Improvement Plan Comparison

This year I started in a new district which has given me a significantly higher number of resources for learning. My previous district was a small pk-8th grade one with only one campus. My new district is a 4A with two High schools, two middle schools, and 6 elementary schools. Comparing my new district’s DIP to Austin ISD’s we see many similarities as well as many differences. Goals, demographics, and vital items are seen, emphasis to specific goals are presented differently and the format is much clearer in my current district.

Initiatives are stated clearly, followed by time line, person monitoring, funding, and evaluation/accomplishment. For Austin ISD, initiatives are stated as desired result, funding is stated as resources, and evaluation is measurable evidence. Something Austin ISD has that our district doesn’t is follow up activities once the goal is met or if the benchmark of the goal is not met. Desired goals and results for both districts are very similar. Graduation rates, attendance, credit recovery and others are shared goals with funding coming from various sources. TITLE 1 AARA funds many goals in Austin ISD. Compensatory funds, local, and Title IV funds are seen in both districts.

Both improvement plans do a good job at explaining how goals will be addressed and budgeted. Even looking at Damon ISD’s plan, it seems like goal driven budgeting is standard practice amongst all schools. The three districts are very different in demographics and size, yet all have similar goals. The plans are presented a bit differently but all address method of funding in their goals.