Revised Strategic Plan

Flagstaff Unified School District

Overview of Long-Range Strategic Plan Draft

Over the course of the past year, a group of 30 FUSD administrators and teachers, as well as community members and NAU professionals, have worked to set districtwide goals and to develop action plans for long-range improvement. The process involved an extensive needs assessment based on community, district and family demographics, student achievement data, and the Teacher Needs and Perceptions Survey undertaken in partnership with the Coconino County Superintendent’s Office.

The Strategic Plan is not complete. Some action plans, as noted on the following pages, have yet to be written. Others have been drafted, but not approved or finalized by the full Strategic Planning Team. This overview provides only the overall objectives, strategies, and key activities that have been developed to date. The final document will outline the “Responsible Party” and “Timeline” for each strategy, as well as a listing of professional development needs and evaluation measures. Over the coming years, the Strategic Plan will be continually added to, updated and revised in response to changing needs and ongoing input from District and community members. As work begins on each goal and its supporting strategies, sub-committee members will be sought from throughout FUSD and the community.

Before revising and finalizing the plan and taking it to the Governing Board for approval, the Planning Team is seeking your input. We know this is an extremely busy time, but we would like to ask that you take a few minutes to examine this overview, complete and submit the scantron evaluation form (available in your school office). If you prefer, you may review and evaluate only those portions that are most vital to you and your responsibilities in the District. Please submit the form to your school office, to the Assistant Superintendent’s Office for Curriculum & Instruction or to the Receptionist in the FUSD Administrative Center no later than June 30 th.

Your written comments are particularly encouraged. These should be included in the spaces provided on the scantron form or sent, via email, to sjohnson@fusd1.org. Thanks for your time . . . and enjoy a much-anticipated and well-deserved summer break!

Purpose of the Long-Range Strategic Plan

Improved teaching and learning
Integration of local, state, and federal programs
Effective resource utilization
Non-duplication of services
Ongoing assessment and plan revision

All leading to . . . Improved Student Achievement for ALL Students

This plan supports “No Child Left Behind” Goals:

All students will reach high standards, attaining proficiency or better in reading, language arts and mathematics.
All students will graduate from high school.
All students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.
All students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free, and conducive to learning.

We're broadening our view beyond NCLB to include goals in . . .

Science
Social Studies
Technology
Art, Music, PE
Expanding home/family engagement

Action Plan Components

Specific Action Plans include the following components . . .

Overall Objective (What long-range impact is sought? What is our ultimate goal?)
NCLB Goals (Which NCLB goals are addressed by the objective?
Identified Needs (What is the current state of affairs? What needs will the objective address?
Strategies and Activities (What strategies and activities can best address our needs and make a long-term, lasting impact on student learning?)
Responsible Party & Timeline (What individual or group will be charged with bringing together the appropriate people and overseeing the activities outlined within each action plan?)
Professional Development (What training or support—whether for certificated staff, administrators, paraprofessionals or parents—will be needed to ensure successful implementation?)
Measurement of Success (How can we show ourselves, our families and the community the progress we've made toward achieving our overall objective?)

Reading & Language Arts
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: All students will master the Arizona State Standards in reading and language arts.

All students will become proficient readers (reading at or above grade level) by the time they complete third grade.

Use a research-based reading system at the primary grades that addresses the five required components of effective reading programs (as defined by the National Reading Panel). These include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.
Train teaching staff in best practices related to differentiated instruction; oversee implementation and ongoing monitoring.
Provide early detection and effective, research-based reading intervention to supplement classroom reading instruction for the bottom quartile of students.
Partner with Head Start and other local preschool programs in and out-of district to implement and provide training in pre-literacy programming to increase school readiness.

Students in grades 4 through 12 will receive the support needed to ensure that they show continuous progress in reading and writing skills each successive school year.

Provide research-based reading instruction at the secondary level.
Train teaching staff in best practices related to the integration of reading and writing across content areas.
Provide ongoing staff training and monitor the implementation across all grades and content areas in the most effective use of the Six Traits of Writing.
Provide intensive remediation to supplement regular classroom reading and language arts instruction for students not meeting Arizona State Standards.
Provide sheltered English classes (modified instruction) for ELL and Native American students.
Provide the appropriate tools, materials and resources to support regular classroom and supplemental reading and language arts activities. This includes ensuring curricular consistency districtwide, articulation and sequencing of the curriculum with clearly-defined entry and exit skills, and textbook adoptions that support Arizona State Standards.

