School Improvement Grant (SIG) Implementation Specialist Job Responsibilities A School Improvement Grant Implementation Specialist is an individual identified by the Office of School Recovery to lend assistance to SIG schools and districts implementing either the Turnaround or Transformation comprehensive intervention models. School Improvement Specialist must be: Experience in improving academic achievement Extensive knowledge of school improvement research, data analysis and effective practices Knowledge of MS Curriculum Frameworks, Assessments, and Accreditation Standards Proficient in using a variety technology programs (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite) Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Partner with the Office of School Recovery (MDE) to provide individualized, onsite technical assistance to schools and districts implementing School Improvement Grant 1003(g) intervention models Review and analyze the school s operation and assist in developing recommendations for improving student performance Review and analyze the school s and district s implementation of their specific school improvement plan Review and analyze the district s compliance with federal and state regulations regarding grant implementation and management Monitor the effectiveness of personnel assigned to the school improvement process, including internal and external providers and other resources provided through the SIG funds Collaborate with parents, school staff members, and district personnel in the implementation and monitoring of the school improvement plan Meet monthly with the district and school administration and/or Leadership Team to review the school s progress in implementing the SIG components (e.g. on-line report monitoring, review of interim benchmarks of progress) Compile monthly written reports of services, findings, and recommendations to the Office of School Recovery (MDE) and district regarding the implementation of the school improvement plan Provide technical assistance to the district in completing required SIG reports and in other implementation areas as indicated through on-site visits Other technical assistance and/or monitoring duties as assigned by the Office of School Recovery (MDE)
School Leadership Team Expectations for SIG Implementation Collaborate with families and community members to develop partnerships for school Collaborate with the district to determine all forms of support available to fully implement the grant Review district and state SIG monitoring reports Maintain a working knowledge of all funds being utilized at the school to support school activities Provide recommendations in the development/implementation of a rigorous, transparent evaluation system and a system for rewards that includes evidence of student achievement/growth
District Leadership Team Expectations for SIG Implementation Network with families and community to develop partnerships for school Establish a district turnaround office to support SIG implementation Collaborate with the school administrative team and MDE to determine support that will be necessary to promote the full implementation of the grant Provide operational flexibility for school administrator (e.g. staffing, scheduling, budgeting) Recommend modification of policies and practices to support full and effective implementation of the SIG grant Document formal monitoring procedures and technical assistance from the district to the SIG school(s). All SIG required elements should be monitored by the district team and reviewed for effectiveness Develop structures which establish and support professional learning communities Monitor schedules and strategies for increased learning time and its effectiveness Review and monitor use of SIG funds supporting the implementation of the model and submit financial reports as requested by MDE Maintain a working knowledge of all funds being utilized at the school to support school activities Establish a formal process for recruitment, screening, selection, monitoring and evaluating of external partners Develop/implement of a rigorous, transparent evaluation system and system of rewards ensuring input from teachers and principals that includes evidence of student achievement/growth Maintain documentation of compliance with EDGAR cost principles, semi-annual certifications for SIG funded positions, and payroll/ personnel files. Monitor the district / school s compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations
Principal Expectations for SIG Implementation Communicate a compelling, focused vision for school improvement to all stakeholders Establish a school leadership team with true participatory decision making Develop a collaborative relationship with the school improvement specialist to promote highquality grant implementation Create effective partnerships with families and community members to support school Facilitate a school culture where continuous learning and professional collaboration is encouraged Create a safe and orderly learning environment (school climate and discipline) Monitor the effectiveness of job-embedded professional development services from external providers as evidenced by instructional improvements in the classroom Collaborate with the district leadership team and MDE to determine support that will be necessary to promote the full implementation of the grant Collaborate with the district to develop/implement of a rigorous, transparent evaluation system and system of rewards that includes evidence of student achievement/growth Recruits, places, and institutes practices to retain school staff with skills needed for turnaround Monitors the quality of the delivery of instruction on a daily basis Conduct teacher and staff evaluations that provide corrective feedback to improve the instructional process Expend SIG funds as outlined in the approved grant and in a timely manner to fully implement the school improvement plan Align all financial, human, and material resources at the school to support the school improvement goals/plan Review and monitor monthly SIG expenditure reports Monitor the school s compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations
Transformation Specialist Expectations for SIG Implementation (position created for SIG monitoring) Exhibit a strong commitment to continuous school improvement Assist the principal in communicating a compelling, focused vision for school improvement to all stakeholders Assist the principal in establishing a school leadership team with true participatory decision making Develop a collaborative relationship with the principal and district to promote high-quality grant implementation Create effective partnerships with families and community members to support school Assist in facilitating a school culture where continuous learning and professional collaboration is encouraged Serve as a liaison with the external providers to ensure quality delivery of services (schedules, round-table meetings) Monitor the effectiveness of job-embedded professional development services from external providers as evidenced by instructional improvements in the classroom Communicate regularly with the district, school leadership team, and principal to review implementation progress and make recommendations for strengthening implementation Collect and maintain SIG documentation files as outlined in guidance provided by MDE Compile and submit all SIG reports as required by the district and MDE Provides intensive, ongoing technical assistance to support school report strategies Monitor schedules and activities provided during increased learning time and evaluate for effectiveness Collaborate with the district to develop/implement of a rigorous, transparent evaluation system and system of rewards that includes evidence of student achievement/growth Assists the principal with resource allocation to implement SIG goals Monitor monthly SIG expenditure reports Monitor the school s compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations