ACTION PLANNING
Session Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• List the goals of Action Planning
• Explain the Action Planning process
• Describe the roles of program staff, funders,
partners and ClASS Review Team
• List best practices for Action Planning sessions
Action Planning Goals
1. Discuss ClASS findings in detail
2. Prioritize findings and develop an immediate
action plan
3. Discuss local TA resources and assign
responsibility for areas needing attention
4. Foster staff ownership and program sustainability
5. Provide evidence-based approach to capacity
building
6. Assist Project Manager in monitoring role
Action Planning Process
1. Introductions
2. Discuss goals and objectives for session
3. Review Action Plan document and process for session
with a focus on prioritization of opportunities for
improvement
4. Review priority opportunities for improvement as
identified by ClASS Team
5. Document next steps to address opportunities for
improvement, by whom (individual or organization
responsible) and by when (specific dates identified)
6. Close and distribute action plan
Action Planning Participants
• Review Team
• Site Staff and
Leadership
• Technical Assistance
Associates
• Funders
(when applicable)
Action Plan Template
ClASS Assessment Areas for Improvement
Work Plan Development Session – (Date)
FINANCE
Areas for Improvement
Action / Activities
Responsible
Party
Timeline
Resources/TA
Needed
Role of Program Staff
• Participate actively in
discussions
• Participate actively in
creating solutions,
identifying deliverables,
and offering suggestions
for TA and capacity
building
• Commit to take
responsibility for
deliverables and to set
and meet timelines
Role of ClASS Review Team and Funders
• Team Lead pre-populates Action Planning template
with opportunities for improvement detailed in final
debrief and may populate Action Plan during the
session
• Review Team members and funders (when applicable)
participate actively in discussion to clarify any
opportunities for improvement or ClASS
recommendations and are flexible to make changes
when appropriate
• Make suggestions about possible TA resources
Best Practices (1)
• Not held on the same day
as the Closing Session if
possible
• Presentation and overview
of Action Planning process
should be made by ClASS
Team Lead
• ClASS Team should
prioritize opportunities
for improvement to
optimize time
Best Practices (2)
• Site staff should
participate only
in those sessions
that are directly
applicable to
their position
• List next steps in
detail
Intended Outcomes of Action Planning
• All are aware of post-assessment responsibilities
• Site staff can immediately begin addressing
opportunities for improvement
• Funders understand what deliverables to expect
• Alignment/leveraging of local resources among
partners
• All parties assist in search for TA resources
• Increased organizational capacity and sustainability
Key Points
• Ultimate goal is to promote program sustainability by
developing an immediate plan for action and
fostering program ownership
• ClASS Team should prioritize for discussion most
important opportunities for improvement
• Process involves completing Action Planning
template, outlining priority activities, responsible
parties and deadlines
• All stakeholders participate actively in discussion and
remain flexible to make changes when appropriate
QUESTIONS?