System and School Improvement

School Improvement Planning (SIP) & End-of-Year (EoY) Templates

The SIP and EoY templates are used to reflect on and record findings for three high-priority goals and associated activities, measures, adjustments, and outcomes. Review the SIP and EoY Guide prior to completing the SIP and EoY Templates.

System and School Improvement are tiered supports provided through state and federal accountability processes. The goal of System and School Improvement is to provide technical assistance, resources, and support, in collaboration with internal and external partners.

Schools are provided supports based on measures across three tiers:

 

Tiered approach pyramid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier III: Comprehensive Supports

Schools at the Tier III level receive the most intensive supports, including coaching, priority access to professional development opportunities, and additional funding.

Funding

  • All schools identified for Comprehensive support are eligible for a base amount with additional funding differentiated by student count or school type.
  • Districts with at least two-thirds of schools identified for support are eligible for a district grant to provide prioritized support to identified schools and the schools that feed into them

Low Graduation Rates Funding

  • All schools identified for Comprehensive support for low graduation rates are eligible for a base amount.
  • Districts with at least two-thirds of schools identified for support are eligible for a district grant to provide prioritized support to identified schools and the schools that feed into them.

Support Teams

OSPI has a cross-agency team partnering with practitioners that are currently engaged in discussion about additional supports for Alternative Learning Schools.

Tier II: Targeted Supports

Schools at the Tier II level receive less intensive supports that are targeted toward specific student group supports. For example, increased access to content specialists and learning communities.

Schools identified to receive Tier II supports may request content specialists in the following content areas:

  • Change Management
  • Data Support
  • Students with Disabilities
  • English Learners

Funding

  • All schools identified for Tier II support are eligible for a base amount that is differentiated based on number of student groups identified for support.
  • Districts with at least two-thirds of schools identified for support are eligible for a district grant to provide prioritized support to identified schools and the schools that feed into them.

Support Teams

Tier I: Self Directed & Foundational Supports

Schools at the Tier I level have relatively strong instruction models, but need focused supports in a few specific areas. Because of the wide range of needs, the supports below are just a snapshot of what currently exist.

Based on a school's identified area of improvement, they should connect first with local supports at their district and then consult with the relevant OSPI department, their ESD, or other potential partnerships. These supports are available to all schools, including those served in other tiers of the model.

K-12 Education

School Climate

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The ESSA cycle is a three year cycle in which schools throughout Washington state are identified for supports based on student performance and school quality, using Washington State Improvement Framework (WSIF) measures. School improvement data information can be found on the Washington State Board of Education website.

Continuous School Improvement Resources

These School Improvement Resources are a useful repository of visuals, guides, and FAQs pertaining to school improvement supports and contains information related to iGrants, School Improvement Plans (SIPs), Needs Assessments, and more!

Whole Child Initiative

For every student to realize their full potential, OSPI's Whole Child Initiative ensures students feel safe, healthy, engaged, supported, and challenged. The Whole Child Initiative recognizes that access to safe, welcoming learning environments, as well as rich learning experiences outside of the classroom, is crucial for students' educational and life outcomes.

This page also links to resources to help school teams with Family and Community Engagement and the Powerless to Powerful leadership framework.