CTAE Directors

CTAE CTI Coordinators

PBIS Teams

Librarians/Media Specialists

Teacher Leaders

RESA Mentors

Community Stakeholders

Special Student Services Staff

Special Education Teachers

Paraprofessionals

CTAE teachers 6-8

CTAE teachers 9-12

Assessment Staff

Blended Teachers

Counseling Staff

Data Collections Staff

Early Learning Teachers (Birth-5 yrs)

ESOL Teachers

Finance Staff

GaDOE Staff (non-contractor)

GaDOE Staff ALL

Gifted and Talented Teachers

High School Teachers

Instructional Coaches/Coordinators

Mental Health and Wellbeing Specialists

Middle School Teachers

MTSS Team

Online Teachers

Pupil Transportation Staff

School Leaders

School Nutrition Directors (system level)

School Nutrition Managers (school level)

School Nutrition Staff (school and system level)

School Nutrition State Staff (state level)

Social Workers

State Schools

Technology

Afterschool Providers

School Nurses

Federal Programs Staff (Title I)

Federal Programs Staff (Title II)

Federal Programs Staff (Title III)

Federal Programs Staff (Title IV)

Federal Programs Staff (General)

Fine Arts: Dance

Fine Arts: Music

Fine Arts: Dramatic Arts/Theatre

Fine Arts: Visual Art

Elementary Teachers

District Leaders

CTAE

Whole Child Supports

GaPBIS

Science

Assessment

Teacher and Leader Support and Development

World Languages

Social Studies

Mathematics

English Language Arts

Computer Science

Accountability

After School Programs

Blended Learning

Co-Teaching

Data Collections

District Effectiveness

District Level Support

ESOL

Family Engagement

Federal Programs

Finance

MTSS

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mentors and Coaches

Online Learning

PE/Health

Personalized Learning

Policy/Legal

Private School

Pupil Transportation

Reading/Literacy

School Effectiveness

School Nutrition

School Nutrition (1000)

SLDS

Special Education

Special Student Services

Staff Wellness

STEM/STEAM

School Safety

School Nursing

English Learners (ELs)

Human Resources

Educator Support and Development

Fine Arts

Technology Services

Assessment &amp; Accountability

Policy, Flexibility &amp; External Affairs

Finance and Business Operations

School Improvement

Rural Education and Innovation

Teaching &amp; Learning

Welcome to the Office of School and District Improvement Community! This group is recommended for all district and school leaders who have a passion for the work of school improvement. Here we will discuss common problems of practice, share resources among colleagues across the state, and provide essential information to support district and school improvement efforts.

Office of School and District Improvement

SDI Updates Summer 2024

SDI Updates Spring 2024


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deputy Superintendent’s Corner</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="189" height="236" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SJ.png" alt="Dr. Stephanie Johnson, Office of School and District Improvement's Deputy Superintendent/Chief Turnaround Officer" class="wp-image-32465" style="aspect-ratio:1.1770833333333333;object-fit:contain;width:164px;height:auto" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SJ.png 189w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SJ-40x50.png 40w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SJ-80x100.png 80w" sizes="(max-width: 189px) 100vw, 189px" /></figure></div>


<p>The School and District Improvement (SDI) team has been on the move this semester with outstanding efforts in service and support for Federally Identified schools and districts. It is essential for our team to work collaboratively with school and district leaders through a student-focused theory of action. With a value-add mindset, we aim to provide support for effective implementation of Georgia’s Systems of Continuous Improvement (GSCI) systems and structures. This begins with incorporating a service cycle that includes utilizing sustainable practices and systems by expanding personalized and competency-based learning. When we work together to improve school and district effectiveness, we increase capacity for the economy to grow and for our communities to flourish. As educator Robert John Meehan stated, “Without collaboration, our growth is limited to our own perspectives.” We hope you find this newsletter’s edition focused on <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:4666c0d1-77ec-3d9b-aa68-d7753f9483bc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collaborative Planning</a> (CP) helpful in improving student outcomes. <br><strong>Dr. Stephanie Johnson</strong>, <em>Deputy Superintendent/Chief Turnaround Officer</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="294" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/whole-child-small.jpg" alt="Georgia's Systems of Continuous Improvement Process" class="wp-image-32509" style="width:311px;height:auto" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/whole-child-small.jpg 300w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/whole-child-small-50x50.jpg 50w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/whole-child-small-100x98.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Georgia’s Systems of Continuous Improvement</h2>



<p>Coherent Instruction is the major system of the complex school organization that articulates and guides the “what” and the “how” of instruction. Four components of impactful coherent instruction are: </p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Planning for Quality Instruction</strong> – the structure of the instructional system in which teams plan what the students should know and do, and determine how their students will show they know the content and can do a skill-related or performance task.</li>



<li><strong>Delivering Quality Instruction</strong> – the structure of the instructional system that guides teachers in how they introduce content, practice its use along with the students, and then allow students to use the content on their own while providing students regular standards-based feedback to gain mastery of the content.</li>