FUSD will support partnerships to ensure that Flagstaff becomes a highly literate community.

Partner with community entities (NAU, CCC, city and county government, public libraries, social service agencies, medical providers, businesses, etc.) to implement a “community literacy marketing campaign” (i.e., stress the importance of reading and writing for both work and enjoyment; parents reading to children from birth throughout childhood; adults modeling reading and writing to youth in day-to-day activities; community celebrations of reading and writing, etc.).
Increase student and community exposure to literature.
Expand districtwide and community-wide opportunities to showcase writing (i.e., local publications, writing contests, etc.).
Expand opportunities for preschool programming with concurrent adult literacy activities.

Mathematics
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: All students will meet or exceed Arizona State Standards in mathematics.

All elementary school students will become proficient in basic math skills prior to entering middle school.

Develop and implement a consistent, districtwide math curriculum based on the Arizona State Standards for Mathematics (i.e., articulation and sequencing of the curriculum K-12 with clearly-defined entry and exit skills and textbook adoptions that support Arizona State Standards).
Ensure elementary level mathematics instruction is taught by highly-qualified teachers (i.e., provide math mentors to assist teachers as needed; adopt core curriculum model at grades five and six similar to middle school to allow staff to teach areas for which they are most qualified).
Train teaching staff in best practices related to differentiated instruction; oversee implementation and ongoing monitoring.
Provide early math intervention to supplement classroom math instruction for students not meeting Arizona State Standards.
Provide the appropriate tools, materials and resources to support regular classroom and supplemental math activities.

Secondary students will excel in higher-level mathematics and problem solving skills, at a minimum, becoming proficient in algebra and geometry.

Develop and implement a consistent, districtwide math curriculum based on the Arizona State Standards for Mathematics (i.e., articulation and sequencing of the curriculum K-12 with clearly-defined entry and exit skills and textbook adoptions that support Arizona State Standards).
Provide ongoing staff training in best practices related to differentiated instruction; oversee implementation and ongoing monitoring.
Provide intensive remediation to supplement regular classroom math instruction for students not meeting Arizona State Standards
Evaluate and revise as needed the districtwide math placement exams. Pilot with pre- and post-assessment comparison to placement. Implement the revised model districtwide in grades 6 through 11.
Provide the appropriate tools, materials and resources to support regular classroom and supplemental math activities.

Science
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: All students will meet or exceed the Arizona State Standards in science.

All students will become proficient in the use of scientific inquiry and problem-solving.

Develop and implement a consistent, districtwide science curriculum based on the Arizona State Standards for Science (i.e., articulation and sequencing of the curriculum K-12 with clearly-defined entry and exit skills and textbook adoptions that support Arizona State Standards).
Provide training for teachers K-12 in the Arizona State Articulated Science Standards and the corresponding AIMS assessment.
Expand and update the District's Science Kits to ensure consistent application of the Arizona State Articulated Science Standards.
Integrate technology standards and the use of technology tools into science discovery and learning.
Provide the appropriate tools, materials and resources to support hands-on scientific learning.

All students will become proficient in science content as defined by the Arizona State Standards.

Promote literacy through science content reading and writing as well as activities to keep students abreast of current scientific events and discoveries.
Utilize reading interventions to support students in the bottom quartile with content area reading in science.
Provide professional development activities to assist teachers with acquiring necessary science content knowledge.

Social Studies

Objective: All students will meet or exceed the Arizona State Standards . . .

NOTE: Action Plan not completed to date. Social Studies teachers contact sjohnson@fusd1.org if you are willing to help with this component.

Technology
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: Effective and appropriate integration of technology will result in significant improvements in the quality of our educational system and community.

FUSD students and educators will become proficient in the use of technology to support teaching and learning.

