Comprehensive Planning Tool

Comprehensive Planning: LEA-School Process Work Flow-Pilot, Phase 1 Version

Click here to view a chart showing the relationship and timing of the District Level and School Level comprehensive planning processes.

Comprehensive Planning: Executive Summary

What follows is a summary of the development and features of the Comprehensive Planning Process currently being developed to support both district and school level improvement planning in Pennsylvania:

Current Status

In accordance with Chapter 4 of the Pennsylvania School Code, LEAs are required to develop a strategic plan. Other required planning processes mandated by Chapter 4, along with Chapters 12, 14, 16 and 49, and other state and federal requirements, include plans for academic standards and assessment; professional education; teacher induction; special education; educational technology; and student services. These plans are submitted at different intervals. The creation and submission of these plans is facilitated through use of the eStrategic Planning (eSP) tool. CTCs, AVTSs, Charter Schools and Intermediate Units submit a lesser number of plans at different intervals as well.

Additionally, LEAs and schools not attaining the student achievement goals of the Commonwealth, in compliance with requirements of the ESEA of 2001 (No Child Left Behind), must submit improvement plans using a Web-based planning tool. This tool is based on the Pennsylvania school improvement planning process known as Getting Results.

Research Study

During the spring of 2010, PDE commissioned a research study to analyze and make recommendations regarding the current planning processes and tools used by LEAs and their alignment with the school improvement processes and tools. The study identified the need for a comprehensive process and tool that aligns LEA planning and school-level planning.

New CP Project

Under the direction of PDE, Capital Area Intermediate Unit and Delaware County Intermediate Unit are collaborating to design and develop a single, streamlined, yet systemic, comprehensive planning process and plan management system for LEAs and schools within the Commonwealth to ensure that:
  • LEAs and schools are using the same proven planning practices.
  • All planning is collaborative, coordinated and representative of the participation of all stakeholders.
  • School-level data analysis informs district-level planning; and district resources and activities directly support school improvement.

During the 11-12 SY, a revised number (134) of Phase 1 LEAs will pilot the new process and associated online tool. In addition, the numeric equalization of LEAs per phase for each IU will be implemented. Affected LEAs will be contacted during the month of July.

Highlights for LEAs

  • Submission of a single plan consisting of up to 6 goals addressing the high priority concerns identified by reviewing current operation of their Standards Aligned System and a data analysis process.
  • Refinements to the processes ensure the new comprehensive online new tool is subservient.
  • Final product and the process leading to the development of the single plan will meet the requirements of Chapters 4, 12, 14, 16, & 49 and other state and federal mandates.
  • Submit to PDE a single plan on November 30 and implement the comprehensive plan starting the following July 1.
  • Access to a peer review system to receive feedback on the LEA’s single plan and its school improvement plans.
  • Administrator single login access to plan and school-level plans data inform and assist each level in their planning efforts.
  • LEA and school level information will prepopulate areas of the new online-based tool and whenever possible migrated from the existing eSP and Getting Results tools.
  • Ability to self-monitor LEA plan and school-level plans via the online tool.
  • Access to tools and samples that include, but not limited to, training materials, foundational questions for systemic analysis of root cause, meeting agendas and data analysis tools.
  • CTCs, AVTSs, Charter Schools and Intermediate Units will have a specially designed version of the process and tool to meet effectively their needs.