<li><strong>Monitoring Student Progress</strong> – the structure of the instructional system that methodically discovers if the students are getting the content and determines what to do when they are not getting it.</li>



<li><strong>Refining the Instructional System</strong> – the structure of the instructional system that examines how to improve the planning for quality instruction, the delivery of quality instruction, and the monitoring of student progress.</li>
</ol>



<p>School and District Effectiveness Specialists (SES) (DES) work in conjunction with RESA School Improvement Specialists (SIS) to provide support for leaders to effectively monitor student progress. Establishing collaborative planning teams who meet regularly and with the intent to improve student outcomes is at the heart of the school improvement process. Once collaborative planning teams have been implemented with fidelity, SDI and RESA staff continue to support leaders with the CP process to ensure sustainability. GaDOE and RESA specialists will conduct reviews of the collaborative planning team meetings and share that data with you. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="392" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework-1024x392.png" alt="GaDOE's Collaborative Planning Framework" class="wp-image-32511" style="width:806px;height:auto" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework-1024x392.png 1024w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework-300x115.png 300w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework-768x294.png 768w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework-624x239.png 624w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework-50x19.png 50w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework-100x38.png 100w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CP-Framework.png 1380w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><strong>GaDOE’s Collaborative Planning Framework </strong><br><em>American Management Association. (n.d.). Strategic Planning Seminar.; DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., Many, T.W., & Mattos, M. (2016). Learning by Doing: A handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work (3rd ed.). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.</em></figcaption></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Collaborative Planning Best Practices</h2>



<p>Teachers meet weekly to discuss lesson plans, teaching strategies, assessments, and learning targets. Each teacher comes prepared with lesson plans, curriculum maps, and instructional materials to share upcoming plans with their team members. The goal of the planning session is to share lessons and ensure that rigorous tasks are planned for students learning the content. School and district administrators must <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:7ff65ec8-3919-3b3e-b011-2cb7f6e72c25" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monitor</a> collaborative planning teams to ensure efficacy and fidelity. Effective collaborative planning sessions have <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:02219fc2-be2e-34f4-9504-9c505074bfd3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">purpose</a> and include:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Review of the standards for each course. </li>



<li>Discussion of teaching strategies and resources to use with lesson. </li>



<li>Discussion of the tasks given to students to meet the learning target. </li>



<li>Discussion of assessments to see if students mastered the standard. </li>



<li>Discussion of how to address students who are not learning the content.</li>
</ul>



<p>Rick Dufour’s questions will guide the work of the collaborative planning session:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>What do we want our students to learn?</li>



<li>How will we know they have learned it?</li>



<li>How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty?</li>



<li>How will we respond when a student already knows it?</li>
</ol>



<p><strong>Recommendations for Agendas and Minutes:</strong></p>



<p> <em>Agendas:</em> </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Should be given to all team members at least a day in advance.</li>



<li>Should include goals or expected outcomes.</li>



<li>Should include specific topics for discussion with estimated times listed.</li>



<li>Should include meeting norms agreed upon by team.</li>
</ul>



<p><em>Minutes:</em></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Should be typed in a <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:e6fd51ec-87ff-3470-87bd-a06e3fb7460c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">template</a>.</li>



<li>Should be emailed to all team members within two days.</li>



<li>Should be read by all participants.</li>



<li>Should be emailed or hand-delivered to building principal.</li>
</ul>



<p><em>Norms:</em></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Start/End on Time.</li>



<li>Select a timekeeper and recorder.</li>



<li>Stay focused on teaching and learning.</li>



<li>All members come prepared to share lessons in a timely manner.</li>



<li>Plan agenda for next meeting</li>
</ul>



<p><em>Additional Resources:</em> </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d3ba8082-78b2-35ef-a7b7-4b4010500534" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Collaborative Planning Self-Assessment</a>   </li>



<li><a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:171fcc6f-1bee-33d1-802d-75b61ac98647" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monitoring Collaborative Planning Meetings</a></li>
</ul>



<p> </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/teacher-PD.jpg" alt="Teachers in Collaborative Planning Meeting" class="wp-image-32513" style="width:297px;height:auto" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/teacher-PD.jpg 500w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/teacher-PD-300x200.jpg 300w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/teacher-PD-50x33.jpg 50w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/teacher-PD-100x67.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protocols for Effective Collaborative Planning</h2>



<p>For schools new to the collaborative planning process or for those who want to be more intentional with examining student work, try using the <a href="https://www.schoolreforminitiative.org/download/tuning-protocol/?wpdmdl=12767&refresh=65679e9a86ced1701289626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tuning Protocol for Collaborative Planning</a>. Another effective protocol for collaborative planning teams to use is the <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:f0d857a3-6631-3523-af18-3865185c77f4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Data Analysis Protocol</a>. Cawelti and Protheroe studied six school districts serving at-risk school populations. They found that students increased performance on state tests after districts started disaggregating data and developing lessons to address learning deficits. Leader Keys Effective System (LKES) Performance Standard 3: Planning and Assessment sets the expectation for instructional leaders who plan collaboratively. Be sure to ask your GaDOE SES or DES for specific support regarding improving impacts through effective collaborative planning protocols.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="616" height="803" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LKES-.png" alt="LKES Performance Standard 3: Planning and Assessment" class="wp-image-32533" style="width:507px;height:auto" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LKES-.png 616w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LKES--230x300.png 230w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LKES--38x50.png 38w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/LKES--77x100.png 77w" sizes="(max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Title I-A</h2>



