Strategic planning action team leaders gain board approval

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 18, 2008) -- The City School District of Albany's strategic planning process continued forward with the approval of team leaders to guide the action teams that will develop elements of the plan for the district's future.

The Board of Education approved co-leaders for the seven action teams at its roundtable meeting Jan. 17 at Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology. Click here for a full list of action teams and co-leaders.

The action teams will develop plans for each of the seven strategies developed by the 25-member Strategic Planning Team last fall. The seven strategies are:

1. We will design and implement a more effective way to engage parents and families in the education of their children at home and at school.

2. We will ensure the emotional and physical safety and well-being of our students in collaboration with community and family partners.

3. We will assess and redesign all aspects of the high school with the community to ensure academic rigor and high-level student performance.

4. We will improve education in grades 6-8 in partnership with our community to address academic rigor and the disparity in academic achievement.

5. We will develop and implement more effective communication, ensuring input from all district stakeholders about matters affecting the well-being of our students.

6. We will use all assessment data to drive academically rigorous instruction, pre-K to 12, to improve the performance of every learner.

7. We will develop a variety of ways for ensuring every student's access to all school education and extracurricular activities.

The action team co-leaders will select representatives from the district and community. Following training in February, the teams will work over the next several months to develop their respective plans. Follow these links for additional information about the Strategic Planning Team and the district's strategic direction.

The City School District of Albany serves approximately 9,000 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. The district   includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other   innovative academic opportunities for students in addition to neighborhood schools. The district is more than halfway through   

its comprehensive facilities project to newly build and/or renovate nearly all of its elementary and middle schools. The ultimate goal of the facilities project is to provide schools with the resources necessary to help students succeed in the 21st century.