A. Initiate contact with School Improvement Leadership Team members.

1. Provide information about SIP Tool, planning process, and expectations for the year.

May, June, or later

B. Organize and prepare the group to become a leadership team for the school (may involve multiple meetings).

1. To answer questions such as:

• What school improvement activities have already taken place?
• Do we have a representative leadership team?
• How often will our team meet?
• What professional development/training do team members need?
• How will our team communicate with each other?
• How will the team dialogue with internal and external stakeholders?
• What strategies will we use to effectively involve parents and community members in the process?
• What resources are available (staff, time, budget)?

June–August

C. Introduce school staff to school improvement planning process.

1. Introduce staff to Characteristics of Successful Schools
2. Orient staff to WINSS
3.Provide information to all staff on SIP Tool process

September

D. Collect Data.

1. To answer questions such as:

• What data exists on WINSS?
• What local data do we need to gather?

September through October

E. Analyze data (Steps 1 through 3 in SIP Tool).

1.Develop staff capacity to analyze and use data.
2. Identify, refine, and prioritize concerns about student performance and behavior.

October through December and ongoing

F. Develop Hypotheses (Step 4 in SIP Tool).

1. Investigate underlying factors that contribute to identified concerns.
2. Consider additional data to support or refute the hypotheses.
3. Reach consensus about key areas that need additional study and/or are potential goals.

January and ongoing

G. Develop Improvement Goals (Step 5 in SIP Tool).

1. Provide long-term, focused direction for school

February and ongoing

H. Identify specific strategies for each goal (Step 6 in SIP Tool).

1. Review action steps for comprehensiveness and likelihood that they will achieve expected outcomes. Adjust as necessary, revising to make plan more effective.
2. Incorporate scientifically-based research strategies.

February through March and ongoing

I. Design evaluation methods for goals and strategies.

1. Provide information that measures progress.

April and ongoing

J. Review plan with staff, administration, parents, and others.

1. Provide information, build ownership, and review implementation of goals.

April and ongoing

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