The District Improvement Team (DIT) consists of administrators, town officials, teachers, and parents who meet three times per year to monitor the progress made on the district’s improvement plan. This accountability step ensures that plans are not written then forgotten and that plans are modified as new needs are identified.
Rather than having a cumbersome table to communicate the plan to the public, we now have a strategic dashboard that both depicts action steps (strategies) and their progress, and key indicators of success. The dashboard can be found on the district website (click on explore then on dashboard) or by this direct link: https://ecriss.ecragroup.com/strategy/Home/Index?Dashboard=SMI000
The 15 members of the DIT met on September 16th, reviewed evidence of action step progress, then made decisions regarding the percent completion for each step. The group also modified timelines, discussed overall district needs, and reviewed key indicators. The indicator tiles on the dashboard are updated as new data is received. Additionally, for many indicators, historical data is provided as a chart, accessed by clicking on the tile. As we continue to use the dashboard, the amount of historical data will grow.
Steps taken this summer and fall toward district goals include the following:
ELA curriculum materials are being piloted and curriculum writing will begin once materials are chosen.
Music and guidance curriculum is progressing.
K-5 math curriculum is complete and secondary math curriculum is in progress. New secondary math materials were introduced this school year.
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) protocols and improvement processes are continuing at LaPerche and McCabe and are being introduced at Winsor and OCRS.
Redesign of the advisory program for GMS is 50% complete.
Responsive Classroom has moved from a pilot program to full implementation at our elementary schools.
The Anti-Defamation League provided training to staff this summer and additional training is planned for student leaders for improved, inclusive culture at SHS and GMS.
Administrators regularly utilize social media, district app, & website to share positive news about Smithfield Schools.
A partnership guide is being developed to help the community engage with our schools.
Training for staff on the effective use of technology began last year and will continue this year.
Some district technology policies have been updated. The update of the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is in progress.
Digital citizenship curriculum was chosen and will be implemented this year.
Wireless access points (WAP) were upgraded at GMS.
5-year capital plan has been drafted and a draft plan for a capital revolving account has been with the FRC, Asset Protection, the School Committee, and the Town Council.
Continued work on the elementary school renovation project is bringing us closer to our goal of updated facilities.
The Athletic Facilities Capital Committee has devised a plan for renovations to athletic facilities and is working to devise a funding plan for renovating the Boyle athletic complex.
Training for staff on grant writing continues this year.
Only one finance policy remains to be written: inventories.
The DIT will meet again on January 13th at 4:30pm.