Franklin Township Board of Education Five Year Strategic Planning Meeting

May 9, 2012

During the 2nd

strategic planning meeting, participants were focused on “expectations for the future”. A challenge question guided thinking for generating individual and small group consensus ideas which were then presented to the full group of meeting participants.

The challenge question: “If we were here together three years from now, what would we want to be able to say we have accomplished that would make us proud about the progress of Franklin Township School District.” Meeting participants worked in small groups, first noting their individual thoughts on chart paper placemats, second, sharing individual thinking to other small group members, and finally, they worked as a group to bring forward contributions reflecting consensus thinking around expectations for the future. The meeting notes below are organized by small groups designated by 16 tables. Notes are presented with consensus ideas first and individual thinking follows. Since the strategic planning meeting, the small group consensus ideas were brought together to organize goal areas where the school district could focus their work over the years of the Franklin Township strategic plan. Immediately below are the summary goal areas and goal descriptors that frame the goal areas for strategic planning work over the next years. Again, these guidelines come from the summary of small group consensus ideas.

1. Improved Student Achievement SUMMARY GOAL AREAS

a. Set measurable benchmark achievement targets b. Increase acceptance to post-secondary programs c. Staff development for improved student achievement d. Early Childhood intervention e. Improved readiness for school through work with families f. Improved student test scores g. Increased participation in AP and college prep classes h. Smaller class size i. Instruction focused on the common core standards j. Decrease achievement gaps k. Cultural sensitivity in teaching/learning l. Expectations that all students can achieve

2. Student and Staff Access to 21st

a. Enable improved parent and student communication Century Technology

3. Expanded Curricular and Extra-Curricular Programs a. Before and after-school programs b. Ensure challenging curriculum c. Continue support for extra-curricular programs d. School to work programs e. Community service opportunities f. Alternative education options for students g. Improve rigor h. Ensure equity of programs across schools

4. Improved community relations a. Improve community perception of school district b. Greater family responsibility for student achievement expectations c. Develop a risk free culture d. Parent teacher relationships e. United “team” working together to improve schools f. Full disclosure and accountability of school district operations

5. Address Facility Needs a. “Global infrastructure” b. Meet demands of increased student enrollment c. Greening the schools d. Improve and complete athletic and other projects in progress

6. School Spirit and Pride a. Anti-bullying programs b. Decrease disruptive behavior

SMALL GROUP SUMMARY NOTES

TABLE ONE

Main Themes

• Student achievement/proficiency will increase on all levels by 35-40% • Current 21st

• Community and parental pride and participation in the children’s education and schools

Century technology for our buildings, staff and students

• Expand student experiences and learning in extra-curricular activities and programs before and after school/weekends and in partnerships with the community

All Comments

• Safe schools and buses • Community linked/involved after school activities • Videocasting technology in all classrooms

• Parent Volunteers in schools • All students engaged (connectedness to school) • Adult Ed/distance learning/evening school options • Challenge the high achieving kids • More AP classes • Compete in Science and Math Competition • Field tours with education in mind • Various clubs like debate, chess, etc. • G&T/honors classes • After school tutoring • Sports classes/program in upper elementary • Online resources/practice tests • Computer classes • Twice the number of students graduating and going for higher education • Students are informed about future and professions, not just graduating • Confidence about our education system (for students and

parents/guardians) to go high (by 100%) • Optimize the money spent on school so that we can do more for students • Digitization • Blue Ribbon district is student achievement • Best prepared staff meeting the 21st

• Major increased parental participation in their children’s education and schools

Century challenges for preparing our students

• Better community support for our schools • Strong alternative programs for students to excel beyond regular school

setting • Updated facilities that are not over populated • 21st

• Embracing our diversity more than today Century technology for our students and buildings

• Support and expand student experiences and learning in extra partnership • Academically high performing • Culture of learning and respect • Unified goals – all stakeholders “buy in” • Orderly well-managed buildings, including hallways • Community pride in the schools and support for the schools • Technology

TABLE TWO

Main Themes

• Improved high school graduation and acceptance into 4 year programs and alternative programs (i.e. trade school, military, 2 year colleges)

• Perception of school district within community and outside pride; connecting cultures; maximize focus on programs (educational, fine arts, etc.)

