Thoreau Strategic Plan Overview

1. Improve Student Growth and Achievement

• Collaborate across schools to share successful instructional practices post-pandemic.
• Use grade level team meetings to analyze academic data, including MCAS, to identify gaps and adjust instruction.

2. Develop Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Ensure all students PK-22 develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Support the rollout of Responsive Classroom by integrating professional learning into faculty meetings and other settings.

3. Enhance Professional Development

• Provide all faculty with a minimum of three hours of in-person professional development each school year.
• Increase participation in Responsive Classroom training to at least 60% of staff.
• Facilitate professional development sessions and book clubs led by Responsive Classroom teacher leads.
• Continue Cultural Competency Committee meetings and professional learning opportunities.

4. Utilize Outdoor Spaces and Balance Technology Use

• Collaborate with vendors to enhance Thoreau's exterior, including new playgrounds, erosion control, and expanded green space.
• Work with the IT department to balance technology use and access, offering workshops for responsible technology use.

5. Expand Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

• Develop and expand MTSS through data use, clearly defined tiers of prevention and intervention, additional enrichment opportunities, and clear communication.
• Expand use of Amplify DIBELS through 3rd grade and provide continuing professional development for teachers.
• Support families in understanding literacy screeners and share best practices across elementary schools.
• Develop consistent tracking and monitoring of student progress across all three schools.

6. Provide High-Quality Professional Development for Student Well-being

• Offer professional development focused on student well-being and strategies for accommodating mental health challenges.
• Dedicate faculty meeting time to learning about Responsive Classroom and other mental health strategies.

7. Celebrate Diversity and Community Building

• Organize five school-wide activities each year to celebrate and embrace the identities of students, staff, and families.
• Use building facilities and environments to celebrate community diversity with visual displays and other initiatives.

8. Ensure Standards-Based Learning Opportunities

• Continue implementing the K-3 literacy plan based on current evidence-based research and expand it to include grades 4 and 5.
• Support staff in integrating newly purchased decodable texts in Grades K-2 and offer professional development in social-emotional learning.

9. Build a Diverse and Inclusive Staff

• Aim for 20% of newly hired CPS/CCRSD administrators, faculty, and staff to identify as people of color by 2025, with 100% retention year-to-year.
• Collaborate with DEIB Director and HR Director to recruit diverse candidates for open vacancies.