PORTRAIT OF A NEEDHAM GRADUATE�

FY24 Actions in support of District’s Strategic Plan

Presentation to the School Committee

June 20, 2023

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Next Steps: � Portrait Strategic Plan�

FY20

FY21

FY23

FY24

In FY24, we will

build coherence

through district-wide Actions with the Portrait vision continuing to guide us.

In FY23, we are working to scale & optimize

the Actions for going forward.

In FY21, despite the pandemic and remote learning models, we built on the initial year’s Actions and looked for ways to integrate best practices and new ideas.

As we began to implement the Portrait Plan, our focus was on the existing bright spots and foundational Actions we could take to explore and prepare for this work.

FY22

In FY22, with a full return to an in-person model, we addressed gaps in student learning & development as we continued to focus on equity.

Applying principles of UDL (Universal Design for Learning),

which recognize the variability and diversity of learners, to provide more opportunities for personalized learning through student agency, voice, and choice

Adjusting practices for World Language with strong student buy-in to personal growth; Administering STAMP assessment (standardized measure of proficiency) to all 8^th graders; Piloting proficiency-based grading where students know what to do to improve

Elevating a broad range of experiences to engage students as leaders: Student Councils, Student Unions, student-led assemblies, student announcers, Buddy classrooms, Peer mentoring programs (CCOR/OYP, SAFE), student-led conferences to address conflicts, student presentation to School Committee

Piloting a new 5^th grade

Social Studies curriculum (Investigating History)

where students develop thinking skills to judge the validity of information, communicate their ideas, and participate in a diverse democracy

FY23 Progress on Priority 1: Students Are Drivers of Their Own Learning

Implementing Year 1 of new math curriculum Illustrative Math program at all elementary schools with intentional adjustments to lessons and tasks informed by embedded assessments and individual student’s needs

Embedding explicit teaching of interdisciplinary skills in a variety of classes & adding wider range of interdisciplinary learning programs (e.g., 9-IP and 10-IP; Pollard’s ELA/Social Studies shared skills across content; K-6 Arts Integration with observation, drawing, & 3-D models used to demonstrate Science knowledge)

Developing SELMH framework (social-emotional learning and mental health), a tiered continuum of supports that students may need at any point in their schooling; Expanding the use of Tier One in order to foster positive social, emotional and behavioral skills and well-being of all students

Piloting restorative practices with a focus on developing social-emotional capacity, building relationships and connections, increasing a sense of belonging, and improving school climate; Providing training to staff in restorative practices to facilitate circles, manage conflicts and repair harm 

Building classroom libraries and providing instruction that incorporates diverse people so that students reflect on different races, family structures, religions, and gender orientation

FY23 Progress on Priority 2: Students Experience Integrative Learning

Adopting an Early Literacy Screener for all kindergarten students aligned to the science of reading and a 4^th grade word study & spelling program (Words Their Way) for reducing the percentage of students at risk of falling behind

Collaborative learning experiences (e.g., Olin College mentors working with 9IP; NHS & Mitchell students partner in a wellness collaboration; K students study design process and collaborate to build playground models)

Continuing to work on schedule improvement with streamlining and more effective collaboration time for Preschool; a pilot of elementary literacy & math Intervention Block (WIN-What I Need); and at the secondary level, enhanced X-Block or Structured Learning Support Block

Building community with programs such as Broadmeadow’s All-School Art Project about “belonging”; partnering with community groups (e.g., League of Women Voters) to support middle school and high school civics education

Reinstating learning beyond the classroom, locally and globally (e.g., high school trip to France, 6^th grade to the MFA, 4^th grade to the BSO, plus additional after school clubs like Pollard’s Unified Sports) to promote student engagement

FY23 Progress on Priority 3: Students Learn within Adaptable Environments

Engaging families by administering 2023 District Survey; the feedback received from 1352 families helps shape the FY24 plan; Engaging broader community via Open Houses, Cultural Nights, curriculum meetings, the REAL Coalition, PTC partnerships (e.g., ELPAC), and an MOU with Needham Police

Developed and received approval on

FY24 Budget in support of equity and the Portrait plan; FY23 budgeted resources deployed thoughtfully in support of district priorities and in response to unanticipated student, staffing, and building needs

Collaborated with the Town to file a Statement of Interest with MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) for funding to renovate Pollard & Mitchell;

Moving forward with the historic renovation of EG (Emery Grover School Admin & Operations Bldg)

Continuing to recruit and support a qualified and diverse staff; Increasing the number of staff of color from 78.0 FTE staff (full-time equivalent) in FY22 to 93.1 FTE in FY23; Co-hosting with Town the BIPOC Staff affinity group, Stronger Together

Conducting negotiations with the NEA for Unit C, D, and E staff with a shared goal of defining fair & competitive terms/conditions; Successfully completed Labor Agreements with Units A & B

FY23 Progress on Priority 4: Infrastructure Supports Needs of All Students

Engaging all instructional staff in professional development on creating conditions for every student to learn, with Cornelius Minor’s book and two keynote addresses to the staff by the author; Training district leaders on the Data Wise process and data- informed practices

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CREATIVE THINKERS AND PROBLEM SOLVERS

COMMUNICATORS AND COLLABORATORS

SOCIALLY & CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CONTRIBUTORS

RESPONSIBLE AND RESILIENT INDIVIDUALS

EMPOWERED LEARNERS

Building on the progress we made in FY23, the District established FY24 Actions that reaffirm our commitment to prepare all Pre-K to 12 students for their future, guided by the Portrait of A Needham Graduate.

PREPARING ALL NEEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS TO BE…

PRIORITY 1

All Students Are Drivers of Their Own Learning

PRIORITY 2

All Students Experience Integrative Teaching & Learning

PRIORITY 3

All Students Learn & Grow Within Adaptable Environments

Priority 4

Infrastructure Supports Needs of All Students