• Building program: global infrastructure program. Building plan has positive effect on culture and productivity on schools. Enrollment growth; maintenance; technology; green; security; educational needs; alternative program

• Collaborative spirit; partnerships • Professional development is the standard; embraced and relevant integrated

throughout district

All Comments

• Focused professional development for all school employees • More children with disabilities being reinserted back into the mainstream

(into LCR classroom settings) • Continued building of a more collegial atmosphere between regular

educators and special educators • Incorporation of instructional technology (more smartboards, Elmo, digital

camera, updated computers) • Holistic community – school partnerships in forums such as this • Teachers reflecting on their instructional practices to move student

achievement forward • Football field • More modern classroom • Appropriate class sites • Stronger Science department • In three years, I hope the community comes together to support a building

program that will address: projected enrollment growth; needed long term maintenance items throughout the district; support continued improvement in our instruction and curriculum through technology; improve services by providing upgraded office space for the BOE Office and specialty space for a program TBD.

• Increase percentage of high school graduates accepted to four year colleges

• Reputation increased but need objective measures for the public • Student satisfaction • Other knowing that graduates go to universities and succeed • Advance in the arts • No reputation for fights, violence, disruption (both students within and

people from outside) • Help and progress for those at risk • We worked collaboratively (Board, Admin, Township, Community Groups,

Residents) • We are building a new school and have fixed some of the facilities • We are making AMO in all schools and all subgroups • We have had the same principal at the high school since I wrote this!!

• We are finding alternative funding for additional projects • The stadium is finished and we have a state championship high school

football team • We have an alternative school in district • Students/graduates are proud • Exit interview for students not returning, we know why and are addressing

it • In three years, I’m expecting that our students are thoughtful, caring,

respectful, interested in learning, have varied interests and go to any college they choose or are working in a fulfilling job and can pay taxes to support voucher-free public education.

• Our schools are well maintained • Our teachers have the professional development to be “highly effective” • Higher state/required test scores at all levels • High college acceptance/entrance from graduating seniors • Smartboards, greater use of technology in the elementary schools and

throughout the district • Increase in “green” initiatives, sustainability curriculum especially in the

elementary schools • Increase in the Arts program • Spanish or other foreign language at the elementary level • District pride – perspective • Exit interview for families leaving the district

TABLE THREE

Main Themes

• Academic Achievement o Early childhood intervention o Proficiency on tests o Bring back basic skills drills

• Technology o Build and continue to support as a community (i.e. a laptop for each

teacher) o Two prong approach (1) teacher tools; (2) improve student technology

proficiency • Adults – behavior with/among teachers/staff parents…move away from the

“blame game” and take responsibility for academic achievement • Communication across all lines (parents, teachers, staff, alumni, residents) • Physically update/upgrade facilities – not throw good money after bad • Problem solve – get past the “impasse”

All Comments

• At least 90% of students are “proficient’ in the NJASK/HSPA • Interactive whiteboards in • Early intervention/benchmark tests for students who are struggling • School administrations/principals take ownership and full responsibility for

student achievement • Technology program for elementary schools • Excellent Math program with daily five minute drills of basic math

operations • Bullying – school staff model what they teach • Technology • LRFP • Continued commitment to growing instructional and administrative

technology • Improved student achievement in all schools for all students • Improve teaching and leadership • Improved avenues for adult collaboration • Developing in district programs and services to bring out of district back to

the district • Community involvement (students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, local

residents) • Generate money to support the plan • Showcase achievements (media, newsletters) • Facilitate new ideas to add to plan • Take pride in the community and district • Spirit • Student achievement and succession planning • Address expanding enrollment and reduced state aide • Improve discipline/image • Improve technical skill training to prepare students for a global economy

market • Sports – improved/standardized student health/concussion policy • Alternate school up and running • Proficiency should be a minimum for all students; excellence should be

allowed to be pursued • Family access to library and class subjects at home directly allowing

parents into what is going on in child’s class • Updated school facilities (new windows; AC/heating/ventilation) • State of the art (Math/Science/Computer) across all subjects • All teachers trained as library resources • New books in library • All teachers and staff to be trained to handle behavioral issues (including

bullying) t change abhorrent behavior, not to just subdue it

TABLE FOUR

Main Themes

• A risk free culture for all stakeholders within the community/schools • Ensuring that all students needs are met through proper placement (transition

grades, alternative, therapeutic)

