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Strategic Plan

Included in this site is a summary of the 2002-2009 Strategic Plan - a plan that lays a foundation for public education in the Indian Valley for the 21st Century. You may review the Strategic Plan in its entirety at the District Administrative Offices, 760 Lower Road, Souderton (Franconia Township), or by visiting any of Souderton's schools. We are proud to present the Strategic Plan to you!

Use the links below to read more about SASD's 2002-2009 Strategic Plan:

Introduction
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The Souderton Area School District is proud to present its comprehensive Strategic Plan that will direct the work of its schools for the next seven years. The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that public school districts engage in strategic planning to help their schools identify and accomplish specific goals. The Souderton Area School District took the planning process to heart, and created practical and responsive plans that will maintain and extend its achievements as a standards-driven school district.

The plan is the result of diligence and hard work put forth by the school district’s many stakeholders: students, teachers, parents, counselors, administrators, support staff, school district officials, and community members. Fifteen separate committees met throughout 2002 to create the components of this Strategic Plan, with the finished plan representing a synthesis of broad and varied perspectives. Eleven action plans have been developed for the following areas: Operational and Organizational Structure, Student Achievement, Curriculum and Assessment, Instruction, Graduation Requirements, Professional Development, Financial Resources, Student Services, Time, Community and Parent (Relations), and Technology. The plan was completed by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, reviewed by the Education-Personnel Committee of the school board, and approved by the Souderton Area School District Board of School Directors on December 19th, 2002.

Beliefs, Parameters, Objectives
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Beliefs
A statement of the fundamental convictions, values, and character of the Souderton Area School District.

  • We believe that this community has a fundamental commitment to its children.
  • We believe that the community has a responsibility to promote the education and welfare of its members.
  • We believe that students, teachers, and the community are part of an ongoing accountability system that promotes the success of the school district.
  • We believe that continual growth requires a willingness to change.
  • We believe that all people can learn - each at different rates and in different ways.
  • We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to develop their potential. We believe that personal responsibility, hard work, and self-discipline are key components to achievement.
  • We believe that high standards encourage high achievement.
  • We believe that open and honest communication promotes mutual understanding and trust.
  • We believe that the family has a profound impact on the individual and the community.

Parameters
Statements that establish the guidelines and boundaries within which we will operate.

  • We will not tolerate any behavior which diminishes the dignity and self-worth of any individual.
  • No program or course will be accepted or retained if it is inconsistent with the Strategic Plan.
  • No aspect of the Strategic Plan will be funded without sensitive consideration of community resources.

Objectives
An expression of the desired, measurable end results for the organization, objectives are restricted to student success, performance, and/or achievement.

  • Students at all levels will demonstrate achievement of state and district standards.
  • All students will demonstrate critical and creative thinking, organizational skills, and knowledge to meet or exceed Souderton Area School District’s expectations of excellence.
  • All students will demonstrate the skills and discipline necessary to exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities as citizens.

Academic Standards and Achievement
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The Souderton Area School District is committed to the academic achievement of its students. Souderton schools have already started to address the instructional, assessment, and reporting requirements contained in the No Child Left Behind Law and those established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Standards-based programs are not new to Souderton schools; the new Strategic Plan extends existing commitments to standards-based reporting systems, performance-centered curriculum, differentiated instruction, and academic recovery programs. We accept the vital importance of standards and student achievement in all of our educational programs; the ultimate success of our school district resides in the quality of our students’ work.

Curriculum and Assessment Action Plan
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We will design relevant and challenging curricula and assessments to evaluate the students’ achievement of school district standards and the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, and guide the development of educational programs.

  1. Review and assess the curriculum with reference to state and federal requirements.
  2. Provide clear and compelling explanations of the importance and relevance of standards to all SASD stakeholders.
  3. Provide flexible curriculum that meets the needs of all students.
  4. Promote multicultural awareness through courses, school programs, and in-service projects.
  5. Encourage the integration of various curricula and technology resources for more meaningful student learning.
  6. Designate grade-specific and course-specific assessments that will be used to determine each student’s achievement of academic standards.
  7. Develop common assessment policies and procedures that will increase the valid and reliable evaluation of each student’s achievement of standards.
  8. Utilize assessment data to improve student achievement and school performance.
  9. Create and implement a reporting system that reflects standards-based assessment.
  10. Develop and implement academic intervention programs, policies, and procedures that will help all students achieve proficient performance standards.
  11. Inform students and parents of career and educational opportunities.
  12. Provide technology-based learning opportunities that complement or extend the SASD’s educational programs.

