DCSDs School Improvement Planning / UIP
DCSDs School Improvement Planning / UIP
Unified Improvement Planning (UIP) is our district’s process for creating a clear, aligned plan for improving student learning and system effectiveness. The purpose of improvement planning is to focus our collective efforts so that all students graduate ready for postsecondary education and/or prepared to succeed in the workforce.
Our schools and district improve performance by engaging in a cycle of continuous improvement. Each year, schools review data, identify the most critical needs, determine root causes, select major improvement strategies, and monitor progress so we can adjust throughout the year based on evidence.
The goal is one meaningful plan that aligns priorities across the school and district, supports transparent communication with stakeholders, and reduces the need for multiple separate plans. This UIP page provides the district’s template, processes, resources, and supports to help schools develop high-quality plans that lead to measurable results.
Tentative 2026 Timeline
April 15th: Rollover to the 2026-27 Unified Improvement Plan template.
Early July: WIDA Access Growth Released.
Early August: Performance Framework data release to districts including CMAS & P/SAT growth data.
Late August: Preliminary Performance Frameworks released to districts.
Early September: Public release of Preliminary Performance Frameworks; Notification to districts for state and ESSA identifications; Data updated in UIPs including assurances.
Mid September: AEC Frameworks released.
October 15th: Submission deadline: 1) Unified Improvement Plans unless flexibilities apply; 2) Request to Reconsider materials due in the Accreditation Portal.
---Data Tools---
1. CDE UIP System Reports (Most Current)
Access the most current CDE-published reports directly within the UIP Online System. These reports are updated by CDE and are typically refreshed before the public-facing reports, making them the earliest available official data source for UIP planning and submission. Log into the UIP system and locate the reports under the Priorities & Targets section.
2. CMAS Trends and Score Distribution [CMAS Points Possible Reference]
The dashboard highlights changes in overall scores, shifts in performance distributions, and areas of growth or decline. Administrators can use these insights to recognize trends, identify student groups or standards that may need additional support, and guide school improvement planning, instructional priorities, and resource decisions.
3. iReady 4 Quadrant and Summaries
Students and groups are organized into four quadrants based on their current performance and rate of growth, making it easier to identify who is excelling, who is making strong progress, who may be at risk of falling behind, and who needs the most immediate support. The dashboard helps leaders target interventions, recognize effective practices, and guide instructional planning and resource allocation.
4. PSAT/SAT Trends and Score Distribution
The dashboard highlights changes in overall scores, shifts in performance distributions, and areas of growth or decline. Administrators can use these insights to recognize trends, identify student groups or standards that may need additional support, and guide school improvement planning, instructional priorities, and resource decisions.
---Needs Assessment Tools---