All Comments

• All students meet all state standards • All workers in the school district have a team culture • An alternative school is up and working • Better test score in all schools • The school board and the community getting along better • More aids in the classroom to meet the needs of students • Empowerment of teachers • Student pride in their achievements and accomplishments • Resources to meet the needs of all students • Risk free environments • Small enrollments in the larger schools • Early intervention • Test scores higher • Programs designed to meet the needs of all students • Proper placement and programs for identified students • Improvement in test scores • Improvement in overall school community collaboration • Increased parental involvement • Increase in extracurricular academic programs (SGS) • Improvement in teacher strategies in meeting needs of all students • Collaboration with outside organizations (Rutgers/Science) • Meeting needs of families with socioeconomic difficulty • An alternative school • Increased counseling services • After hours programs – academic tutoring K-4 • Grade level collaboration within departments increased (lesson planning)

TABLE FIVE

Main Themes

• The technology hardware to support parent and student communication, curriculum 21st century skills)

• Improved and transparent hiring practices • Retain and promote key talent (PD) • Consistent, challenging curriculum implementation • Continued support for extra-curricular activities (arts, sports, music, G&T)

All Comments

• Our students test scores have improved • We have the cream of the crop personnel from Cafeteria help to

Superintendent of schools • Our curriculum supports SAT testing preparation • All students in the district are being challenged to their fullest potential • Staff believe that our students can succeed if challenged • We have stopped hiring based on relationships as opposed to

qualifications • More students gaining proficiency towards their goals • Students and staff looking forward to coming to Franklin Township

Schools each day • Attract and retain teachers and staff who are great for the students and

district • Continue to support and encourage the students in arts, sports, and other

extra curricular activities (Odyssey of the Mind) • Developed strong curriculum and teaching methods allowing our children

to thrive and be college ready • Opened an additional door of communication to parents who haven’t been

active in the past so that they know they can and should be more vocal as it pertains to their child and the district as a whole

• Additional technological advances to further bolster the curriculum for the students

• Updating some of the older buildings • Reducing class sizes/address overcrowding • Incorporating more technology in the elementary schools • Better programs for our special needs students • Bring back some of the programs that were cut (computer classes; gifted

and talented) • Improve the website • Less variation between elementary schools • Open communication between District/BOE/Community • District attractive to high quality candidates • World class technology use to support teaching and learning • Consistency across elementary school program implementation • Leadership development academy for school leaders • Gifted and talented program K-12 • Out of the box thinking as a part of each subject implemented consistently • 21st Century skills reflected in each area of curriculum

• K-12 intervention services program • Parent portal used as a tool to empower parents • Summer school opportunities for all levels • A curriculum that challenges our students and prepares them to be

competitive in a global market • District Administration that proactively and collaboratively works with

faculty/staff, parents and residents • Transparency by administration • Community support for extracurricular activities (i.e., sports, arts, etc.)

TABLE SIX

Main Themes

• Age appropriate class sizes including special ed • Maintain arts and music, art and drams, and classic literature • Greater exposure to work, business, career and technical, community service

learning • All teachers have input in curriculum selection and development • More prep for SAT and NJ standardized tests, cut partial proficiency • Compliance with special education laws • Cut partial proficiency in Math and LAL by no less than 50%

All Comments

• Special needs community truly integrated within district • Increased graduating seniors going to college • Music and arts programs required to graduate • Bullying – none existent • More community service for students to understand outside (real) world • Ongoing implementation of curriculum based upon best practice • Higher SAT scores • More Ivy League acceptances • Maintain arts programs • More periods to accommodate electives/arts • Literature exposure • Prepare the kids for the real world/business/social • Multilanguage capabilities • Integrated special needs in the schools

TABLE SEVEN

Main Themes

• School spirit/pride (parent and teacher connection; community involvement)

• Effective alternative programs (building a capacity for different learners inside of the general education)

• Increase and improve facilities • Improve methods for bullying

All Comments

• If we keep doing what we are doing, we will see more learning in our class rooms. I would like to see our community and the parents of the students to be more involved.