Student Achievement Action Plan
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To meet the challenges of the No Child Left Behind Law, we will develop a plan for improving student achievement, including specific, measurable goals for student growth and plans to attain the student achievement goals.

  1. We will design and implement a planned course writing format that prescribes specific benchmark assessments of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for all students at the unit/grade level.
  2. In compliance with the No Child Left Behind Law, select standardized tests and use the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment assessments that will provide objective data to track each student’s longitudinal achievement.
  3. Develop specific exit goals at each organizational level: 3-5, 6-8, and graduation requirements for 9-12.
  4. Develop and implement academic intervention programs, policies, and procedures that will help all students achieve standards.
  5. Extend the Souderton Area School District’s community of learners.

Graduation Requirements Action Plan
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We will establish graduation requirements that meet or exceed Chapter 4 requirements and align them with Pennsylvania and district academic standards.

  1. Increase the number of credits required for graduation.
  2. Align all courses and assessments to Pennsylvania academic standards.
  3. Require that all graduates complete an extensive portfolio that addresses the completion of standards in research, writing, technology, and oral presentation.
  4. Require that all graduates complete a culminating project that addresses standards in research, writing, and oral presentation.

Growth
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The Souderton Area School District’s student population grew by nearly a third during the last decade of the 20th Century, resulting in a shortage of classrooms and a crowding of school buildings. Despite numerous renovation and building projects (Vernfield Elementary will open for the 2003-2004 school year), the district still finds itself with crowded and aging facilities, particularly on the secondary level. The Board of School Directors has authorized the purchase of over 100 acres of land toward the construction of a new high school to accommodate the swelling enrollments approaching the upper grades. Complex issues such as redrawing district attendance lines, reconfiguring grade levels, and reassigning staff loom large on the horizon. The Strategic Plan has charted a clear course for the successful completion of these, and other issues, that have accompanied the district’s growth.



Operational and Organizational Structure Action Plan
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We will put in place a process and structure that will maximize learning, facilitate communications, and improve decision-making and accountability.

  1. Redraw elementary school attendance lines as a result of the new Vernfield Elementary School.
  2. Establish staffing procedures and processes at all levels to maximize learning and efficient utilization of staff.
  3. Build a new senior high school, grades 9–12, to accommodate student enrollment and curricular requirements.
  4. Redrawing of secondary school attendance lines.
  5. Determine the additional classroom space that will be required at our existing high school to accommodate enrollment increases that occur during the years prior to moving into the new senior high building (grades 9–12).
  6. Develop a plan to renovate the Tech. Ed/Shop facilities at Indian Crest Junior High School.
  7. Maintain an empowering organizational structure which fosters and models the application of collaborative principles and practices.
  8. Implement a comprehensive, collaborative training program by qualified instructors for all Souderton Area School District personnel to teach and/or refresh communication skills.
  9. Establish open and effective communication channels for students, parents, district employees, educational partners, and community members.
  10. Maximize the potential of all the stakeholders through shared accountability in providing a positive, productive learning and working environment.

Financial Resources Action Plan
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We will develop and implement a financial plan to provide sufficient resources to fund all objectives of the Souderton Area School District Strategic Plan consistent with sound business practices.

  1. Develop an Efficiency Review Team to investigate and assess the district’s use of its resources.
  2. Maximize alternative sources of revenue for the Souderton Area School District.
  3. Continue to use forecasting techniques to aid in financial planning.
  4. Create public awareness programs to educate the community on school finance.
  5. Maintain awareness of legislative issues and make the district’s positions known to legislators.

Technology Action Plan
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We will develop an effective and efficient plan to acquire, continually update, and incorporate technology throughout every facet of the district.

  1. DProvide a K-12 program that will help all students become proficient in the use of technology.
  2. Use technology to assist and enhance the educational program.
  3. Develop and implement an integrated district-wide technology program for administrative/staff personnel.
  4. Implement an effective communication system within the district and beyond.
  5. Expand the availability, use, and integration of technology into the K-12 curriculum through the district’s library media centers.
  6. Establish centralized services, expertise, and support for all technology.
  7. Train all staff (in an ongoing and supportive manner) to enhance classroom instruction through the use of technology.
  8. Create intentional connections within our regional community for technology partnerships to support authentic performance opportunities for students.
  9. Design all new facilities and renovated spaces to include innovative architectural designs that incorporate new technologies and provide technology-friendly environments.

