School improvement is an ongoing process in which the results of previous efforts are examined in order to determine where to focus new efforts. As schools undergo change, they need examples of what works, and resources to help them examine current practices in order to determine their next steps.
The Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool that can help schools and districts evaluate data on progress to date, set goals based on that data and create an action plan directly related to those goals. Planning for continuous improvement leading to increased levels of student achievement requires clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the local school district and state.
Title I is a federal education program under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This program provides financial assistance to LEAs and schools with high numbers or high percentages of poor children to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. Thie page provides resources for schools in Title I-A School Improvement Status, including information on Statewide Systems of Support, grants, and reporting requirements.
The School Improvement Fund (SIF) is established by the state to support areas directly related to increasing student achievement. School districts, education service districts, and eligible programs have flexibility within the grant guidelines to determine specific evidenced-based areas that will lead to school improvement. SIF Grants for 2007-2008 were awarded in November 2007. Grantees are eligible for a second year of funding to support the areas described in their 2007 grant applications.
When a school is in the second year of "Improvement Status," districts are required to offer supplemental educational services to students of low-income parents using a mandated formula to determine the amount of funds reserved for this purpose. Schools are identified as being in "Improvement Status" if they fail to make adequate yearly progress, as defined in NCLB, for two consecutive years.
The Oregon Department of Education implements a statewide special education monitoring system called Special Education Systems Performance Review & Improvement (SPR&I). This system is a continuous improvement monitoring process that focuses on improving student outcomes.
SPR&I is a district/program driven system founded on data-informed decision-making. It supports improvement planning through performance data collection and interpretation, development and implementation improvement plan, and evaluation of impact and effectiveness of improvement strategies.
The State Board of Education approved the policy "Districts may award credit based on proficiency" in December 2002 providing students the opportunity to earn graduation credits by demonstrating what they know and can do. Policies to award credit for proficiency are created and implemented by local school districts.
E3 is a statewide non-profit organization, founded by the Oregon Business Council, to bring together employers and schools to improve student achievement. E3 is providing leadership and technical assistance to existing large high schools and to new "start-up" schools -- creating innovative models that accelerate achievement for all students.
Contacts
Carla Wade (503) 947-5631 School Improvement & Accountability - Ed. Specialist, Title I-A, Ed. Technology
Janet Bubl (503) 947-5687 School Improvement & Accountability - Ed. Specialist, Title I-A & Title VI B
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(503) 947-5631 