Market technology standards for students, teachers and administrators consistently across the District.
Define consistent expectations for technology skills and cross-curricular integration.
Utilize Career Ladder PFEs in communicating technology objectives and activities to teachers.

Ensure equitable access and timely resources to support technology across the District.

Equalize per student funding for technology.
Develop a formula for computer to support ratio.
Implement a time study against industry standard.
Provide site-level support and funding for technology integration and site hardware and software needs.
Develop, implement and fund a technology replacement cycle.
Increase the District's bandwidth to improve internet access.

Utilize technology to support data-driven decision-making.

Provide teachers and administrators with timely and accurate data regarding demographics and student achievement.
Implement a secure, flexible, and accessible data system.

Provide technology for parents to access educational resources and training.

Survey family needs.
Establish technology access points available on a flexible schedule and to meet varying educational, informational and cultural needs.
Provide ongoing training for community users.
Explore and obtain grant funding to expand services within the community.

Career & Technical Education
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: Provide high-quality CTE options to prepare students for success in the workplace and post-secondary education.

Develop and sustain community partnerships to enhance the transition into the workforce or post-secondary education.

Network with Coconino Community College to provide CTE courses with dual enrollment and to provide an outlet for community internships for FUSD students.
Partner with an existing Joint Vocational District to provide additional vocational opportunities.
Market the Joint Vocational District to dispel misconceptions of CTE and to increase enrollment in existing and developing programs.

Expand Career and Technical Education programming options for students.

Develop and implement broader CTE class selections for students.
Support CTE programming with adequate, up-to-date technical labs, equipment, materials, software and textbooks for grades 7 through 12.
Maintain program quality by providing complete programs with sufficient size and intensity to ensure student proficiency.
Limit CTE trade/industry labs to 20 students to ensure student safety.
Recruit and retain highly-qualified CTE personnel.

Establish integrated cross-curricular programs to enhance academic achievement.

Establish pilot programs between instructors in different disciplines.
Introduce current administrators and faculty to successful programs statewide.

The Arts
Pending Approval of Strategic Planning Team

Objective: FUSD will provide all students opportunities for expanded learning, personal growth and enrichment through high-quality arts programming.

Maintain current programming and expand opportunities in the Arts (Music, Art, Drama, etc.) for all students K-12.

Integrate Arizona State Standards for the Arts across curricular areas.
Build community partnerships to provide arts experiences. Invite arts organizations into the schools and utilize artists-in-residence.
Gain community support by providing more performances and exhibitions in the community.
Emphasize community service as part of the arts programs.
Seek grant funding for arts programs, particularly for schools where an arts magnet or emphasis is in place.
Establish an Arts Endowment to ensure continued funding for arts programming.

Develop a common mission, vision and goals for the FUSD arts program.

Provide administrative support for arts staff to build effective programs.
Provide clear, effective lines of command and communication in coordinating arts programs.
Build an arts emphasis from elementary through high school levels.
Equalize district-supported curricular offerings in the arts at all schools.

Provide the infrastructure needed to support and expand arts programming.

Establish and fund a districtwide arts coordinator position.
Provide adequate and equitable supplies, equipment, facilities and staff for arts programming.
Develop workable, equitable schedules for arts staff.

Physical Education & Health

Objective:

NOTE: Action Plan not completed to date. PE staff contact sjohnson@fusd1.org if you are willing to help with this component.

Special Education
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: Identified Special Education students will show measurable, continuous progress on the Arizona State Academic Standards and on the Individual Education Plan goals.

Develop and implement a sustained, high-quality training component specific to Special Education programming and needs for all FUSD staff.

Develop a long-range professional development plan based on needs assessment (to include staff and parent input, student achievement data, and IEP progress).
Collaborate with the District's Professional Development Resource Center to provide, track and evaluate professional development opportunities for teachers, support staff, administrators and paraprofessionals.
Provide ongoing assessment, research and modification of the professional development model and specific training opportunities to ensure a highly-qualified staff and continuous student growth.

Provide quality, innovative Special Education programming options that will ensure an appropriate continuum of services for each special needs population.

