded day and year options for elementary, middle and high school students
     e)  Special Education
     f)  Co-operative Education program

Assistant Superintendent
Director of Technology
Special Education Director
Principals
High School Staff
DCC

• All curricula will be well aligned to state and national standards.

• All students will have opportunities to participate in class offerings that support their needs and interests and assist them in maximizing their academic potential.

• Student proficiency on state assessments will continue to improve.

• The number of students scoring in the lowest levels of state assessments will continue to decrease.  (We will continue to narrow the achievement gap for our students).

• Graduation rates will increase.

• Drop out rates will decrease.

• We will continue to meet AYP targets for academic performance, attendance, graduation and drop out rates for all student populations.

• We will meet all building NCA goals.

• We will be fully compliant with the NCLB requirement of having technologically literate students by the end of eighth grade.

• Regular reports are made to the Board, staff, parents and community at board meetings, administrative and staff meetings and through school publications, the District website and local media.

• 2006-2007 Aligned High School Expectations to HS Core Content Areas
• Initiating/Developing AP courses in the areas of English & Government for the 2007-2008 school year
• Michigan Merit Exam (MME)/ACT implemented March 2007
• Researching intervention strategies to include technology integration
• Administrators and teachers from across the district are involved in a series of professional development options to gather information necessary to proceed effectively
• School level feedback is gained through the following modes of communication: open houses, parent meetings, building/classroom newsletters, parent letters, parent/teacher conferences, electronic communication, and social interaction at the beginning and end of each day
• Currently working with 5-6 and 8-9 transitions programs
• 2006-2007 Cross Building Department meetings improved communication New High School Curriculum demands
• 2006-07 Initiated High School Reform Committee consisting of middle and high school staff to explore areas/implications pertaining to new high school reform requirements, including philosophy, schedules, curriculum, staffing, electives, grading, student recognition, etc.
• Focus Group scheduled for April/May to get input from students/parents on designated high school reform issues.
• Implementing between building transitions for special needs students
• Before and after school latchkey at Argentine Elementary began for the 2006-07 school year for all elementary students
• Continued work through Bridges to the Future for after school and summer school programs
• Read and Eat Breakfasts expanded elementary wide

Assistant Superintendent
Principals
DCC

• Cost / benefit analysis determines appropriateness of adding a nationally normed standardized test.
• State assessment scores and curriculum alignment will be validated.

• Information has been collected
• Due to budget constraints we have held off implementing this item until we establish priorities and develop budget line items to support new cost strategic plan items
• 2006-07 continued ongoing discussion of common local assessments

Assistant Superintendent
Director of Technology

• The committees will be able to support staff and provide input on instructional programs at an increased level.

• Implemented and ongoing

Director of Technology
Administrators

• Web content will be current and effective in supporting staff needs.

• All staff members will have appropriate access to effectively perform their job duties.

• All employees have access to the district policies and procedures via the district web site.  We have also provided staff with a direct link on their desktop
• Training has occurred on the use at all buildings.