• Improvement in how disciplinary problems are handled. (I would hope that we would have changed the negative behavior of students into positive and to make it more fun to learn)

• Creating events that unify the community and all of its different groups regardless of culture, color, gender, age, etc.

• Increased student involvement in after school district wide programs of mentorship

• Data driven curriculum and response to interventions being used in all grades and throughout all schools that helped identify gaps in education and are successful in closing them.

• High academic achievement and more students progressing to college • Education for all • Strong content instruction and total SPED integration • Convey to students the needs to have high expectations for themselves • More diverse course offerings/programs that truly prepare students for the

next phase • Greater sense of school pride by staff and students • Alternative programs 7-12 • Reconfiguration of grade levels • Building program – new construction; rehab older buildings • Infused technology in teaching

TABLE EIGHT

Main Themes

• Resource center/team that parents can contact for information and social academic resources with online access

• Mandatory, online availability of all teachers at all grade levels • More students taking college prep and AP course at high school level • More kids attending and graduating college • Hands on community project with life long learning skills

All Comments

• Uniform standards of communication with parents • Mandatory online use by teachers • Superior academic programs • More students taking college prep and honors courses • More students attending four year colleges • More students excelling in Math, Sciences and Reading • More students participating in community activities • More students taking pride in Franklin and in Franklin Schools • More parental involvement in school activities • More teachers giving extra instruction to students • Books bought that teachers actually use and that are well written (maybe

teachers can have a say in which books to use or veto it…History) • High percentage of kids going to college and doing well there • Kids leaving school who can organize their thoughts and speak well in

front of any group/person • More centralized PTO environment (platform)

TABLE NINE

Main Themes

• Academically focused environment that includes effective discipline policy, less pull-outs, and student responsibility

• Comprehensive, standardized communication systems reaching out to parents, community school board, and students to improve public image

• Creating a culture of academic ownership that produces success and excellence

All Comments

• Uninterrupted class time • Stricter discipline policies in the schools • A school atmosphere where all kids are respectful of others • Better communication between school staff and parents • Have parents more involved in PTSO’s • Less assemblies and more class time • More involvement of counselors in student development • Improved image • Instructional time in classroom better protected to ensure safe and quiet

classrooms without disruptions and less pull-outs for assemblies • Systematic, more effective approach to discipline. Do not allow disruptive

students to negatively effect the learning environment without consequences

• Improve district image in town; have less parents defecting to private schools when it is time to move on to FMS. Greatly improve public relations of FMS so that parents do not fear sending their children there.

• Improved curriculum that includes more rigorous vocabulary programs and instructions.

• Have less pull-out for social programs that eat away at classroom time • Have better communication all around • Standard communication procedures for teachers (i.e. all parents are

given the same format at parent/teacher conferences; all elementary teachers use some type of Friday folder format to communicate children’s progress)

• Less pull outs – more time in classrooms • Disruptive children are not allowed to continually interrupt classroom

instruction. Repeated disruptions by the same child is resolved once and for all

• Academically focused environment for all • Technology - computers in classrooms, iPads, Smartboards, 21st

• We are able to recruit and retain the most excellent and qualified teachers

century learning

• Parents and the community are more involved and view themselves as equal partners in their children’s education

• A communication department with an interactive website that shares relevant information so that parents know what is expected of their children in the classroom

• Students are completely aware that the school district cares about them and their academic pursuit for excellence

• Franklin diversity has become an issue which no longer is or continues to be the number one topic in many classrooms

• The educators are no longer under strict tenure years and we maintain a policy of holding on to our best teachers

• A more hands on BOE whose members while not necessarily educators spend more time in the classroom

• We try to have on or two individuals who are in constant contact with the outside world so our image has improved

• 90% of the students who enter the system in PreK or K graduate FHS (exclusive of move-outs)

• One dozen FHS seniors accepted at Ivy League universities • 75% of FHS graduates go to higher education; 25% get good local jobs or

join military • Number of special ed students who go out of district is reduced from 200

to 100 • The number of other students who transfer out equals the number who

transfer in • Classes are taught digitally, each student has a device like an iPad

• All students are encouraged to reach for what they want, with full support of guidance counselors and teachers

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum that includes and addresses quality assessments (formative/benchmarks) of students, of teachers performance and of programs effectiveness