Assess current programming and identify areas of need to more appropriately address individual student needs.
Gather information from scientifically-based research, surveys of comparable districts, and state and national organizations regarding quality, innovative Special Education programming.
Design and implement quality, innovative Special Education programming options that will ensure an appropriate continuum of services for each special needs population (i.e., transitional kindergarten, emotionally disabled programming, autistic programming for secondary students, vocational special education programs, etc.).

Streamline and provide adequate support for the paperwork and reporting processes required by IDEA.

Explore options to allow additional time or other compensation to Special Education teachers who are required to process mandated state and federal documentation (i.e., release time, monetary support or other incentives).
Explore and implement technological methods for streamlining and consolidating mandated state and federal documentation.
Provide training for Special Education staff in time management and organizational strategies to expedite the processing of mandated state and federal documentation.

Provide high-quality and ongoing support for parents and guardians of special needs students.

Survey parents and teachers to determine support and training needs for parents or guardians as related to special needs students.
Develop and implement programs or workshops, in collaboration with the District's Family Resource Center, for parents and guardians of special needs students.

Cross-Curricular
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: FUSD will ensure districtwide consistency and equity across all curricular areas.

Ensure continuous alignment and implementation of districtwide research-based programs that support standards.

Establish a districtwide curriculum alignment team to review current curricular needs and to ensure consistency with Arizona State Standards.
Acquire or identify a district Curriculum Specialist to conduct ongoing evaluations of curriculum and to assist with development, implementation and assessment of curriculum.
Develop a procedure for consistent, districtwide implementation of curriculum (i.e., curriculum mapping, ongoing professional development, etc.).
Facilitate curriculum collaboration between grade levels and at transition grades to ensure continuous progress toward meeting the standards.
Provide and embed technology resources to support curricular needs and improved student achievement.

Review and revise the textbook adoption process to ensure districtwide consistency, equity and correlation to Arizona State Standards.

Utilize a textbook adoption committee to establish procedures for the adoption process.
Review current textbooks and recommend continuation or exploration of other options.

Establish clearly-defined entry and exit skills across all grade levels and content areas.

Define entry and exit skills and develop benchmark assessment instruments
Provide ongoing assessment utilizing the benchmark assessment.
Provide a formalized system to allow staff to share benchmark results and to outline intervention processes for students who do not meet expectations.

Ensure integration across the curriculum.

Integrate core subject standards across Physical Education, Music, Arts/Drama curriculum.
Facilitate curriculum collaboration meetings between grade levels and at transition grades.
Develop and provide easy access to a “bank” of proven standards-based lesson plans.

Provide equitable resources that support the District's diversity of students and their needs.

Enhance school libraries with culturally relevant reading materials.
Promote arts in the community and an appreciation for diversity in the arts.
Establish and maintain consistent per student funding across the district for technology, school libraries, arts, P.E., etc.

Supplemental Services
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: Supplemental services will be optimized to eliminate the academic achievement gap between student groups and to ensure that all students receive equal access to support services deemed appropriate to their individual needs.

Supplemental services will be provided to improve English language proficiency and academic achievement in reading, writing and mathematics.

Analyze student data (attendance, language proficiency, program participation, assessment, etc.) to determine needs.
Develop and implement a comprehensive, cohesive, articulated program to address linguistic, academic and cultural needs of English language learners, language minority students, and all Title I students achieving in the lowest quartile.
Provide supplemental AIMS preparation interventions.
Provide tutoring and homework support through Gear Up, Title I, ELL, Indian Education, Family Resource Center, etc.
Expand dual language and Navajo immersion programs.
Identify and serve culturally diverse and language minority students in accelerated academic programs (enrichment, AP, gifted and honors).

Intensive, sustained professional development will provide staff the tools necessary to increase academic achievement for all students.

Provide support and training for teachers in effective classroom strategies to meet the varied rates and learning styles of all students.
Establish and maintain a mentoring structure to support classroom implementation of effective strategies.

Adequate health and social services will be provided to meet the needs of individual students and families.

Maintain a nurse to student ratio appropriate to serve the health needs of all students (i.e., one full-time nurse per elementary school and a ratio of one nurse to 750 students at the secondary level).
Maintain a counselor to student ratio appropriate to serve the needs of all students (i.e., one full-time counselor per elementary school and one counselor per grade level at the secondary schools).
Provide support to homeless students and families through an intake and social services referral process, home/school liaison services, and tutoring or other academic assistance.

