School Improvement Plan

The School LAND Trust Plan is a subset of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) controlling funds provided by the School LAND trust program. The SCC will have already assessed academic needs and identified the priorities in preparing the SIP and can now select from the academic needs and goals in the SIP an area in which to focus the School LAND trust plan.

 

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP)

  1. Evaluate Utah Comprehensive Accountability System (UCAS) test results, school grade, and other assessment data
  2. Identify the most critical academic needs of the students
  3. Develop a School Improvement Plan (SIP)
  4. Recommend a course of action
  5. List what programs, materials, practices, etc. are needed for plan implementation

 

 

GETTING STARTED

1. Select one or more needs from

A. Reading

B. Mathematics

C. Writing

D. Technology

E. Science

F. Fine Arts

G. Social Studies

H. Health

I. Foreign Language

2. Set goals that are SMART

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Time-based

 

ACTION PLAN:

  1. Prepare an action plan to address the need(s) and meet the goal(s) identified.
  2. Review the current plan to determine if adjustments need to be made or a new plan prepared.
  3. If a new plan (or revision) needs to be prepared, begin by brainstorming any new options that will directly impact student achievement.
  4. Review district approved research based programs, practices, software, materials, equipment, and strategies.
  5. Invite all members to describe how the group they represent can provide support to increase student achievement.
  6. Identify barriers and how the plan will address them.
  7. Prepare a step-by-step outline of the action plan that includes duties and responsibilities, and who is responsible with a time line.

 

FUNDING THE PLAN:

  1. Decide how available funding will be used. Consider the estimated allocation and possible carryover funds.
  2. Develop a budget.
  3. Consider finding matching money to help implement the plan. Funds from the School LAND trust program can be used as matching money for a grant that supports the goal selected.
  4. Consider involving business partners.

 

FOCUS

Plans are to focus on the school’s most critical academic needs consistent with Section 53A-1a-108.5. Funds are to be used to directly impact instruction and enhance academic excellence. Plans shall include specific academic goals, steps to meet these goals, measurements to access improvement, and specific expenditures to implement plans that may include: Œ

  • Workbooks Œ
  • Textbooks Œ
  • Professional development directly tied to school academic goals Œ
  • Computer hardware and software, LCDs, smart boards Œ
  • Library and media supplies Œ
  • Supplemental funding for aides, teachers, and specialists Œ
  • Other tools for student academic improvement Œ
  • Study skills classes Œ
  • Credit recovery courses and programs Œ
  • College entrance exam preparation classes Œ
  • Academic field trips
  • Classroom equipment and materials such as flashcards, math manipulatives, calculators, microscopes, maps, books, or student planners Œ
  • Teachers and teacher aides

 

Examples of programs NOT eligible for funding using School LAND Trust Program funds include:

  • Security
  • Phone, cell phone, electric, and other utility costs
  • Sports and playground equipment
  • Athletic or intramural programs
  • Audio-visual systems in non-classroom locations
  • Non-academic field trips
  • Food and drink for council meetings or parent nights
  • Administrative, clerical, or secretarial costs; technical support

Learn more about appropriate use of School LAND Trust Program Funds in State code R277-477-4 www.schools.utah.gov/administrativerules

 

MEASURING PROGRESS AND RESULTS: 

Identify assessment tools to measure student improvement that are data driven.

Establish the baseline from current assessments.

Define the assessment goal and a time line to reach it.

Include in the plan how progress will be tracked and complete the required mid-year and final reports.

es

  1. Present regular progress reports to the school community council.

 

APPROVING THE LAND TRUST PLAN AND SUBMITTING ONLINE:

  1. The LAND trust plan is adopted through a motion. The motion is voted upon and formal minutes record a roll call of those who voted for/against the plan and who was absent.
  2. The plan is submitted on the website at www.schools.utah.gov/schoollandtrust
  3. The completed plan is revised by the school accountability director and the director of resource development, who clear it for review by the board of education.
  4. The board of education considers the plan and approves it, or returns it for revision.

 

EXECUTE AND SHARE THE RESULTS:

  1. Implement your plan with enthusiasm – focus on results.
  2. Report progress throughout the year the school newsletter, marquee, website, or other appropriate communication channels.
  3. Publicize success to local media and community leaders.
  4. Consider having children show what they have learned at a “Parent Night.”
  5. Invite local legislators to the school; share the plan and its results.

 

Remember, continued funding depends on policy makers being informed and supportive of how the money is used.

  1. Compose a letter from the SCC about what the school accomplished because of these funds and thanking them for supporting the program.
  2. Send the letter to elected policy makers.

 

The Final Report - Submit the Final Report online in the fall following the implementation year:

  1. District business administrators enter the expenditures.
  2. SCCs should review the expenditures to be sure they are consistent with school records.
  3. SCCs complete the narrative sections and submit the Final Report online.
  4. Prepare a summary of the Final Report and make it available to all parents and local elected officials.
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