• Developed and implemented different instruction and different strategies to meeting individual student needs; individual teacher needs, individual school needs, individual principal needs, curriculum needs

• Developed and implemented thorough integration of technology into the curriculum, classroom instruction, buildings, administration/observation process

• Developed a way to address student growth and achievements as a unified goal and priority area of focus both collaboratively and cooperatively

• Meet/exceed state standards in the areas of own mandates; AMO; closing achievement gaps; college and career readiness; graduation rate

TABLE TEN

Main Themes

• More opportunities to infuse technology into the • Improve public relations (community) and school spirit (internally) • Improve student/teacher interactions/relationships. Decrease disruptive behavior

so focus is on learning • Set measurable goals and increase expectations for academics and behavior for

all parties (parents/teachers/students/staff) • Provide facilities for growth (new expanded schools; improve and finish athletic

facilities; complete projects in progress)

All Comments

• Improvement in student attendance • Increase staff training • Increase in breakfast participation which positively impacts learning/test

scores • Increase in athletic scholarships for our athletes • Improvement in school spirit among the FHS student body • Start construction on a much needed new elementary school as well as

additions to several of our schools • Complete FHS athletic stadium complex • At least 80% of students being proficient in NJ exams • Students in high school getting accepted in good colleges • Change in student behavior dealt with in a consistent manner whether it is

the school or the parent/guardian at home

• Teachers focusing on academics and learning, rather than behavior • Continue to increase in proficiency and/or advanced proficiency at all

grade levels and all schools • Reintroduce language and formalized computer instruction at elementary

level • Continue to increase advanced placement at high school and middle

school • Reach 100% graduation rate • Successfully run schools on existing budget without having to go above

tax cap • Properly deal with and reduce bullying/disruptive behavior at all grade

levels • All teachers trained to identify learning disabilities such as dyslexia at all

grade levels but especially at elementary • Recess at elementary level • Improved public perception of township schools (many in community have

negative opinion of high school) • Reintroduction of computer literacy at an early age (our students/staff

have to become more technology focused) • Reintroduce foreign language at an early age (our students need to be

exposed to other languages and cultures) • Ability for parents to use technology/computers to check on progress and

get more information on what students are learning/achieving • More opportunities for advanced placement classes in high school • Better accountability of a school’s progress in meeting established goals • Set yearly goals and track progress

TABLE ELEVEN

Main Themes

• A higher level of curriculum that will challenge our students to strive for excellence

• Better teacher training and professional development based on teachers needs and concerns

• Leadership that is connected and invested in the community • A united team working together - ownership by all stakeholders in helping each

other attain excellence

All Comments

• A positive feeling about not only the students in the district but about the entire district (administrator, teachers, staff and board members)

• Programs that address all students including those who struggle with behavior issues or are just different

• Having the curriculum that brings our children’s state testing up to a higher tier than what they are currently ranked. This can be accomplished by mirroring other districts that are at a higher rank currently (i.e. Hillsborough, Bridgewater)

• Science projects – competing • Better ways to increase math scores • Better ways to increase reading and writing scores • Have a more stable administration • Address and stop bullying • We need new leadership immediately • Use less consultants throughout the district and create more of an

investment into the upgrading of current staff/faculty • Restore Franklin pride • Embrace special education by investing in it

TABLE TWELVE

Main Themes

• Technology – all schools equipped with the appropriate technology needed and computer education K-12

• Smaller class size – all grades K-12 • Capital improvements – exterior and interior of buildings and grounds • Math/Science – improve the rigor through hands on instruction • Arts – return G&T/more critical thinking skills

All Comments

• Culture is finally brought back to all grade levels • All elementary schools are finally using the same curriculum, such as