Safe Schools
Pending Approval of Strategic Planning Team

Objective: FUSD will ensure learning and work environments that are safe, drug-free and conducive to learning.

Eliminate all incidents of all types of bullying and harassment.

Study data and patterns of bullying and harassment.
Identify needs and review Board-adopted policies.
Review and evaluate current programs addressing identified need, including effectiveness and revise or replace as needed.
Evaluate other consequence-based programs to ensure they reflect best practices and scientifically-based research.
Educate students, staff and parents regarding cogent issues.
Implement student/teacher and student/counselor ratios as recommended by national guidelines.

Promote “connectedness” of students and staff to their school.

Continue, revise or implement programs which provide students greater opportunities to become a part of their school community, (i.e., Character Education, PEERS, Student Court, etc.).
Implement, support or reinstate leadership programs, student councils, clubs and other extracurricular programs.
Evaluate existing programs and explore alternative education programs with late afternoon, evening and/or flex scheduling and “fifth year” high school opportunities.
Develop strategies for re-entry and/or retrieval of students after dropping out of school.
Implement an Attendance Officer Program.
Provide proactive interventions for students failing classes.
Establish a telephone and web-based homework assistance help-line, as well as direct services for tutoring and homework help.
Review and revise school retention policies to ensure all students are ready for the next grade level, paying particular attention to those students entering 7 th and 9 th grades.
Implement early intervention, via small classes, for behavioral and academic difficulties.

Improve the physical safety of district facilities for students, staff and community members.

Review student injury reports and workers' compensation claims.
Provide ongoing staff safety presentations.
Conduct continual safety reviews of facilities. Ensure all facilities comply with ADA and OSHA standards.
Review and improve snow and ice removal plans.
Prepare a schedule for on-going maintenance, repairs and replacement as needed in facilities.
Review and implement security measures on campuses (i.e., cameras, alarm systems, security guards).
Ensure student/teacher ratios in all labs that meet or exceed state and national guidelines.
Ensure student/nurse ratios in all schools that meet or exceed national guidelines.
Review and revise school policies and procedures pertaining to student and staff insurance.

School Choice
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: FUSD will provide equitable opportunities for all students.

Investigate, develop a nd provide innovative school choice for families and students.

Create and/or expand magnet school options, where appropriate.
Implement a vocational pathway which certifies students and enables them to enter the work force immediately after high school.
Provide accredited, concurrent or dual enrollment with colleges.
Refinance grant funding to continue and expand the Gear Up program to all secondary schools.
Provide flexible school hours, to include year-round school, later start times, and evening classes as needed.
Provide online educational opportunities for appropriate students.

Publicize and promote FUSD schools and high-quality programs and services.

Advertise and continually highlight all of FUSD's schools and programs in the local media.
Create promotional brochures for FUSD, its schools and/or programs.
Staff a department or positions as needed to create and maintain a website for each FUSD school and program.
Develop a District motto for a promotional poster to be displayed at highly-frequented locations in the Flagstaff area.

Professional Development
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: Quality professional development will enhance classroom teaching and learning to improve student achievement.

Develop an infrastructure for sustained, intensive, high-quality professional development that is supported by data-driven decision-making.

Implement a districtwide Professional Development Resource Center (PDRC) to facilitate and coordinate all professional development opportunities within the District.
Consolidate and formalize a system for regular evaluation and tracking of individual, group, schoolwide and districtwide professional development opportunities. This would include evaluations of specific professional development activities as well as regular surveys of certificated, classified and administrative staff to determine needs, interests and perceptions.
Facilitate collaboration and communication between the PDRC, supplemental service programs, professional development providers, certificated and classified staff and administrators.
Ensure effective and equitable use of all funding sources for professional development
Customize an online portal to provide logistical support and evaluation tools for professional development as well as an avenue for sharing standards-based lesson plans, best practices and scientifically-based research.
Consolidate and revise (for electronic submission) forms currently utilized for professional development (i.e., leave requests, funding requests, travel reimbursements, evaluation forms) to make professional development more accessible to staff while increasing the efficiency of records management.

