VII+Commitment+to+Continuous+Improvement

Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Impact Statement: A system is successful in meeting this standard when it implements a collaborative and ongoing process for improvement that aligns the functions of the system with the expectations for student learning. Improvement efforts are sustained and the system and its schools demonstrate progress in improving student performance. New improvement efforts are informed by the results of earlier efforts through analysis of student performance, system effectiveness, and assessment of the improvement process. ** Indicators Rubric ** Please indicate the degree to which the noted practices/processes are in place in the school system. The responses to the rubric should help the school system identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement as well as guide and inform the school system’s responses to the focus questions.
 * STANDARD: The system establishes, implements, and monitors a continuous process of improvement that focuses on student performance. **
 * INDICATORS **
 * INDICATORS **
 * In fulfillment of this standard, the system: ** || ** Not Evident ** || ** Emerging ** || ** Operational ** || ** Highly Functional ** ||
 * 7.1 || Engages in a continuous process of improvement that articulates the vision and purpose the system is pursuing (Vision); maintains a rich and current description of students, their performance, system effectiveness, and the community (Profile); employs goals and interventions to improve student performance (Plan); and documents and uses the results to inform future improvement efforts (Results) || || || || ||
 * 7.2 || Engages stakeholders in the processes of continuous improvement || || || || ||
 * 7.3 || Ensures that each school’s plan for continuous improvement is aligned with the system’s vision and expectations for student learning || || || || ||
 * 7.4 || Ensures that each school’s plan for continuous improvement includes a focus on increasing learning for all students and closing gaps between current and expected student performance levels || || || || ||
 * 7.5 || Provides research-based professional development for system and school personnel to help them achieve improvement goals || || || || ||
 * 7.6 || Monitors and communicates the results of improvement efforts to stakeholders || || || || ||
 * 7.7 || Evaluates and documents the effectiveness and impact of its continuous process of improvement || || || || ||
 * 7.8 || Allocates and protects time for planning and engaging in continuous improvement efforts system-wide || || || || ||
 * 7.9 || Provides direction and assistance to its schools and operational units to support their continuous improvement efforts || || || || ||

Not Evident Little or no evidence exists
===Emerging Evidence indicates early or preliminary stages of implementation of practice === ===Operational Evidence indicates practices and procedures are actively implemented ===

**Focus Questions**
Please respond to the following questions regarding the processes that are in place to support the school system’s implementation of the research-based practices outlined in the indicators rubric. Responses to these questions should support the school system’s self-assessment on the indicators rubric. Be thorough and concise in your answers, focusing on quality and depth over quantity.
 * 1) Describe the process for continuous improvement used by the school system and its schools and the impact of this process on student learning and system effectiveness.
 * 1) What process is used to ensure that the improvement goals reflect student learning needs and are aligned with the vision and purpose of the school system and its schools?
 * 1) What process is used to ensure that system and school personnel are provided professional development and technical assistance to implement interventions and achieve improvement goals?
 * 1) How does the leadership ensure that the improvement plan is implemented, monitored, achieved, and communicated to stakeholders?