Episode Details

Happy Friday!

Thank you for all that you did this week to further establish a good tone and high expectations for the new school year. The back-to-school issues of the past do not seem to be as prominent this year, but I do not want to take anything for granted so, please, take a little time to give us some feedback on the start of school. We will be asking our community the same question in a different Thought Exchange to compare your thoughts to theirs.

In this week’s Wrap-up, I will tell you about the progress that has been made toward our district goals, which will be referred to as targets this year. I will also give more insight into this year’s budget along with some other tidbits of information.

Strategic Planning

The district leadership PLC team has been working through the strategic planning process to develop this year’s performance targets. Strategic planning serves as the cornerstone for educational success, acting as a roadmap that guides schools toward achieving their long-term vision and mission. By setting clear objectives, aligning resources, and fostering a culture of accountability, strategic planning enables educational leaders to create an environment where both staff and students can thrive. This proactive approach not only helps in addressing current challenges but also anticipates future needs, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they require for lifelong success. Through strategic planning, we can cultivate a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation, nurtures relationships, and ultimately, elevates the quality of education for our students.

Today we met with specialists from the DeQueen-Mena Educational Service Cooperative to set targets and establish the method and frequency of measurement. We also discussed observation and walkthrough details to look for to ensure high-impact instruction, fidelity to curriculum, and that all grade-level standards are being taught. There is a lot of background information leading up to all of these targets that cannot be put in one Wrap-up, but these are the targets we want to reach as a district. Each building will determine its current performance and its own target levels to either meet or surpass the district’s targets.

* Attendance: 93.5%

* Discipline Incidents: -10%

* ELA: 70%

* Math: 60%

* Science: 50%

* Four-Year Graduation Rate: 94%

* Five-Year Graduation Rate: 98%

The academic goals will be measured by the number of students meeting or exceeding grade-level standards. The starting point for ELA is based on our own methods from last school year, while the math and science are based on the ACT Aspire data. We will update attendance and discipline weekly, academics monthly, and on-track graduation quarterly. We will add Common Formative Assessments (CFA) as they are available through ATLAS and not all areas are ready at this time. Further details and information will be provided during PLC team meetings.

Take Your Legislator to School Month

September is Take Your Legislator to School Month. This is a significant initiative aimed at bridging the gap between educational institutions and legislative bodies. During September each year, Arkansas lawmakers are invited to visit schools in their districts to gain firsthand experience of the educational environment, the challenges faced by educators, and the needs of the student body. This initiative fosters open dialogue and mutual understanding between two entities that play a crucial role in shaping the future of education. By walking the halls, sitting in classrooms, and engaging with teachers, staff, and students, legislators can acquire a more nuanced understanding of educa