Utilize data-driven decision-making to make appropriate and equitable decisions regarding professional development initiatives.

Create a database of resources matched to identified needs for professional growth.
Create a database of grants, programs and services within FUSD.
Obtain and utilize reliable and accurate data in making decisions regarding use of funding for professional development opportunities and the effectiveness of that training.
Revise, through the negotiations process, the District's teacher evaluation tool to reflect best practices and ongoing implementation of professional development.
Develop and utilize a valid and effective tool for professional development activities provided in and out of the district. Maintain a database of evaluation results.
Ensure appropriate implementation of state and federal legislative requirements by researching, disseminating information and providing professional development to support required activities.

Identify and expand time for professional development opportunities.

Analyze existing time availability schoolwide and districtwide (i.e., 301 days, snow days, planning days, etc.).
Research successful models for expanding professional development time nationally.
Develop and adopt a proposal that makes effective use of available time and expands time options to support sustained professional development.

Establish and maintain collaborations and partnerships to support quality professional development.

Identify and secure entitlement, competitive and programmatic funding to support the PDRC and specific professional development activities.
Create and strengthen partnerships with the Coconino County Superintendent's Office, Northern Arizona University, Coconino Community College, Arizona Department of Education and local businesses and service organizations to support professional development opportunities for preservice and inservice teachers and administrators.
Develop and strengthen the districtwide, communitywide and statewide network to monitor and modify the District's Professional Development Plan.
Develop an maintain pathways for communicating professional development opportunities to the staff, community and Governing Board.
Evaluate and report annually to all stakeholders the use and impact of professional development funding and programming.

Data-Driven Decision Making
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: FUSD will utilize appropriate, accurate and timely data in all decisions regarding student learning and professional development.

Provide teachers and administrators with timely and accurate data regarding demographics and student achievement.

Identify current data sources and the reliability of the data.
Obtain and implement data management systems (i.e., administrators, teachers and students).
Establish a clearinghouse for data requests.
Improve the existing infrastructure (network and computer system) to support the implementation of data management systems.

Provide an infrastructure for teachers and administrators to make appropriate personal and school-based professional development choices based on student achievement and best practices.

Establish a districtwide Professional Development Resource Center.
Develop and use a tool for obtaining districtwide, consistent teacher and administrator evaluations that reflect professional development needs and best practices.
Implement a data management system using student achievement to drive professional development activities.

Provide parents easy access to student information.

Purchase and implement the Home Logic component of the district's SIRS system to provide parental access to student information.
Market the Home Logic system and provide training for parents in its use.
Provide an online parent survey to evaluate usage and customer satisfaction with the system.

Provide consistent and reliable tools or benchmarks to assess student learning.

Establish grade level and curricular area teams to identify benchmarks.
Monitor student performance to evaluate mastery of benchmarks.
Establish and use data teams to interpret data.
Implement a uniform system districtwide for recording and reporting benchmark data.

Family and Community
Approved by Strategic Planning Team

Objective: FUSD will build and sustain effective partnerships with the community and families, resulting in greater student achievement.

FUSD will more effectively utilize community assets.

Expand and maintain the FUSD website; encourage local businesses to include a link to the FUSD website on their site.
Increase partnerships with local businesses, NAU and CCC by creating adopt-a-school programs, mentorship programs, teaching partnerships, career fairs, after-school opportunity sponsorships, etc.

Use proactive marketing to expand and improve effective communication both inside and outside the district.

Develop and implement a regular electronic newsletter for staff and community.
Implement ongoing communication with PTOs, site councils, etc.
Design and utilize a new district slogan and logo.
Host regular community presentations/performances (exhibitions, open houses, school days at the mall, etc.).
Provide multiple venues of communication (i.e., districtwide video, local media spots, newsletters, websites, etc.).

Increase student achievement through family partnerships.

Communicate with parents clearly and concisely in their home language, reducing educational jargon.
Expand and support the District Family Resource Center by marketing and providing parenting workshops, community activities, and student academic services.
Develop, implement, and expand community-wide family literacy efforts.