From Principal Abbott: As we begin this new school year together, I have outlined a formal Entry Plan which will allow me to listen to the many voices at our school, learn from you, and introduce myself.
This plan will extend over the next 90 days as I meet with the Garden Hills’ staff, families, community partners, and most importantly our students while reviewing data from multiple sources. The end product will be shared in November. It will include findings along with proposed action steps to allow for our continuous improvement.
It is my sincere hope that you will join me in this collaborative entry process designed to unify us through common goals, to be achieved by a common plan, and motivated by a common belief that our caring students will leave Garden Hills as open-minded inquirers, reflective thinkers, risk takers, principled communicators, and well-balanced young citizens.
GOALS
1.
Gain a thorough understanding of “what’s strong” with Garden Hills’ academic programs,
2. Cultivate positive, constructive relationships with Garden Hills staff to alleviate potential disruption caused by a change in administrative leadership,
3. Acquire a comprehensive awareness of Atlanta Public Schools ‘and Garden Hills’ ideologies, policies, systems, and processes,
4. Foster a collaborative culture with all Garden Hills’ and North Atlanta stakeholders.
To read more about Principal Abbott’s goals, please click 90 Day Goals.
1. What are the symbols, norms, and assumptions that define your school?
2. What do people value – what is important? What are the words used to describe your school?
3. What are the biggest challenges facing the school? Do you have all viewing points?
4. Why is the school facing these challenges?
5. What are the most promising unexploited opportunities for growth?
6. What would need to happen for the organization to exploit the potential of these opportunities?
7. If they (staff, parent, student, community) were you, what would they focus attention on?
8. How much emphasis will you place on learning as opposed to doing?
9. What do people in your school view as success and what do they view as failure?
10. What behaviors do people in your school consistently display that undermine the potential for high performance?
11. Given your situation, what should the timing and extent of each of the waves of change you envision?
12. Based on what you have learned, what are your priorities? Given these priorities, what do you need to do during your transition to lay the necessary groundwork for achieving them?
13. How would you like to see people behave differently by the end of your era as principal? Describe as vividly as you can the behaviors you would like to encourage and discourage.
14. What can you begin to do to change behaviors during your transition?
15. How do you plan to connect yourself to your new school? Who are your key audiences, and what messages would you like to convey to them? What are the best modes for engagement?
16. What are the most promising areas for your early performance improvement efforts? Select no more than three and think about how early successes in these areas will serve as a model for how you want people to behave.
17. Given the changes/improvements, you want to make, in what areas do you need to engage in collective learning.
18. How will you communicate 9 times 9 ways? Both information and successes?
Review and prepare to respond about each by the start of October.
Know and understand the district and community:
1. Meet with the following leaders in your school community:
Faith Leaders
Business Leaders
Civic/Community Group Leadership
Businesses/companies
Town officials
Micro-political leaders within the school and community context
School supporters (booster club, touchdown club, etc.)
Legislators
Meet with the following members of the school system:
Central Office Staff
Individual school staff members
Parent Groups
Review the following current processes, practices, and status:
Human Resources
Selection
Job Descriptions
Staff Development
Performance Evaluations
Improvement Plans (if any)
Plans
District Strategic Commitments
School Commitments
SIP Plans
Title I Plans or Special Funding Opportunities
Data
Student assessments
Related student data (i.e. Discipline, attendance, etc.)
Surveys
Comprehensive Needs Assessments
SACS accreditation reports
Personnel
Financial and Legal
Board Policy
Budget
State Laws
State policies
District polices
Assessment of current financial situation
Standard Operating Procedures
Emergency procedures and plans
Crisis management plans
Communication systems, protocols, and etc
Web site
Social Media
Program Review
Standards
Instructional programs
Core Instructional initiatives
Supplemental Instructional Programs
Operational Plans
Support Services
Instructional technology
Communication systems
Exceptional Children
AIG Program
Summer School/Extended learning Opportunities
Community Schools
Partnerships
Special funding sources (Title, Priority, etc.)
Setting Goals and Measuring Successes
Review the entry plan thought process, develop initial entry protocols, set goals, and be prepared to evaluate your successes at given intervals throughout the first year at the school.
30 Day Measurable Goals/Objectives - Identifying “Quick Wins” by the end of August
Accountability
Instructional
Operational
Facilities
Financial
Communicate successes to all stakeholders 9 times 9 ways
60 Day Measurable Goals/Objectives “Staying the Course in the Storm” by the end of Sept.
Accountability
Instructional
Operational
Facilities
Financial
Communicate successes to all stakeholders 9 times 9 ways
90 Day Measurable Goals/Objectives "Don't Let Up, Still a Few Ripples But The Waters Will Start Settling" by End of October
Accountability
Instructional
Operational
Facilities
Financial
Communicate successes to all stakeholders 9 times 9 ways
Semester 1 Goals
"Identify, Plan, Do,and Review for Continuous Improvement"
Accountability
Instructional
Operational
Facilities
Financial
Communicate successes to all stakeholders 9 times 9 ways
Year 1 Goals
“Good is the Enemy of Great - Commitment to Excellence and Improvement Never Ends”
Accountability
Instructional
Operational
Facilities
Financial