Walton County School District
Strategic Plan
2013-2018
Strategic Plan 2013-2018
April 2013
Introduction
A Roadmap for Education in Walton County, Florida
Education is a priority in Florida, and certainly in Walton County. Our county’s students and families deserve an education system that creates a culture of high expectations for present and future generations. Our district has spent more than a decade working with the Florida Department of Education on cutting-edge accountability systems and quality assessments, while collecting valuable education data that prove our students’ incredible progress. In 2014-15, more than 45 states, including Florida and Walton County, will move to national education standards and assessments that are built around the Common Core Standards. The Common Core will demand more from our students and they must be prepared to tackle the new material and tougher assessments that will measure how well they learn it.
Advancing high-quality education for the next generation of students is the primary responsibility of the Florida State Board of Education and under their direction, the Walton County School Board. This Strategic Plan offers a roadmap for Walton County’s education community that shows where we are, where we want to be, and how we will get there. The best interest of our children is at stake, and we must challenge them to reach higher and realize their full potential. Walton County students must know that they can graduate from high school and be prepared to compete for jobs, join a global workforce, make their dreams a reality – and become the strong leaders that we know they can be.
Setting objectives that will ensure the best access and opportunities for our diverse student population, while increasing educator effectiveness, raising standards, and deepening the level of school curriculum, are at the forefront of the State’s ambitious education agenda. Ultimately, the success of this Strategic Plan will be determined by the collective action of all Walton County School District (WCSD) stakeholders to:
(1) prioritize the budget to provide adequate funding to meet the instructional needs of all students, (2) provide resources to support system-wide, systematic implementation of instructional programs, and (3) provide systematic needs-based professional development to all personnel.
This Strategic Plan outlines a five-year vision, in accordance with the State Board of Education’s (SBE) Strategic Plan to support students from PreKindergarten to college so they may achieve success in their careers and life. Input was sought from all stakeholders to ensure the interests of all were addressed in this comprehensive plan.
Five MAJOR Goals are the focus of this plan with strategies to direct our efforts and observable and data related evidence to mark success.
1. Improve and enhance teaching environments using multiple teaching and learning methodologies, strategies and resources to improve student achievement in reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
2. Implement a standards-based, data-driven core curriculum designed to address the unique needs of every student.
3. Improve communications within the District and community, including all stakeholders in the process.
4. Ensure that financial planning and management processes allocate and expand resources according to District needs and priorities to provide quality, efficient services.
5. Review and improve the security of our schools so that all students and staff are safe as they learn and work.
At a Glance
Who We Are
Walton County is a sparsely populated district located in the western part of the Florida panhandle, and it is well known for its beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
The northern region of the district is rural in nature and is composed primarily of family farms, planted forests, and country homesteads. Historical DeFuniak Springs is the county seat of Walton County and home of the school district office. It is also home to one of only two naturally round spring-fed lakes in the world. Historical Victorian homes line Lake DeFuniak along with the Chautauqua Building, outdoor amphitheater, and the second oldest library in the state of Florida. DeFuniak Springs is served with West DeFuniak Elementary, Maude Saunders Elementary, Walton Middle School, Walton High School, Walton Academy, Walton Initiative and the Walton Career Development Center. Paxton School serves students K-12 providing a hometown atmosphere where everyone is part of the community. The school is the hub of the community where southern charm and hometown pride abounds. The City of Paxton offers a southern country lifestyle among Magnolia and Live Oak trees lining rolling green acres of rich land.Located west of DeFuniak Springs and close to the Okaloosa County line, Mossy Head provides convenient access for families working in either Walton or Okaloosa County.
The southern portion of the district is divided into two distinct communities – the city of Freeport and the Emerald Coast which boasts a 26 mile stretch of sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and is home to world-renowned resort communities. The City of Freeport is also rich with history. Freeport was first known as “Genoa” and later “Four Mile Landing” but during the Civil War, Four Mile Landing began to be referred to as “Freeport”, literally because there was no charge to dock at the port. The community borders the Choctawhatchee Bay and is infused with many bayous and waterways. The Freeport Community is committed to school spirit holding a homecoming parade through the middle of town and cheering the youth on to victory. Freeport Elementary School, Freeport Middle School, and Freeport High School serve the area. South of the Choctawhatchee Bay is the beautiful Emerald Coast along the Gulf of Mexico with sugar white beaches, cultural and performing arts and new urbanism lifestyle. Bay Elementary School is the oldest school in Walton County. The historic school is on the historical state registry and is surrounded by large, draping live oak trees with Spanish moss and neighbors the historic Eden State Gardens. Along with Bay Elementary, Van R. Butler Elementary, Emerald Coast Middle School, Seaside Neighborhood School and South Walton High School serve the students who live along the beautiful beaches of south Walton County.