Spanish program to grades K-1 • Food served in elementary schools is healthy and more exercise time is

given to students • All students in every grade are given the opportunity to have computer as

one of their subjects. Not just once a cycle but included in their curriculum • Class sizes will not be more than 25 students. Lower grade levels will

have a para in each class • Field trips will be included for all elementary schools • All schools are equally equipped with the same technology • G&T and computer programs are restored to the elementary level • Classroom teachers have been trained in the current educational

foundations - given ample time and are comfortable

• Maintenance of grounds elaborating the beauty/uniqueness of each school

• Programs presented (language arts/math) fall into the CCCS • Classroom sizes are not overtly crowded • Have books in the core areas for elementary grades – hard cover • Have actual basketball courts for outdoor play – not parking lot for

maintenance and deliveries • Have good administration in regards to behavioral problems in school –

discipline • Creative use of facilities to reduce class size • Measurable increase of student learning/achievement • Better use of technology/more technology – computers in students hands • Model program which increases the achievement of ESL students • More critical thinking • More technical classes • Hands-on environment • Improved teacher/student relations • Improved Math and Science studies • All schools with classroom size at a smaller teacher/student ratio • Equip with technology (smartboards) • Completed athletic facilities • Majority of schools that are proficient (testing) • Completing of FHS athletic complex • Large percentage of private school/charter school students returning to

the district • Technology needs addressed • Increased pre-school population/program • Expanded facilities to address enrollment growth • Funding available for capital repairs • More parent involvement

TABLE THIRTEEN

Main Themes

• Increased percentage of advanced proficiency; decrease percentage of partial proficiency

• Improved sustainability infrastructure (i.e. Green Ribbon district) • Improved learning readiness through parental involvement • Advancement in technology

All Comments

• Academic scores meets or exceeds economic indicators • Transparency in sources and uses of funds

• Online mastery or high level of technical prowess across administration and staff/teachers

• More parental involvement due to transparency, activities and community • Clear understanding of core standards and accountability across school

district • All students achieve proficiency in academic areas • Solved space issues – need more room • Continued use of literacy and math coaches • Improved student behavior • More technology • Our schools are greener using virtual means to communicate such as

virtual backpack used in Piscataway district as well as other energy savings (i.e. solar, etc.)

• District reputation is at an all time high. There is no longer a stigma about our middle and high schools. People want to move into our community rather than move out

• Technology used in classrooms • Congruency and transparency as to how the students are meeting CCS

and how teacher’s curriculum is meeting CCS. Teachers are using Rubicon.

• District as a whole is achieving excellence • Student achievement improvement based upon the overflow of teacher

training (i.e. Aussie; TC; coaches) • Student behavior improved (PBS) • More parent support within all schools • Admin/Staff collaboration/support within all schools • Less confusion from the top (Central Office) • A system works for inputting information that is accurate and concise • All employees are given the opportunity to report their professional growth

in various settings • Students are exposed to global awareness and can document their work • Communication vehicles have been expanded besides through paper • Transporting students to school events within the district exposes

communication between elementary, middle and high school students • Archive information for future reference on a database system

TABLE FOURTEEN

Main Themes

• Franklin BOE/FTPS will give full disclosure and accountability to parents/community/student partners

• 21st

• Vertical articulation – bridging the gap of Administration/Staff amongst grades PreK-12 to ensure college/career preparedness for all

technology in full use PreK-12

• Congruency and equity amongst our schools PreK-5 • PreK-12 curriculum based on common core standards with measurable

benchmarks of student progress/data available to all stakeholders (FTPS, students, parents, community)

All Comments

• The Board/FTPS give full disclosure and accountability to parents and community partners

• 21st

• We provided a venue for all administrators and Math/Science/Literacy Directors to meet and implement policies, curriculum changes that would help ease the transition from elementary to middle to high school. In other words, high school administration should give “feedback” to middle school administration, middle school administration should do the same for the elementary school administration that feedback should include what skill sets are missing; how can we make further improvements?

century technology, including iPads, whiteboard interactive technology, are in full use and completely integrated in the classroom for use by the teachers, students and parents

• We have an updated, fully operational website where all community partners in FTPS have full disclosure/access to all the district is required and is currently providing to our students

• College and career preparedness PreK-12 • Open dialogue – encouraging parents, teachers, administrators, staff, etc.

and the community at large to share thoughts and ideas to improve our school district

• The diversity represented within our community • The advanced technology that has been adopted in our schools that will

help our students learn interactively and compete effectively • The solid curriculum for our students from PreK – 12 that will amply

prepare them for the 21st

• More transparency on Board of Education spending, programs, etc. century progression

• More music in the PreK-4 schools including instruments • Spanish classes, computer classes and Libraries • Academic success being rated as one of the top school districts • Improved communication between parents and teachers • High graduating class/feeling confident they have the tools needed to

move on to college • Better district testing scores

TABLE FIFTEEN

Main Themes

• New facilities – elementary school; improve all current facilities • Increase all student achievement – decrease student achievement gap • Integration and enhancement of technology for both students and staff • Collaboration between administration and staff towards developing appropriate

