MS SOARSMarch 17, 2015

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What is MS SOARS?

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MS SOARS

“ When used right technology becomes an accelerator of momentum, not a creator of it.”

- Jim Collins

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Indicators of Effective Practice

Indicators provide the structure for building a continuous school improvement plan, while still allowing each school flexibility and creativity on how it implements the plan. Indicators point the way toward effective practices. Indicators are:• Guideposts for effective practice• Written in plain language • Aligned with research (Wise Ways)• Drivers of planning and improvement

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Indicators of Effective Practice

There are indicators for all levels of school

staff.

Indicators are meant to be worked on in

teams.

On the indicators for teachers, the

first two words are “All teachers.” “All”

means “all”.

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Indicators of Effective Practice

School leadership team meets regularly to manage it’s school improvement process.

School aligns professional development programs with teacher evaluation results.

All teachers meet in teams with clear expectations and time for instructional planning.

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Mississippi

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Got Indicators?

Mississippi definitely has indicators

• 93 Rapid Improvement Indicators

• 48 Transformation/Turnaround Indicators

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Effective Practice vs Compliance

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Assessing School Needs

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Individualized Indicators

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Individualized Indicators

One size does not fit all

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District Engagement

• Schools can not build capacity alone

• District Coaches

• Quality of Work Checklist and Review

• Focus Groups

• District Indicators

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District Key Indicators

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• IA09 The superintendent and other central office staff are accountable for school improvement and student learning outcomes.

• IB01 The district operates with district-level and school-level improvement teams.

• IC01 The school reports and documents its progress monthly to the superintendent, and the superintendent reports the school’s progress to the school board.

 • IC02 The district designates a central office contact person for the school, and

that person maintains close communication with the school and an interest in its progress.

 • IC03 District and school decision makers meet at least twice a month to discuss

the school’s progress.

Streamlining Efforts

• Dropout Prevention Plans

• Schoolwide Plans

• Title III Improvement Plans

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Dr. Jamilliah Longinojlongino@mde.k12.ms.us

Linda Reeveslreeves@mde.k12.ms.us

Aisha McGeeamcgee@mde.mde.k12.ms.us

Chris Norwoodcrnorwood@mde.k12.ms.us

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Office of School Improvement Office of Federal Programs

Farrah Nicholson fnicholson@mde.k12.ms.us

Betina Whitebwhite@mde.k12.ms.us