<p>In 2023, state legislators passed the Georgia Early Literacy Act (House Bill 538) which addresses kindergarten through third grade reading in five parts: high quality instructional materials, screeners, interventions, professional learning, and teacher preparation. Read more in the newly updated <a href="https://lor2.gadoe.org/gadoe/file/c117a66e-1d47-4727-b6df-5563b7e0d4ce/1/Aligning-State-Literacy-Policies-and-Practices.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices guide.</a> The Georgia Literacy Academy is LIVE in Georgia Learns!  Step by step directions are accessible <a href="https://lor2.gadoe.org/gadoe/file/6837f8ec-f078-4fd3-b486-41373d471022/1/Georgia-Literacy-Academy-Course-Manual.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to support educators in getting started with this professional learning opportunity today. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="791" height="1024" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-791x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32538" style="width:558px;height:auto" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-232x300.jpg 232w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-768x994.jpg 768w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-1583x2048.jpg 1583w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-624x808.jpg 624w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-39x50.jpg 39w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-77x100.jpg 77w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/REVISED-2024-GaDOE-Federal-Programs-Conference-Series-Option-3-1-scaled.jpg 1978w" sizes="(max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Save the Dates</h2>



<p>What better way to learn more about effective collaborative planning teams than being part of a conference series specifically curated for school and district leaders? Mark your calendars for February 13-14, 2024. We are joining efforts with Federal Programs to co-host a two-part conference series which will take place at the Georgia International Conference Center in Atlanta. Contact event coordinators, <a href="mailto:kristy.kueber@mresa.org">Kristy Kueber</a> or <a href="mailto:kathy.matthews@mresa.org">Kathy Matthews</a>, for additional details.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://login.community.gadoe.org/events "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final-1024x585.png" alt="GaDOE PL Event Catalog url" class="wp-image-32540" style="width:348px;height:auto" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final-1024x585.png 1024w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final-300x171.png 300w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final-768x439.png 768w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final-624x357.png 624w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final-50x29.png 50w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final-100x57.png 100w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PL-Events-Graphic-Landscape-Final.png 1050w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<p>Join our<a href="https://login.community.gadoe.org/events/improving-outcomes-for-federally-identified-schools-series"> Improving Outcomes virtual series </a>as GaDOE staff focus in on a variety of topics and supports including effective PLCs, Tier 1 instruction, and sustainability of practices. School and district leaders will learn about key best practices as they work to improve outcomes for Georgia’s students. Each session is one hour and will be <a href="https://login.community.gadoe.org/events">recorded</a> for those who cannot attend the live webinar. Please contact Professional Learning Specialists, <a href="mailto:marciesingletary@doe.k12.ga.us">Marcie Singletary</a> or <a href="mailto:sbeckham@doe.k12.ga.us">Shekina Beckham</a> if you have ideas for future professional learning sessions or if you have any questions.</p>



<p>January 24, 2024: Effective Leadership Team Retreats<br>February 28, 2024: Classroom Management<br>March 20, 2024: Hiring Practices<br>April 17, 2024: Master Schedules<br>May 22, 2024: Effective PLCs<br>June 26, 2024: New Teacher Orientation<br>July 24, 2024: Effective Tier 1 instruction<br>August 21, 2024: Whole Child Supports<br>September 25, 2024: Alternative Schools Supports<br>October 23, 2024: Sustainability<br>November 20, 2024: Leveraging Effective Strategies Across Schools & Districts<br>December 11, 2024: Teacher Clarity</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">About the Office of School and District Improvement</h2>



<p>The Office of School and District Improvement (SDI) provides a statewide system of supports and processes for schools and districts who have been identified as needing comprehensive or targeted support. Our work is to collaborate with schools’ and districts’ improvement efforts by providing evidence-based tools, resources, ​and​ professional learning. SDI staff work in conjunction with other divisions within the Georgia Department of Education and external agencies such as the Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs), Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS), colleges, and universities to provide support for school and district leaders to improve student outcomes. Follow us on Twitter @GaDOESDI or contact us at <a href="mailto:schoolimprovement@doe.k12.ga.us">schoolimprovement@doe.k12.ga.us </a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="902" height="52" src="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/footer.png" alt="footer with GaDOE email, website, and social media information" class="wp-image-32543" srcset="https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/footer.png 902w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/footer-300x17.png 300w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/footer-768x44.png 768w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/footer-624x36.png 624w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/footer-50x3.png 50w, https://community.gadoe.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/footer-100x6.png 100w" sizes="(max-width: 902px) 100vw, 902px" /></figure>


SDI Updates Fall 2023

School Improvement Newsletter

Archives