School Improvement Planning: 
A Ten-Step Process
 

A Ten-Step Process for School Improvement
   
 

Developing a Knowledge Base
Acquiring Knowledge and Understanding the Process
All members of the school community collaborate on strategic planning related to school improvement.
   
 

Using the Data
Analyzing the Data
The team assembles a variety of data, seeks patterns, and determines specific needs related to student achievement and participation. Focus should be upon use of disaggregated data.
   
Setting Priorities
After the data have been analyzed and strengths and weaknesses in student achievement and participation identified, the team begins to prioritize needs as indicated by the data.
   
Clarifying the Problem
Schools determine needs and problems, and examine changes that may be needed on what they are doing and how they are organized.
   
 

Developing the Plan
   
Identifying Goals and Objectives
The team develops broad statements about student outcomes and identifies incremental steps through which these outcomes can be achieved.
   
Choosing the Strategies for Improvement
The identifies strategies for accomplishing the objectives. It specifies individuals and groups responsible for implementing/monitoring the plan.
   
 

Implementing and Monitoring the Plan
   
Implementing the Plan
The staff and community share ownership of the plan and assume their roles in its implementation.
   
Monitoring/Assessing Results
With frequent checks of progress as a basis for formative evaluation, the team addresses concerns, expresses support, and pays particular attention to milestones.
   
 

Keeping the Plan Moving Forward
   
Revising the Plan
As a result of the monitoring process, the team makes adjustments to the plan when progress toward meeting objectives is not being made or selected milestones are not appropriately met. Staff and community share ownership of the changes.
   
Managing Change
The team works in many ways to be sure that all members of the school community understand the change process and the direction in which the school is headed. All members understand their connection to that process and their role in implementing and supporting the process.
   

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This site was developed by the Department of Staff Development, in collaboration with the Division of Instruction. Questions, comments, and other inquiries may be addressed to Allene Chriest (achriest@pgcps.org) or Jeff Maher  (jmaher@pgcps.org).