After each school leadership team reflected on its school culture, community, and the key contributing factors to student growth, they used this information to select the Strategic Plan Indicators that would have the greatest positive impact for their students.  Each school was directed to select two to six indicators on which to focus during the 2018-19 school year.  Certainly, we all know that if we focus narrowly and deeply, we are more likely to realize positive results.  The indicators that this school’s leadership team selected are noted below.

Throughout the next 3 years, schools will focus on their chosen Strategic Plan Indicators as the drivers to increase student engagement and achievement within their schools.  They will choose strategies to help them grow or increase within each indicator and will monitor and evaluate the student and school changes that take place along the journey.  Below you will see what this school imagines their students and school to look like in 2021 after having focused and worked on their chosen indicators for three years.

We expect that 100% of our eligible students will participate in industry-recognized certification exams; and in an effort to improve student performance on those exams, we will  increase rigor for our students. To build the necessary teacher capacity, an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Site Coordinator was hired to support implementation of instructional AVID research-based strategies. Our professional development plan will continue to include monthly workshops centered around AVID’s WICOR domains: writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading. Increased rigor and student engagement will prepare students for success on their certification exams. 

Student data will show an increase in certification participation and pass rate. Students will find themselves academically ready for postsecondary education and employment. More certifications will better their opportunities for employment in the industry of their choice. They will express their satisfaction and gratitude to the teachers whose passions and professional practices inspired and catapulted them into careers.  In addition, successful students will better meet the needs of our community by providing a skilled workforce. Business partners will be impressed with the increased level of academic and skill based proficiency shown by students. Parents will be appreciative that we are preparing their children with skills within and beyond their trade such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. (Indicator 8)

Students will partner with and reach out to the community schools, businesses and organizations to provide deliverables and services. Through field experiences, fundraisers and classroom outreach activities, students meet community needs by providing their skills. Staff and students will design and develop program-specific demonstrations to showcase skills. Each program will target at least one service learning event for their students. School-based clubs and committees will involve students in planned projects at the school.  (Indicator 16)

Students will share that their experiences at CAT-South prepared them to be active participants in their local communities. Students can talk about how it feels to provide their skills to others. They will acknowledge their higher self-esteem and overall well-being. Their positive feelings can spur others to help their communities, adding friendships and network connections.  (Indicator 16)

Many CAT-South students go directly to work. Their community involvement participation in school will create more philanthropic employees and business owners. Since those who participate by helping others have lower stress levels, adults will see increased productivity and happier employees.