Presented by:

1. Two Structures of School Governance: School Planning and Management Teams and School Governance Councils Presented by: Shelia Brantley, M.A., NHPS District Comer Facilitator & Fay E. Brown, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist, Yale Child Study Center

2. Introduction Connecticut’s new school reform law (P.L. 10-111) requires that schools that are among 5% of the state’s lowest performing, and that failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in math and reading at the whole school level must have School Governance Councils (SGCs). The intent of the Councils is to enable parents, the principal, teachers, high school students, and community leaders to work together to improve student achievement. The School Planning and Management Team (SPMT), one of the three structures that comprise the framework of the Comer Process, develops the Comprehensive School Plan, sets academic, social, and community relations goals, and coordinates all school activities, including staff and parent development programs. As the governance and management structure in the school, the SPMT is considered as the engine that drives the school.

3. School Planning and Management Team (SPMT) Parents Paraprofessionals Administration Teachers from each grade level/discipline Students Union representative Community partners Composition • School Governance Council (SGC) • Parents or guardians: 7 • Teachers: 5 • Community leaders: 2 • School principal or designee (non-voting): 2 • Students (non-voting): 2

4. Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC: Some Contrasts… School Planning and Management Team (SPMT): • All schools have a SPMT or cross-constituency team • Volunteers • Decisions made by consensus using no-fault problem solving approach • School Governance • Council (SGC): • Low-performing schools required to form councils • Members are elected. • Decisions made by voting.

5. Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC SPMT • Analyzes different sets of data across the school for informed decision making • Building Leadership Data Team monitors School Improvement Plan (SIP); updates SPMT – specific to the New Haven Public Schools • SGC • Analyzes school achievement data and school needs as they relate to the school’s improvement plan.

6. Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC SPMT • Principal is a member of the team; team engages in shared decision making. • Decisions pertaining to the functioning of the school are made in a collaborative manner. • Child and adolescent development principles and relationships are foundational for decision making. • SGC • After three years the council may recommend school reconstitution.

7. Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC: Similarities. . . • Serve in an advisory capacity. • Review budgets. • Analyze student achievement data. • Provide support for student success. • Provide professional development for parents and staff. • In New Haven: Assist with Parent Compacts in Title 1 schools; district surveys

8. For More Information School Planning and Management Teams (SPMTs) www.schooldevelopmentprogram.org/about/works.aspx School Governance Councils (SGCs) CT State Department of Education www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2678&Q=322630&sdePNavCtr=|454 Video of the November 29, 2010 Community Forum on SGCs and SPMTs at Cooperative Arts High School in New Haven www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxEmCN71fPQ Dr. Judy Carson presentation (5:12 – 16:00) Dr. Fay E. Brown and Shelia Brantley, M.A. presentation (16:00 - 29:00)