Turnaround Initiative Survey
Please take a minutes and share your experience with the Turnaround Initiative. We have much work ahead of us and the work will be far more successful with your feedback.
Turnaround Academy
On November 29th we had our second virtual Turnaround Academy session. The focus was on different resources and programs to assist schools in developing a school-wide discipline plan. HERE are the presentation slides.
Before our next Turnaround Academy meeting on January 17th, schools should complete the following tasks:
School leadership team meets to review the different ideas shared in the November meeting about building a school-wide discipline plan. Determine which one resonated the most with your team. Is this something you and your district would be supportive of implementing? Is there another option? Will Turnaround Funds be needed to implement the plan you select?
Complete the Because - But - So protocol as it relates to your responsibilities moving forward with this decision. We will show this slide deck during our January meeting, so please type your responses directly into that presentation.
Below are the slide decks from the four presentations:
- Gayla Caddell - Department of Mental Health - ADMH Supporting Turnaround Schools
- Lisa Dear - SPDG - CHAMPS/Foundations Overview
- Dr. Robin Ennis/Dr. Mary Rose Sallese - Strategies for Success
- Dr. Greg Benner - Turnaround Academy Supports
The January meeting will continue our conversation regarding behavior management.
Report Cards
As I'm sure you are aware, the state and federal report cards were released in mid-December. I have always felt if we look at data to inform, not condemn, it can provide value in helping to improve learning for our students. Below are a few questions to consider when reviewing this data source:
- What information does the report card provide?
- Do my faculty, staff, students, parents, and community understand the information in the report card?
- What information does it provide about the current reality of learning in your school?
- How can I use this information to make our school better?
- Are there improvements we need to celebrate?
Al.com Articles
- These Alabama schools earned an ‘A’ ranking on 2023 report cards. See the list.
- No more ‘failing’ schools. See which schools Alabama labels for ‘priority,’ expanded school choice
- Report cards - love 'em or hate 'em?
Alabama Reflector
You can access state report cards here and federal report cards here.
Summer Learning
It is never too early to begin planning for your Summer Reading and Math Camps. Obviously, we want to make sure all students have an opportunity to meet the requirements for promotion as stated in the Alabama Literacy Act. Using your mid year reading data, as well as, the previous years ACAP scores should provide a good starting point for who to plan to invite. All schools have carryover funds they can use to support a robust program for both reading and math support. I encourage you to work with your OSI specialist, ARI, AMSTI, and OMI staff in planning your summer program.
Instructional Audits
This spring (2024), each of our 15 Turnaround Schools will have their second instructional audit. This audit will be just like the first in that interviews will be conducted with administrators, teachers, students and various stakeholders along with classroom observations. The audits provide critical benchmark data to determine areas in which to celebrate accomplishments, while providing clarity on processes and practices that need adjustments.
Your OSI Specialist will be working with school leaders over the next few weeks to finalize dates for their audit.
January Focus
Below are a few areas to focus on for January:
Turnaround Leadership
Review the information in this document - Examples Of Actions Taken By Principals Trying To Lead Turnaround
Talent Development
Begin discussions on staffing for the 2024-25 school year. Did your ADM increase or decrease? Will you need to adjust the number of teachers in a grade level or course? What evidence will you use in making decisions for renewal of contracts? What positions will you use Turnaround Funds to support?
Instructional Transformation
Based on your middle of year data, where is your greatest need for support? Are your students on track to demonstrate improvement on the ACAP this spring? Reach out to your OSI Specialist to discuss the needs of your faculty and determine what supports can be put in place to support their needs.
Culture Shift
- Meet with your school leadership team to discuss Tier I behavior plan options for your school.
ACAP Information
ARI released their Spring 2024 Instructional Supports for the ACAP Summative. You can access them HERE. Please make sure that your teachers have access to this information. Reach out to your OSI Specialist if you need support on how to best utilize this information.
Also, the ALSDE released the memo below with testing dates for 2024-2025.
PREP (Preparing Relief Educators Program)
OSI - Leadership Coach
Email: tim.solley@alsde.edu
Website: https://sway.office.com/x6GMkvnr5n1z2O6F
Twitter: @Tim_Solley