Delano Public Schools details strategic plan goals, measurement of students’ daily experiences

The superintendent provided the Delano Public School District board with an overview of the district’s strategic plan and how the district will measure progress this school year.

The presentation centered on the district mission — "empowering every learner to achieve their highest potential through academic excellence and quality opportunities" — and four core values: excellence, teamwork, belonging and grit. The superintendent said the district developed nine "desired daily experiences" (DDEs) that describe what students, staff and families should experience in school and that those DDEs will be measured this year via surveys, small student focus groups and building-level methods.

The DDEs include statements in a student voice such as, "I can rely on the adults in my school to help with various needs in my life," and "My teachers and peers work together to help me reach my academic goals." The superintendent said staff and families also contributed descriptors and that high-school students revised about half of the student statements to ensure they read in a student voice.

The presentation also described a district "theory of action" consisting of nine if/then statements the district will use to guide continuous improvement: for example, "When we foster belonging by creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students, then we'll be able to achieve certain parts of our continuous improvement plan." The superintendent said the theory of action statements will drive decisions about change readiness, implementation and measurement.

District leaders identified four major strategic directions that will shape action cards and initiatives: improving student outcomes through data-driven, evidence-based and personalized strategies; fostering a culture of belonging and equity (including safety, positive behavior and mental-health supports); supporting staff professional growth and collaboration; and implementing systems and standards for long-term facility planning and operational efficiency.

The superintendent said the management team will produce periodic updates to the board and that data on the DDEs and other measures will be fed up through the governance plan for board review. The superintendent concluded by saying the presentation materials will be linked in the board’s Thursday email.

District officials did not take a formal vote on the strategic plan during the meeting; the presentation was given as an informational program review and first public report of the management team's continuous improvement planning work.