What is different about this plan?
As you review this draft, you will see both current and new initiatives. The primary focus of this strategic plan, however, is not simply on adding new initiatives but on overcoming the systemic barriers that have hindered the success of existing ones. What sets this plan apart is that it:
Identifies and tackles systemic barriers that have prevented initiatives and best practices from delivering the desired results.
Emphasizes interconnected and coordinated efforts rather than isolated actions.
Integrates accountability into every strategy to ensure measurable impact.
One example is professional learning. While it was a key component of our last strategic plan and a recurring theme in Phase 1 focus group feedback, the Board of Education has frequently questioned its impact on students.
Root Causes
In Phase 2, a diverse work group—including staff from all associations, as well as community, academic, and business partners—identified the following root causes that prevent professional learning from achieving its intended impact.
(Learn about the Systems Iceberg approach to identifying challenges and root causes.)
Leaders often lack training to facilitate effective professional development (professional learning), leading to fragmented experiences. Many staff members do not see themselves reflected in professional learning goals, and feedback from teachers is rarely sought.
Limited dedicated time for professional learning within the school day, competing priorities, and insufficient planning time—exacerbated by a shortage of substitute teachers—restrict teachers' ability to engage in professional learning.
Inadequate funding for professional learning resources, including texts, digital tools, and material storage. Budget constraints also limit funding for substitutes and stipends, making it difficult to meet schools' professional learning needs.
Professional learning often lacks alignment with strategic goals and effective instructional practices. Solutions tend to focus on surface-level issues rather than addressing root causes, leading to inconsistent effectiveness.
There is no systematic process for collecting and analyzing data to assess professional learning’s impact on teaching and learning. Data is rarely used to inform instructional changes or evaluate professional learning effectiveness.
Professional learning delivery is fragmented across multiple offices, creating a lack of coordination. Heavy reliance on outside consultants results from staffing shortages and frequent curriculum changes that require ongoing training.
Resistance to change persists due to entrenched policies and traditional mindsets. A "one-size-fits-all" approach and paternalistic views hinder efforts to modernize professional learning.
Rather than listing professional learning as one action item, the strategic plan addresses the root causes through a set of connected strategies.
Each action would only have a limited impact if enacted alone. These strategies are designed to work together as part of a coordinated plan, leading to real improvements in the classroom.
The chart to the right highlights the parts of the new strategic plan that work together to ensure effective professional learning.