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Title : Seattle Schools' New Strategic Plan (Draft)
link : Seattle Schools' New Strategic Plan (Draft)

Seattle Schools' New Strategic Plan (Draft)

Previously, I wrote about the Work Session the Board had for new strategic plan.  I had said this (partial):

The first meeting to catch up on was a Work Session on October 29th which was a presentation by District Management Group (DMG), the consulting firm that will be directing the work for a new strategic plan under Superintendent Juneau.  All the Board members were present except for Director DeWolf and Director Patu.  Juneau noted this would be the first of several Work Sessions on this topic. 

The two DMG folks leading this effort are David James and Hosanna Mahaley.  They have worked with all sizes/types of districts across the nation.

I was somewhat thrilled with the first slide which talked about DMG's beliefs:

We believe that a district must focus on meeting all three of these objectives to achieve lasting results for students: Resource Allocation and Operational Efficiency to provide Student Outcomes.

So much hope and then comes the first draft. 

Here's the preceding paragraph to the draft which is key:

The new strategic plan will set the course for the district for the next three-to-five years and help us focus our resources, work, and initiatives. The draft plan below includes a short list of high-impact priorities and measurable goals focused on improving outcomes for students and embodies the word strategic. While our ongoing operational work to provide excellence to all of our students persists, this plan has clarity about what we are trying to accomplish for our historically underserved students and families.

I'll be upfront - I see nothing truly new in this first draft of the new Strategic Plan.  A more explicit nod to equity and cultural awareness but nothing I would call innovative or new.  In fact, you'd think there would be some acknowledgment of all that came before and how little the district has move the needle - in action, not just words - to create change. 

Frankly, this sounds like a Plan of Action more than a Strategic Plan.  For me the difference is that a Plan of Action is how to carry out the Strategic Plan and where to start.  But the Strategic Plan should include every single student in the district.  

Overall, I don't know if the consultants realize it  but parents and communities have heard these goals before.  They do not ring new or true when they are just words that have been updated and rearranged. 

Draft Priorities and Measurable Goals

Priority 1: High-Quality Instruction and Learning Experiences

Educate the whole child through high-quality instruction and learning experiences that accelerate growth for students of color who are furthest from educational justice, with an intentional focus on African American males.

We will address the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral strengths and needs of students, including providing high-quality, culturally responsive instruction and social-emotional learning supports.

Oh great, yet another term to define - "educational justice."  Still waiting for the district to define "equity."

Also, did they ever define "high-quality?"  I suppose that I, like many current parents in the system, forget all the lingo that gets thrown out.

Priority 2: Operational Systems

Develop operational systems that result in Seattle Public Schools providing a predictable, consistent, high-quality experience for students and families that allows them to focus on learning.

We will operate central office and school functions in a service-oriented, effective manner. We will ensure that every operational team establishes and consistently meets high service levels that provide students and families the information and daily experience that results in a safe and productive school day.

There's that phrase "high-quality" this time for "experience."  Should we start a Yelp for Seattle Schools?

Priority 3: Culturally Responsive Workforce

Develop a culturally responsive workforce so all teachers, leaders, and staff effectively support students and families.

We will recruit a diverse workforce using proven local and national best practices, focus on the retention of educators of color, and continue to nurture culturally responsive mindsets and capabilities with all team members so there is a warm, welcoming environment.

Priority 4: Engagement

Conduct inclusive and authentic engagement that incorporates the experiences and perspective of students, families, and communities who are furthest from educational justice.

We will proactively and consistently work in partnership with these communities (not for these communities) in identifying needs, determining solutions, and supporting implementation of the initiatives that will best meet the needs of students of color who are furthest from educational justice. We will use engagement methodologies that are appropriate for the communities with whom we partner in order to build trusting relationships.

I can say that this is the most I've seen the district articulate family engagement but I'm not sure I know what that would look like in practice.

Strategic Plan Community MeetingsAdditional meetings will be included as dates and locations are confirmed.

Tues., Jan. 15, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Latinx community-focused meeting
Casa Latina Seattle
317 17th Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98144

Thurs., Jan. 17, 12 - 2 p.m.
Co-hosted with Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC)
Rainier Avenue Church
5900 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118

Thurs., Jan. 17, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
African American community-focused meeting
South Lake High School
8601 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118

Fri., Jan. 18, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Co-hosted with Chinese Information Service Center (CISC)
Chinese Information Service Center
611 S. Lane St., Seattle, WA 98104

Tues., Jan. 22, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Co-hosted with Somali Moms and Horn of Africa
New Holly Gathering Hall
7054 32nd Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98118

Mon., Jan. 28, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Native American community-focused meeting
Graham Hill Elementary
5149 S Graham St., Seattle, WA 98118

Please provide your feedback using the online form published on the Draft Strategic Plan webpage by Tues., Jan. 22, 2019, 12 p.m.  

The draft plan feedback gathered during the community meetings and through the online form will be analyzed by District Management Group (DMGroup), the district's strategic planning consultant, and Seattle Public Schools. The themes from the community feedback will be shared with the Board at the Jan. 30 work session and help the strategic plan steering committee make adjustments.

I'm a bit baffled.  All of these meetings are in the south end and yet the feedback goes to the Board on Jan. 30th.  I would guess there would be more meetings and ANOTHER work session for feedback.

It is trying to figure out how to decipher what it is the district is saying and doing. 

thus Article Seattle Schools' New Strategic Plan (Draft)

that is all articles Seattle Schools' New Strategic Plan (Draft) This time, hopefully can provide benefits to all of you. Okay, see you in another article posting.

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