Educational Landscape Plan

Educational Landscape Plan 2007 - 2011
In spring 2007 the District 401 administration asked staff, parents and middle and high school students to complete a survey that would help chart the course of the district for years to come. The survey invited them to share their views, impressions and expectations of the school district. The purpose was to gain perspective and opinions that would help the administration set goals and prioritize initiatives. Over 1,600 participants responded. From these results, District 401 administrators developed the EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE PLAN that sets long-term goals for the District. It focuses on the entire scope of attributes that make a quality school district. The Educational Landscape Plan is the most sweeping and far-reaching multi-year improvement plan ever to be initiated in the district.
 
Vision Statement I: Organization Vision Statement
To be fiscally responsible, ensure a safe, challenging learning environment, provide a proactive, highly qualified staff, and offer a wide variety of academic, artistic-based, and extracurricular programs that encompass the total learning process.
 
GOALS
Goal 1: Design a plan for long-term fiscal analysis, including a possible tax referendum.
Goal 2: Expand extracurricular activities for students prekindergarten through grade 12.
Goal 3: Develop and implement a long-range Facility Plan incorporating health, safety, technology infrastructure, and maintenance and major building considerations.
GOAL 4: Analyze and recommend program expansion and staffing needs pre-K through grade 12 (e.g. all-day kindergarten, foreign language, improve students/teacher ratio, technology, the arts, high school offerings).
GOAL 5: Research and implement an updated method for data gathering and analysis to support decision making for continual academic improvement. 
GOAL 6: Research and implement a comprehensive process for staff evaluation.
GOAL 7: Research and implement an expanded District Nutrition and Wellness program.
GOAL 8: Research and implement “Green” and “Energy Saving” initiatives throughout the District.
 
Vision Statement II: Curriculum/Instruction Vision Statement
To provide challenging educational opportunities for all students that will prepare them for continued learning through: “Best” teaching practices, technology, partnerships, community service, and the development of positive work habits. Instructional approaches will be linked to the Illinois State Learning Standards and our district’s curricula documents.
 
GOALS
GOAL 1: Continue to increase student performance in all curricular areas, with an emphasis on reading, writing and mathematics.
GOAL 2: Continue to expand programming at the high school including post graduate opportunities for students.
GOAL 3: Expand technology education to directly enhance the curriculum.
GOAL 4: Expand the current Enrichment (Gifted/Talented) program to ensure a comprehensive curricula program.
GOAL 5: Research and implement more differentiated teaching strategies to accommodate varied learning styles.
GOAL 6: Continue to expand programs for English Language Learners.
 
Vision Statement III: Communication/Climate/Community Vision Statement
To ensure the representation of students, staff, parents, and members of the public through various means of communication. To create an exciting, engaging, and respectful learning environment. To further enrich the learning environment utilizing parent/community involvement.
 
 
Goals
GOAL 1: Continue to expand communication regarding high school programming and opportunities.
GOAL 2: Maintain a positive student climate pre-K through grade 12 and programming that supports citizenship, respect and community service among students.
GOAL 3: Expand community partnerships and parent involvement.
GOAL 4: Revise the District website and maintain regular updates.