103 Educational and Operational

At least every five years the Board shall conduct an in-depth needs assessment, soliciting information from business, labor, industry, higher education and community members, regarding their expectations for adequate student preparation. The assessments shall be conducted at the district, building and classroom levels.  One purpose of this assessment is to assist the Board in developing and evaluating a statement of philosophy for the school district.  The second purpose of this assessment is to determine the areas of student performance, knowledge, and attitudes and the areas of school district operations which are judged to be most crucial in meeting school or school district goals.  As part of its assessment, the Board shall develop a process for communicating with business, industry, labor and higher education regarding their expectations for adequate student preparation.  The statement of philosophy shall describe the Board’s beliefs about topics which shall include the nature of learning, the purpose of the school district, the scope of educational experiences that the school district shall provide, the nature of its learners and a description of a desirable learning atmosphere.

In conjunction with the needs assessments of the school district, the Board shall authorize the appointment of a committee, representing school district personnel, parents, students and community members to make recommendations and assist the Board in determining the priorities of the school district in addition to the basic skill areas of the educational program.  The School Improvement Committee may assist the Board in performing the needs assessment.  While a needs assessment may not be  necessary every year, the School Improvement Committee will meet with the Board on  an annual basis.

It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to insure the school district community is informed of the Board's policies, programs, and goals and has an opportunity to express thoughts and suggestions for the operation of the school district.  The Superintendent shall report annually to the Board about the means used to keep the community informed.

As a result of the Board and committee’s work, the Board shall determine major educational needs and rank them in priority order; develop long-range goals and plans to meet the needs; establish and implement short-range and intermediate-range plans to meet the goals and to attain the desired levels of student performance; evaluate progress toward meeting the goals and maintain a record of progress under the plan that includes reports of student performance and results of school improvement projects; and annually report the school district’s progress made under the plan to the committee, community and Iowa Department of Education.   The process shall also comply with Code of Iowa 280.18 requiring the adoption of goals to improve student achievement and performance.

 

Legal References: 

Iowa Code 280.12; 280.18; 21; 256.7(4)                     

State Standards

281 I.A.C. 12.3(3).

 

Cross References: 

Policy 101 Goals and Objectives of the Educational Program

Series 203 Procedures

Policy 204.1 Regular Meetings

Open Meetings (infor. currently in Policy 204.1)

Policy 602.1 Basic Instructional Program

Policy 902.7 Long-Range Planning

 

Adopted:                   09/19/88

Modified:                  10/04/20

Reviewed:                09/21/20