Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is strategic planning?

A strategic plan is a roadmap for the organization's key priorities over a period of time. MESD’s strategic plan will be implemented during a five-year period (2023 to 2028). It will inform institution priority-setting and decision-making around three goals, as indicated in the plan. Embedded in the plan are also the district’s newly defined mission statement.

Why is strategic planning important?

Strategic planning gives you the opportunity to:

• Reconnect with vision and mission

• Increase ownership of organization

• Meet changing needs

• Define as a team what success looks like

• Ensure that you are all going in the same direction

What does the strategic plan accomplish?

• Create a shared mission, vision, and core values across the organization

• Confirms a few specific priorities and ensures alignment

• Provides a path for the removal of barriers to address long standing inequities

What are the important components of a strategic plan?

1.   Mission

2.   Vision

3.   Goals

4.   Strategies

Why did MESD choose “Blueprint’28” as a title for the strategic plan?

A blueprint is an early plan or design that explains how something might be achieved. We named our strategic plan "Blueprint'28" because it is a plan that will be achieved by 2028 and can be copied by others.

How will you measure the impact of this goal one in student learning and performance outcomes, i.e. are there baseline assessments in place at the component district level and within our agency and ongoing assessments to measure progress along the way?  What is the plan to monitor and adjust our strategies based on the progress reports?

Each component district has established baseline data and 5-year targets (Longitudinal Performance Growth Targets) for five common metrics: 

• • Regular Attenders

  • 3rd Grade Reading (ELA)

  • 9th grade on-track

  • 4-year graduation

  • 5-year completion

In addition, component districts will be documenting changes they observe within ODE’s Progress Marker Framework. Progress Markers name some of the kinds of systems changes that will likely lead to changes in the five common metrics, but can be observed and measured more frequently.

MESD’s SSA Technical Assistance plan is reviewed and updated annually through the District Service Plan process in order to ensure that the supports we provide to districts are tied to their priorities, which they are measuring through the Progress Markers process.

Are we using the program report cards to help inform the work in this goal?

Yes, schools and programs have been asked to consider the performance metrics in their report cards as a starting point for setting goals.  Schools will be setting goals related to reading, math, and behavior, all of which are reflected in performance metrics in their report cards. 

The report cards are also useful in understanding who schools and programs serve, including shifts in student demographics over time, which can help inform resource allocation and PD opportunities both at the school/program and district levels. 

Note: The Board also requested to see data from the report cards across time. Please take into consideration differences in assessment tools and the context of the pandemic when making comparisons across time. All Schools/Programs- Longitudinal Data

Are we using the information from the Equity Audit report to help inform the work in this goal?

Equity Audit data analysis was included in the aggregated implications work which is informing plan implementation. Various data points within the strategic plan will help us track our implementation of the Audit recommendations. 

More specifically, staff asked in the Equity Audit for more intentional opportunities to discuss race and diversity with colleagues to build their skills and practice these conversations.  This is reflected in professional learning opportunities being offered to MESD staff in alignment with Goal 1, Strategy 1.