Like many districts and schools, you’ve started the Comprehensive Needs Assessments process for next school year. You and your team have analyzed your current data, and now you have a list of problems to solve. How do you decide which problems to tackle first in next year’s improvement plan? Prioritization is key. Here’s a strategic approach to ensure your improvement plan focuses on what matters most.
1. Assess IMPACT.
- Assess IMPACT.
Some problems have a greater impact than others, especially those affecting student outcomes, equity, or overall school performance. For example, a decline in math proficiency from one grade level to the next could affect a large cohort of students and may predict future challenges in performance. Questions to consider when assessing impact may include:
- How many students are affected by this problem?
- Does the problem widen achievement gaps or affect vulnerable populations disproportionately?
- Will solving the issue result in measurable and meaningful improvements?
2. Consider URGENCY.
Time-sensitive problems could worsen quickly or have immediate consequences if left unaddressed. For example, declining attendance rates may have cascading effects on both learning and funding if not addressed promptly. Questions to consider when considering urgency may include:
- Is this problem growing or trending downward over time?
- Are there deadlines or mandates that require immediate action?
3. Evaluate FEASIBILITY.
It may be beneficial to focus on problems that the district and/or school has resources, expertise, and capacity to address effectively. For example, implementing targeted professional development for Reading teachers might be more feasible than overhauling the entire curriculum. Questions to consider when evaluating feasibility include:
- Do we have funding, staff, and time to tackle this issue now?
- Are there quick wins or long-term solutions that fit within our current structure?
4. Align with DISTRICT GOALS.
Prioritize problems that align with the strategic goals, vision, and mission of the district, such as student achievement. For example, if the district has prioritized increasing achievement in Reading and Math and there is declining proficiency at specific grade levels, improvement in proficiency should take precedence. Questions to consider when aligning with district goals include:
- Does the problem align with district priorities or plans for improvement?
- Will addressing the problem support the strategic goals of the district?
5. Engage STAKEHOLDERS.
Gather input from teachers, administrators, parents, and students to help understand implications of identified problems. For example, teachers may reveal that a decline in test scores could be tied to a lack of instructional materials for new standards. Questions to consider when engaging stakeholders may include:
- How do stakeholders perceive the severity of the problem?
- Are there specific barriers or supports that stakeholders can highlight?
When you consider the impact, urgency, feasibility, district priorities, and stakeholder perspective on problems identified during your data analysis, you will get clarity on which problems should be a priority in your continuous improvement plan. This strategic approach will help you write measurable performance objectives and strategies that align with your Comprehensive Needs Assessment and aid in solving your prioritized problems.
We have created an example rubric you can use to help prioritize your problems using the strategic approach described above. Get the rubric here.
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