Action Plans
As part of the Road Map Project, a series of action plans have been developed by cross-sector teams and vetted by hundreds of different organizations and individuals.
Each plan aims to build stronger systems and identifies a set of actions that — if implemented well — will help accelerate progress specific to certain indicators of student success. Because the work in the education realm often occurs in silos, it is necessary to develop new structures that allow for better use of data and the sharing of information and best practice across geographic and organizational boundaries.
We have seen many cases where great work may be proceeding well in one part of the region but few people know about it. The action plans help surface successful practices and suggest ways to spread them. The implementation of the recommended actions will be spearheaded by lead implementing partner organizations that will be working with numerous others who will carry out discrete tasks.
Our hope is that the actions taken will add up to impact beyond what any one entity could have achieved if working alone.
Action plans coming in 2013 include the Road Map English Language Learner (ELL) Action Plan and Road Map Region STEM Business Plan.
Birth to 3rd Grade Action Plan
In September 2012, the first version of the Road Map Birth to 3rd Grade Action Plan was completed. From birth to 5 years old, children develop their brains at incredible rates and the learning that takes place sets the stage for future success in school and life. However, the systems connecting all of the providers and organizations that work with children and families are not in place to maximize learning for all students, and to ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten. The work group developed a strategy to build those systems by leveraging the regional work currently taking place. Additionally, there is a strategy to prevent summer learning loss for low-income students, and a strategy to engage parents and provide the tools and resources to support their children’s learning.
The Birth to 3rd Grade Work Group developed the action plan over the course of a year and a half. Considerable time was spent on developing the framework that would guide the strategy development in the action plan. The draft action plan was shared and vetted with many other Road Map work groups, and improvements were made as feedback was received. With the framework and initial strategies set, the work group can focus on supporting implementation that builds on existing efforts and proven strategies. As the work progresses and as more data become available, the Birth to 3rd Grade Work Group will revise the action plan and implementation efforts appropriately.
The approved action plan framework and strategies can be found here (PDF).
The Birth to 3rd Grade Work Group is chaired by Karen Howell-Clark, Director of Early Learning at United Way of King County and Julie Rolling, the Assistant Superintendent for Learning, Teaching, and Family Support at the Puget Sound Educational Service District
High School to College Completion Action Plan
In May 2012, the first version of the Road Map High School to College Completion action plan was completed.
The plan was developed over the course of a year, eight work group meetings, and many presentations to other Road Map work groups and stakeholders. The seven Road Map school districts and four community colleges joined workforce development organizations, education funders and youth development organizations in actively participating in the effort.
From February to May, a draft of the action plan was presented in detail and vetted by more than 180 individuals. Improvements were made as feedback was continuously incorporated. Academic research and current data on students in the region were also used to inform the strategy selection.
Additionally, CCER staff members have been working to create a model that will begin to assess whether the strategies will have the impact necessary to achieve the 2014, 2017, and 2020 targets.
The approved action plan framework and strategies can be found here.
The High School to College Completion Work Group is chaired by Dr. Jill Wakefield, the Chancellor of the Seattle Community College System, and Dr. Deborah Wilds, the President and Chief Operating Officer of the College Success Foundation.
New WaKIDS data. Let's look at the percentage of students demonstrating the expected characteristics of entering kindergarteners.
