Turnaround Talk

Virtual Meeting with district CSFO's - June 14

Districts will receive the preliminary Student Assessment data on the following dates via the ALSDE Identity Management (AIM):

• ACCESS for ELLs -Growth – June 7
  
• ACT WorkKey – June 8
• ACT with Writing and Growth – June 26
• ACAP Summative – July 6
• ACAP Supplemental Reading Test Window 1 – July 12
• ACAP Supplemental Reading Test Window 2 – August 2

MEGA Conference - July 17-21

Deadline for schools to submit their 2023-2024 Goal/Action Plans - September 22

In the spring of 2022, Governor Kay Ivey identified fifteen schools that would be classified as Alabama Turnaround Schools. Those chosen represent schools of various grade configurations and locations around the state. The two goals of the turnaround effort are:

1. To improve student outcomes in academics, behavior, and attendance by implementing the four domains of rapid school turnaround.
2. To create model schools that can serve as examples for other schools wanting to improve academics, behavior, and attendance using the four domains of rapid school turnaround.

Schools will develop annual action plans using the four domains of rapid school improvement as a framework. Funding is provided to each school to encourage innovation and support the implementation of their action plans.

The Four Domains of Rapid School Improvement framework is designed to help states, districts, and schools lead and manage rapid improvement efforts. To be successful, the following conditions must be embraced:

• A successful school turnaround requires a systems approach with coherent guidance and support from the state and district to complement the school's actions.
• A successful school turnaround is more than the initial jolt of bold changes in structure, authority, and personnel; it includes phases in which effective practices and processes are routinized and sustained.

While each domain is important, Turnaround Leadership is the most critical. Research (and practical experience) has shown it is virtually impossible for a school to improve without an effective leader. With that said, the link below provides specific information on Turnaround Leadership and some ideas that I trust will be of help.

Summer is a time for administrators to reflect, relax, renew, and recharge. Of course, you do these things while completing the tasks needed to ensure a successful 2023-24 school year. In reflecting on the recently completed year, I encourage you to ask yourself:

• In what ways did your school/district grow this year? Did it meet your expectations? Why or Why not?
• How did your students perform academically? Did they meet your expectations? Why or Why not?
• Did your faculty grow this year? What do you attribute this to?
• What is your personal area for growth this summer? What skill(s) do you need to improve? What do you need to know more about?

As a professional, we must always look for ways to ensure we use the most effective processes and practices to increase student learning. Engaging in professional learning is not only critical to growing as a professional, but the challenge of learning something new can jump-start the renewal process for the upcoming school year.

It is that time of year when we receive the results of our spring assessments. Below are some al.com articles on the 2nd/3rd grade ACAP Reading results.

Alabama reading scores dipped slightly. See how your school performed.

Alabama reading scores drop in latest state test results. How many students can read?

Email: tim.solley@alsde.edu
Website: https://sway.office.com/x6GMkvnr5n1z2O6F
Phone: (256) 684-5778
Twitter: @Tim_Solley