Student Support Action Plan
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We will develop and implement guidelines and procedures to direct student support programs, discipline, citizenship, security, and extracurricular activities.

  1. Provide, develop, and maintain student support services.
  2. Inform the school community about support services available to students.
  3. Foster positive attitudes and develop good citizenship skills.
  4. Provide a safe school environment by continuing to develop preventative measures, which ensure security.
  5. Foster participation of all students in extracurricular activities.

Community and Parents Action Plan
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We will develop and implement strategies to increase participation of students in their community, parents in their children’s education, and community members and institutions in our schools.

  1. Enhance student service learning beyond the classroom.
  2. Extend the opportunities for all parents to become active partners in their child’s education.
  3. Provide resources and encourage involvement in parent education programs.
  4. Expand the Souderton Area School District’s community outreach programs.
  5. Broaden the scope of the Souderton Area School District’s public relations program.
  6. Promote character education for our students through home, school, and community partnerships.

Instruction Action Plan
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We will deliver the most effective instruction and interventions for all students.

  1. Design a model for teachers to collaborate regarding best instructional practices.
  2. Use differentiated instructional strategies to maximize the opportunity for individualized student learning at all levels.
  3. Use technologies to support and enhance instructional methods that develop higher-level thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Time Action Plan
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We will restructure the use of time to improve learning and communication.

  1. Implement a program at the high school to allow students to begin their college experience through on-line courses offered through Montgomery County Community College or other higher educational institutions.
  2. Implement a program at the high school to allow students to enroll in courses not currently offered in the high school program of study. On-line courses are offered through a consortium with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit and Virtual High School.
  3. Provide more students with opportunities to enrich their high school education by participating in a modified school-to-work program.
  4. Monitor the block scheduling program implemented in the high school during the 2002-2003 school year.
  5. Explore alternative scheduling models for teaching in grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. These models will incorporate an opportunity for expanding the extended period model.
  6. Offer looping as an option at the elementary schools.
  7. Establish a set time within the school day for elementary grade level teachers to have an opportunity to collaborate as a team.

Professional Development
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Creating a Professional Development Plan (PDP) for the staff of the Souderton Area School District is a required element of the strategic planning process. The PDP has as its goal the placement of the most highly qualified administrators, teachers, aids, and support personnel in service to Souderton students. Souderton respects the “learn or perish” standard in making decisions about the education and training of its staff; lifelong learning is no longer an option -- it is a commitment. Administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff engage in a wide variety of professional development activities, including university study, conferences, workshops, in-service programs, colloquiums, and self-directed professional learning activities. The training of staff occurs year-round, and often involves the services of nationally renowned experts. More importantly, Souderton educators “teach their own,” recognizing that professional learning may be as close as the neighboring classroom. Everyone learns in the Souderton Area School District.



Professional Development Action Plan
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We will enhance a structure and process to facilitate the competence of all staff in achieving the goals of the organization.

  1. Provide time for purposeful, ongoing staff development.
  2. Educate professionals to use a comprehensive range of strategies to ensure student achievement.
  3. Encourage an ongoing, collaborative commitment to staff development utilizing community and staff resources.
  4. Continue nurturing school cultures that support site-based staff development.
  5. Assure that the staff development process maintains a balance by responding to individual, building, and district needs.
  6. Maintain a Staff Development Center for ongoing learning that encourages a sense of community throughout the district.
  7. Provide ongoing in-service opportunities for support staff, district administrators, and school board members.
  8. Present opportunities, including in-service, for all staff members to become knowledgeable about various methods of student learning and assessment.

Mentoring New Teachers
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With a growing community and increasing school enrollments comes a need for many new teachers. The Souderton Area School District has developed a model Induction Plan that provides newly-hired professionals with the information and skills needed for success in the classroom. The Induction Plan promotes the mission of the school district, while at the same time provides practical experiences related to classroom management, student support services, lesson planning, and lifelong learning. The multi-year plan shares the history of the school district and the individual schools with the new teachers, and emphasizes what makes Souderton schools and children very special. Upon completion of the induction program, new teachers receive an induction certificate that enables them to pursue permanent professional certification.