PD opportunities and purchasing the necessary resources to implement the PD • Improve communication between staff, parents, building administration, district

administration and community at large

All Comments

• Improved technology opportunities for students and staff • New facilities • Improved teacher instruction based on data analysis • Multiple forms of assessment in all content areas • Increased collaboration between staff, parents, building principals and

district administrators • High quality professional development offered to all district staff (ongoing) • Increase in student achievement • Availability of multiple strategies and materials/resources to meet needs of

all learners • Improved buildings/classrooms/office space • Alternative materials are provided for Special Ed students at all levels • More PD for special ed/regular ed teachers in inclusive settings • Better communication between parties (BOE-Public; BOE-Staff; ADM-

Staff) • More opportunities using technology • Wireless • Equity • A new elementary school • Adequate office space • More course opportunities at FHS • Adequate security • Follow-through by Administration for discipline • Better, newer materials for staff/students • Alternative programs in Special Ed – vocational; life skills; independent

living; transition • More hands-on materials, resources, technology, across all academic

areas • Training to use those resources • Lower class size at the elementary schools; build a new school

• Increase of clear, timely communication between Administration/Teachers/Parents

• Academic achievement district-wide • New and veteran teachers providing enrichment • Positive behavior programs having excellent results • Administrative leaders as coaches to all district staff • My children still n the FTPS excelling at their grade levels with the support

of exceptional staff and support • Providing support as a parent to the staff and administration to help

achieve the district goals and mission on an ongoing basis • All schools in district will have met AYP • A continued awareness for the vast diversity within the schools and

appreciation for the community of Franklin Township • Special education students will continue to make positive strides as

demonstrated via standardized testing • A continued progression with student achievement • Technology continues to make strides in the school district • Improved facilities • Continuing student achievement • Staffing levels commensurate with student needs • Alternate programs available for students • Improved technology for staff and students

TABLE SIXTEEN

Main Themes

• Strengthen the home-school partnership to develop a culture of respect for learning

• PD differentiated for individual teachers to support achievement for their students • Cultural sensitivity in teaching/learning • Student achievement – raise the bar and believe that all our students can

achieve

All Comments

• Developed a true culture of respect for learning • Developed a true culture among all teaching staff that our kids can

achieve • An alternative school that meets the needs of our disaffected students and

by doing so, prepares them to re-enter the general population successfully • Creation of life skills classes for those students with disabilities who will

require that training in order to live independently or at least be able to take care of themselves

• Successful collaborative teaching happening throughout the district. Innovative scheduling

• High percentage of students achieving/demonstrating high proficiency in literacy

• To enhance student learning and foster independence in every student • Continuously support teacher professional awards • Create greater partnerships • Remain sensitive to all individuals social, emotional and physical well

being • Assist teachers in using skilled multiple measures to drive good

instructional best practices • Use informal assessments • Prepare students for 21st

• Improved test scores

century and becoming contributing members in a diverse global society

• Better representation for middle and high school • Increased percentage of students who exceed nationally (academics) • Push students toward higher expectations • Giving back the period at the high school that was taken away to extend

classroom time so that our students are not forced to make choices on their electives

• Shortening the long lunch period at the high school so that our children could have more classroom time

• Giving back the music departments to SGS and FMS so our students will be prepared for high school music and are excited to be a part of that department

• Offering free SAT prep classes to our FHS students so everyone could take advantage of that preparation

• Change the student numbers in a classroom – classrooms are overcrowded

• Changing some of the policies on HIB. Too many students are abusing it to use it as a tool to label others or to get other students in trouble. It has come down to who points the finger

• Our teachers achieving high levels of ability to teach in “culturally responsive ways”

• The playing field leveled for all students to succeed within the context of a rigorous, relevant curriculum (true educational equity)

• Parents 100% involvement as partners in the success formula for our students

• Equal access to educational opportunities • Franklin Township as a model school district for other districts to emulate • Franklin Township as the type of district where teachers, administrators,

and students learn and grown together • Students who go through this school system are prepared to give back to

the community and the world