[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: District 281 Strategic Plan - Part 1

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
District 281 Strategic Plan - Part 1
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1217999597.shtml


   At our National Night Out, I met a young teacher, starting his third
   year at a nearby high school. I was very impressed with him, which
   made it doubly concerting to hear some of his concerns. The big one
   for him is discipline, that his administration lacks the power or
   courage or will to enforce it. The disruptive kids know all too well
   how to scam the system, and he gave us several examples. But, like I
   said, this teacher was impressive and upbeat and dedicated, finding a
   couple of interesting ways on his own around "the system" to truly
   help at least some of those problematic students. Now that's a
   teacher.
   In July, the Robbinsdale Area School Board approved the final [1]2008
   Strategic Plan - "our system" - that identifies a number of goals and
   ways to get there over the next five years or so. Let's review it,
   starting with the mission statement that "the Robbinsdale Area Schools
   [will] inspire and educate all learners to discover their potential
   and positively contribute to their community." I wanted "Beat
   Wayzata!" but I have no problem with this statement.
   Next comes the Vision, what we want to have happen, where "every
   student, staff member, parent, and community member takes pride in
   [the] Robbinsdale Area Schools because of its:
     * Outstanding academic achievement. A challenging and comprehensive
       educational program engages all learners and helps them to reach
       their potential.
     * Nationally acclaimed programs. Fine arts, activities, athletics
       and specialized programs contribute to the development of a
       well-rounded student.
     * Positive learning environment. Every student, family and staff
       member takes personal responsibility for creating supportive,
       orderly, and safe schools.
     * Extraordinary staff. Administrators, teachers and staff inspire
       achievement, engage every student and constantly reach for
       excellence.
     * Sound fiscal management. Fiscal accountability and wise resource
       management allow for consistent, equitable and quality educational
       services for all students.
     * Sustained community support. Active support from the entire
       community provides for a comprehensive, respected and sustainable
       education program.
     * Culture of innovation. Innovation fosters an environment that
       encourages collaboration, creative ideas and dynamic new
       practices.

   Again, I have no real disagreement with this, for it is a vision of
   what we would like to see happen, i.e., what we're aiming for.
   I'm not really sure why our consultant (and others) like listing "core
   values" but here they are:
     * Respectful of one another
     * Responsible for one's actions
     * Responsive to the needs of others
     * Results that exceed expectations

   The mixed grammar is deliberate I was told, three predicate adjectives
   that lead to results, a noun.
   That's the backdrop. Yes, it reads like many others out there, yes
   there's some rhetoric and hyperbole, and yes it brings to mind
   Pollyanna. But it's very workable for what follows, the specific
   Priorities and Goals that follow staring in Part 2 of this series.

References

   1. http://www.rdale.k12.mn.us/dist/news/news_PDFs/MissionVision_%20priorities_goals_FINAL.pdf