Walton County is the 11th largest district in Florida encompassing 1,058 square miles with a population density of 52 persons per square mile. The total population is 55,043 of which 87.8% are white, 5.8% black, and 5.3% Hispanic. The majority of the Hispanic and black families live in the north-central portion of the district, in the DeFuniak Springs area. Only in schools in the north-central area do you find a sub-group ethnic population according to the state accountability guidelines.
As a rural and sparse district, Walton County experiences a higher than normal expenditure-per-student due to the costs associated for the replication of services in its small schools. With the district’s four separate and distinct regions; north, north-central, south-central and south, the district has constructed and maintained multiple small schools required to equitably serve each region. This results in the duplication of many services (ex., ESE, administration, library media, and food services).
Walton County’s student enrollment is slightly less more than 7,700 students. Bus routes extend from the Alabama state line to the Gulf of Mexico, and to the Holmes and Okaloosa County boundary lines. School buses transport approximately 4,800 students to and from school, and travel over 6,800 miles per day - the equivalent of travelling beyond Vancouver, British Columbia and back each day. Annual costs for transportation exceeds the annual calculation designated by Florida Statute and must be supplemented with additional general operating funds.
Despite the sparsity barriers, WCSD has been rated by the Florida Department of Education’s Accountability System as an “A” school district for six consecutive years and has maintained its State Board designated as a High Achieving School District status for six consecutive years. WCSD is committed to student achievement believing all children can learn and achieve. In order for students to achieve, every aspect of the school district’s operations must be highly effective. Administrators, faculty and staff work together to create an effective team for student success.
Education is the cornerstone of our communities. It produces our most precious resource, employable manpower. Education in Walton County is continually evolving to meet the demands of the workforce as we prepare the youth of today to be tomorrow’s leaders.
District Departments
Mapping Walton’s Education System
Mission
The Mission of Walton County School District is to educate the mind to think and reflect, the heart to feel and respond, and the body to act and provide service to others.
Vision
The Vision is to be recognized among the top school districts in the state of Florida. We are currently ranked 17th out of 67 districts (2011-2012 data) in the state on student achievement. We are ranked 2nd in the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC) out of 14 districts in the Florida Panhandle in Student Achievement. We have recently been selected as one of only five districts statewide to show significant student gains for special needs students. We are proud to be among the top school districts and are continuing to rise in the ranks as we have been designated by the State Board of Education as an Academically High-Performing School District for the past 6 years.
Strategic Goals
1. Highest Student Achievement – Increase achievement for each child by ensuring access to rigorous programs, addressing diverse educational needs, and providing access to technology and digital curriculum
2. Standards-Based Curriculum and Instruction – Implement a comprehensive curriculum driven by Common Core State Standards and other standards established by the State of Florida
3. Effective Communication – Communicate with all stakeholders through various media to promote collaboration, parent involvement, and community partnership
4. Quality Efficient Services – Maintain high levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in our operations to support student achievement
5. Safe and Secure Schools – Maintain safe and secure schools to enhance the learning environment for students and staff.
The first two goals will be supported by the priorities approved by the State Board of Education that are aligned with VPK students, K-12 students in the public school system, teachers and leaders, school choice, and postsecondary students. The third goal, Effective Communication, is in response to an AdvancED recommendation and is also a district-identified need. The fourth goal, Quality Efficient Services, will support each priority and create an environment of high expectations. Goal five, Safe and Secure Schools, includes strategies to enhance school security and support student safety.
The priorities of the Florida Department of Education and Walton County School District are shown in the matrix on page 24.
