SIPPY GIVES STRATEGIC PLAN MID-YEAR REPORT TO THE REGION 15 BOARD OF EDUCATION

2005-2006 is the 3^rd Year of the District’s Five-Year Strategic Plan

 Four years ago, community members, parents and educators accepted the challenge of building a strategic organization, and 2005-2006 marks the third year in the District’s five-year strategic plan. Each spring, school administrators present a review of the Strategic Plan to the Region 15 Board of Education.

“Significant progress has been made toward the results defined in the Plan,” said Dr. Frank H. Sippy, Region 15 school superintendent, at the April 10^th Board of Education meeting. “The 2006-2007 budget needs to continue funding this Plan in order for progress to continue.”

The Board of Education continues to build the quality of resources and the quality of instruction Region 15 students receive. The Strategic Plan emphasizes curriculum alignment across schools and grade levels. In keeping with this goal, Phase II implementation of the new Science curriculum was completed in grades K-5, and the new K-12 Technology and the Library-Media curricula were implemented this year. Work in Grades 7 and 8 Science curriculum is still in progress, as is the Art and Health curricula.

In January, the K-6 math curriculum assessments were developed and implemented. K-5 Reading/Language Arts assessments were also put into practice.  The results of these Region 15 curriculum assessments are used to help teachers plan effective instruction. Grades 7 and 8 math assessments and the Grades 6-8 reading/language arts assessments continue to be developed and district-wide science assessments are under discussion.

At each of the schools, principals, reading consultants, math coordinators, and the department chair have met at least twice to examine and discuss student work against district standards. Administrators are currently participating in professional development to better understand effective math teaching and learning.

The district strives to create more opportunities for professional conversations that will facilitate instructional improvements. Currently, curriculum teams from all schools and a variety of grade levels meet at least four times per year to discuss curriculum changes, implementation issues, instructional strategies and budget concerns. District in-service workshops also provide opportunities for teachers to work together and interact with individuals whom they might network with on a day-to-day basis.

Teachers across Region 15 schools welcome the chance to talk with their colleagues, exchange expertise, and share information and strategies. Subject area teachers also meet to discuss the transitions from Grades 5 to 6 and from Grades 8 to 9. District-wide, Special Education staff collaborate regarding students entering and leaving programs, and District Master Mentors offer workshops to all new teachers and mentors to learn about and discuss best practices related to effective instruction. The district also provides more assistance to beginning teachers.

“We are capitalizing on the professionalism and knowledge of our own people,” said Dr. Sippy. “These workshops cultivate good teacher-leaders.”

The Strategic Plan emphasizes communications to expand ideas, increase collaboration, and to learn together as a school community. District-wide committees of parents, teachers, administrators, and residents focus on the health and well-being of students and faculty. Pomperaug High School senior English students work together with local businesses in a job search/interview simulation through Project Success. Students are involved in the community through internships, job shadowing, EMT/MRT Certification classes, fundraising to benefit nonprofit organizations, and various PHS clubs.

“Each year, we budget the Plan…we don’t plan the budget,” said Dr. Sippy. “The Board of Education is committed to achieving all its action plans by 2008 in order to meet the District’s goals and objectives. It’s hard to believe, but we’ll soon be thinking about a new Strategic Plan which will lead us into 2013.”