April 15, 2008April 15, 2008April 15, 2008April 15, 2008

BOE’s Theory of ActionManaged Performance Empowerment

• 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

CMS Strategic Plan 2010Global competitiveness

• 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

• 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 ImplementationStrategy Timeline

Freedom & Flexibility Phase 1 Key Components

• Who gets it?

• How were they selected?

• What is the duration?

• What freedoms are granted?

• Accountability for results

• Budget and resources

Who gets it?

• 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

How were they selected?

• 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

What is the duration?

• 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 freedoms are granted?

• 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

Accountability for Results

• 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

Budget and Resources

• 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

Phase II Considerations

• 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

Questions & AnswersQuestions & Answers