Walton County School District
Strategic Goals
Strategies
Observable Evidence of Goal Success
Strategic Work Plan Goals
Goal 1 Highest Student Achievement – Increase achievement for each child by ensuring access to rigorous programs, addressing diverse educational needs, and providing access to technology
Goal 1 Strategies· Advertise through multiple media outlets and promote participation in the District’s Voluntary PreKindergarten Program (VPK)
· Ensure alignment of VPK curriculum to state standards
· Fully implement a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) that provides interventions and support for academic and behavioral success for all students
· Promote participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses by increasing the funding for SpringBoard curriculum and targeting students for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) classrooms in secondary classes
· Support development of grades 6-12 AVID programs in all feeder patterns
· Provide support for implementation and promotion of Career Academies at all high schools increasing the number of program completers earning industry certification
· Create opportunities for all high school students to complete the virtual graduation requirements in school if necessary by providing extensive choices and opportunities
· Provide the facility infrastructure that is capable of network support and technology access which will require additional technology staff and a coordinated hardware replacement plan
· Provide student and staff training for the use of technology hardware, software, and applications
· Implement Local Instructional Information System (LIIS) programs to include assessment systems, grade book and attendance reporting, and data analysis functions
· Monitor student progress at all levels using formative (formal and informal) and summative assessments
· Monitor individual school data, professional learning and its alignment with student achievement data and trends
· Provide opportunities for rigorous and accelerated learning through the Walton Virtual Franchise which will generate full-time teaching units through Walton Virtual for students at all levels
· Provide opportunities for students to participate in college-level courses through partnership with the Seaside Neighborhood Collegiate High School (pending School Board approval of working agreement)
· Align federal funds and grant opportunities to increase achievement for ALL students at all levels (including Students with Disabilities (SWD), English Language Learners (ELL), Gifted and Talented, and the Economically Disadvantaged (ED)) by ensuring access to rigorous programs, addressing diverse educational needs, and providing access to technology
· Implement a systemized process for the hiring of highly-effective teachers and administrators
· Continually study data ( including attendance, behavior and academic) to examine performance by schools and student subgroups to determine the extent of program implementation and effectiveness to make decisions about resource allocation and program continuation
· Provide a comprehensive assessment system (K-12) that includes assessments aligned with the State’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS), Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and adhere to the State’s test specifications, and enable quick access to assessment results
· Expand open lines of communication with all stakeholders concerning the ability of the School District to provide the education tools needed by our future leaders
· Ensure safe and reliable transportation is provided to all students to support their educational needs
· Provide and update facilities that are designed to support cooperative learning for all students
Goal 1 Observable Evidence of Goal Success
· Teachers study prior student performance data to understand the needs of students entering their classes and to direct initial instructional decisions
· Teachers use NGSSS, CCSS and State’s test specifications to design and review student work
· Teachers track student progress using formal and informal formative assessments
· Improvement in student achievement based on various performance measures
· Students are actively engaged and monitoring their own progress
· Teachers share individual student progress with the student, the principal and parents
· Teachers use multiple measures of student performance
· Teachers use formative assessments results to provide descriptive feedback, to monitor student learning of the standards, to ensure that the standards taught have been learned, and to modify and differentiate instruction
· Teachers use student achievement data to identify their own professional learning needs
· Schools regularly provide opportunities for professional learning during the school day and teachers participate in data chats and professional learning communities
· Students and teachers are engaged in the use of 21st Century technology and digital curriculum
· Adequate materials are available for SpringBoard classrooms
· Adequate equipment and staff to support the Academically Challenging Curriculum to Enhance Learning (ACCEL) requirements
· Adequate teachers are available for AP, DE, and AVID classes
· The annual district budget includes line items to support AVID and other College Board programs
· Adequate number of Literacy Coaches, Instructional Coaches, Math Coaches and Science Coaches are available to support classroom teachers in curriculum and instructions
· Adequate personnel to support all curriculum and instruction programs and initiatives
· Facilities master planning is a continuing process that responds to changes in the educational environment
· Master plans are evaluated annually and modified to meet changing conditions, including safety, energy conservation, transportation, physical education, and technology.
· Continue to monitor and implement a safe bus driver training program to ensure student safety as a top priority
· Participation in Walton Virtual in grades 6-12 will increase
Goal 2 Standards-Based Curriculum and Instruction – Implement a comprehensive curriculum driven by Common Core State Standards and other standards established by the State of Florida Standards-Based Curriculum and Instruction