Palo Alto Unified School District is proud of its reputation as one of the top districts in the United States.  It has occurred with a dedication to continuous improvement through the cooperative efforts of the Board of Education, administration, credentialed and classified staff, dedicated students, and a supportive community.  Our district's Strategic Plan has shown us, yet again, the strength of our community’s commitment to educational excellence.   With clear goals, metrics, and initiatives, the plan describes our priorities and will be a strong foundation as we reflect on our progress and move forward together.  Regular review of our accomplishments and challenges will be included in our ongoing work to achieve continuous improvement.

Strategic Plan Refresh 2013

In the Winter/Spring of 2013, District staff and the Board are conducting a Strategic Plan refresh.

Documents:
April 23, 2013 Board Update  | March 8, 2013 Study Session - Review of Strategic Plan Surveys and Emerging Key Themes  |  April 9, 2013 Board Meeting Materials  | April 12, 2013 Study Session - Survey Results | Appendix of Additional Survey Results

2008 Strategic Planning Process

On May 27, 2008, the Board of Education approved a Strategic Plan goals designed to achieve the next level of excellence in the education of our students.  This plan was developed with broad community and staff input using multiple methods that included one-on-one conversations, focus groups, Board meetings, and a full day workshop with representation by all stakeholders.

Four specific themes will drive our improvement over the next four years and beyond.  First, we reassert our commitment to academic excellence and learning.  Second, if we are going to be our best, we need to attract, retain, and enhance the skills of the most talented people we can find.  Third, our district also faces enormous challenges to its infrastructure and its finance.  Finally, there is a collective realization that the trust and confidence of our community is vital for our success.  We believe, then, that these four areas of focus can guide our efforts well for the next four years and beyond.  Working together, we can achieve educational excellence for each student, every day, across the entire district.

Documents:
2008 Strategic Plan  |  2008 Strategic Plan Survey Summaries  | 2008 Analysis of Comments |  2010 Strategic Plan Review Survey Summaries |  2010 Strategic Plan Review   |  2012-2013 Annual Focused Goals   |  2012-2013 Annual Focused Goals: Outcomes, Activities & Ownership

Our mission is to enable all students to:

• Strive for academic excellence,
• Acquire the knowledge and skills that support learning
• Value creativity and life-long learning,
• Demonstrate respect for self and others, and
• Participate meaningfully in our democratic society and interdependent global community.

Strategic Plan Academic Achievement Goals

Goal 1: By 2012, 95% of students in grades 3-8 will be on grade level as measured by the CSTs in ELA and Math

Goal 2: By 2012, 85% of students in grades 3-8 will show one year’s progress or more in the grade level curriculum as measured by the CSTs in ELA and Math. 

Goal 3: By 2012, the percent of students in grades 4-8 not-yet-proficient will be reduced by 50%.

Goal 4: By 2012, the percentage of graduates meeting the UC/CSU a-g course requirements will be 85% or better.

Goal 5: By 2012, the percentage of underrepresented minority students who graduate meeting the UC/CSU a-g course requirements will be increased by 50% or more.