April 15, 2008
• Theory of Action Adopted Feb. 06
• Acknowledges success of
Managed Instruction
• Retains certain components
• Recognizes need for more
flexibility
• Mandates balance between
accountability and empowerment
• Requires decentralization
BOE’s Theory of Action
Managed Performance Empowerment
• Presented December 2006
• Outlines seven major goals
• Goal V incorporates Theory of
Action’s key components
– Develop a district-wide accountability
system
– Reorganize and decentralize central
administration
– Empower schools with more freedom and
flexibility to increase student achievement
CMS Strategic Plan 2010
Global competitiveness
• Summer 2007: Reorganized and
decentralized school district
• Fall 2007: Presented initial version of
accountability system to Board of
Education
• Spring 2008: Currently refining the
accountability system
• Spring 2008: Granting Phase 1 of
Freedom & Flexibility
Goal V Implementation
Strategy Timeline
•
•
•
•
•
•
Who gets it?
How were they selected?
What is the duration?
What freedoms are granted?
Accountability for results
Budget and resources
Freedom & Flexibility
Phase 1 Key Components
• Principals
• All principals will receive some
Freedom & Flexibility (F&F)
• Selected principals will receive
more Freedom & Flexibility
• Long-term goal: All principals will
have Freedom & Flexibility
• First group of 48 principals
includes 15 FOCUS schools
Who gets it?
• Selection goals – Phase I
– Use objective criteria
– Sought critical mass
• Selection criteria – Phase I
– More than 2 years experience principal
– Average growth during the last two years,
when available
– Not on action plan/performance review
• Superintendent discretion and
final selections
How were they selected?
• Three years, but not longer than
employment contract
• Subject to annual review
• Principals keep Freedom &
Flexibility if they transfer
• Schools can keep initiatives if
approved by area superintendent
What is the duration?
• Phase I – focus on core business
of teaching and learning
• All principals will receive F&F on
discipline plans and class size
• Most requirements will be
optional for F&F principals
• F&F initiatives will be part of
School Improvement Plans
What freedoms are granted?
• Unleash innovation which will
increase student achievement
• Success measured by school’s
progress in reaching goals
• Less than average expected
growth over 3 years = less
Freedom & Flexibility
Accountability for Results
• Phase I focus is on instructional
management
• No additional funding or
resources provided
• More flexibility with use of
existing resources
• Requires approval of area
superintendent
Budget and Resources
• Evaluate opportunities for
Freedom & Flexibility within
operational management areas
• Will involve first group of F&F
principals in this process
• First group of F&F principals will
share what they learn so everyone
benefits from Phase I
Phase II Considerations
Questions & Answers