District launches strategic-plan work and instructional shifts with emphasis on writing and support for students with IEPs

Superintendent and curriculum staff described the early steps of a five-year strategic plan adopted by the district and the launch of campus action plans aligned to district goals. The plan prioritizes high-quality instruction, and staff said principals have identified campus-specific key actions; the district selected a uniform district-wide key action to improve instruction for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Curriculum leaders said principals developed two campus-specific actions and the district identified a third, uniform action to improve instruction for students with IEPs. "Principals have designed 2 key actions, and the 3rd is a uniform key action across the district, and that is to improve the quality of instruction for students with IEPs," a curriculum lead said. The district will pair this focus with coaching, professional development, and modeled lessons (fishbowl lessons) at pilot sites such as Ridge. Leaders emphasized support and grace during phased rollout and noted that unit-one curriculum materials and common-assessment development are underway.

The board asked about rollout, debriefing and school-level professional learning; leaders said debriefs and PLC discussions will be embedded into the rollout and that curriculum coordinators and coaches will continue to support teachers as the plan moves beyond initial implementation.