School and District Improvement

Continuous improvement whether at the school or district level, is an ongoing, systemic, cyclical process. In this cycle, the results of previous efforts are examined in order to determine where to focus new efforts.

As with any system undergoing change, staff benefit from examples, supported by research, of what work in particular circumstances. Staff also benefit from resources to help them examine, based both on observation and on data, current practices in determining next steps.

The Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to develop accountability models that meaningfully differentiate schools for supports. As part of Oregon’s commitment to strengthening school district systems, ODE will partner with school districts to better support schools in need of targeted or comprehensive supports.

Oregon Accountability and School Improvement under ESSA 2017-18 District Supports

Identification and Support Model

Partnerships

Primary Partnerships

Primary Partnerships will be established with school districts with significant numbers and percentages of schools eligible for supports. These school districts will be supported with on-the-ground supports aimed at facilitating:

listening sessions,
needs assessments at both the district and school level,
engaging families, parents and community stakeholders for input, feedback and updates regarding improvement approaches,
plan development, including periodic routines for monitoring the implementation and impact of improvement approaches.

Primary Partners will receive fiscal resources and technical assistance from ODE staff.

Opportunity and Innovation Partnerships

Opportunity and Innovation Partnerships will be established with school districts with fewer numbers or percentages of Comprehensive or Targeted Support Schools than Primary Partner Districts.

Differentiated and contextualized improvement resources will be made available for Opportunity and Innovation districts to augment existing improvement efforts in alignment and concert with local context and need.

Many Opportunity and Innovation Districts are presently engaged with Federal or State leveraged programs and resources including, but not limited to, the following examples:

Resources including grants to improve Basic Programs Title I-A, English Learners Title III, and 21st Century Grants.
Coaching and fiscal resources through the English Learner Strategic Plan.
Coaching and implementation supports through the State Personnel Development Grant.
Coaching and fiscal resources designed to promote regular student attendance.
Supports under the African American and Black Student Success Plan.

In addition, ODE is currently working with local Education Service Districts to provide further assistance for Opportunity and Innovation Districts to engage in a facilitated continuous improvement process including the use of an evidence-based needs assessment and improved planning process.

Opportunity and Innovation Partners will receive fiscal resources and technical assistance from ODE staff.

Resources

Continuous Improvement Process and Planning

Schools and districts in Oregon are called upon to engage in the continuous improvement process to improve outcomes for students. This page contains information to support districts in the development and submission of their required district continuous improvement plan.

School and District Report Cards

ODE produces yearly report cards for schools and districts. These reports, called for by the 1999 state legislature, provide educators with an opportunity to communicate directly with parents and community members about how local schools are performing.

Updates

Current updates can now be found on the Innovation and Improvement's Integrated Monthly Communication News and Updates page.

For questions, comments, or additional information contact the Office of EII.