Focused Collaboration
Focused Collaboration is a structured form of collaboration that empowers educators to make data-driven and input driven decisions while working together to improve teaching effectiveness. It relies on the support of its participants to create an environment that improves adult and student learning. During Focused Collaboration, educators work together to solve problems and determine how to weave together the intricate pattern of curriculum, standards, and assessments coupled with the interpersonal feedback that drives excellence. This process is critical to school success and the ability to maintain an agile and supportive environment. DoDEA is formally in its fourth year of system-wide implementation of Professional Learning Communities/ Focused Collaboration. This initiative requires sustained attention, resources, and leadership in order to maximize its potential for increasing both adult and student learning. The urgency behind this initiative is underscored by Cognia’s, the agency that provides accreditation to DoDEA, School Quality Factors (SQFs) that are used to evaluate DoDEA districts. The SQFs emphasize the importance of a positive and collaborative culture for school excellence.
College and Career Ready Standards
The implementation of new standards for all subject areas and grade levels is a process that takes time. Over the last six years, DoDEA has aligned standards, instructional resources, professional learning, and assessments to support the full implementation of College and Career Ready Standards (CCRS) in all subjects and grade levels. In school year 20/21, DoDEA will finish the rollout of materials aligned to the CCRS. DoDEA will continuously improve CCRS implementation with a focus on intentional planning, professional learning needs assessments, and improvement of the Learning Walkthrough tool.
Instructional Leadership Development
Every educator has the right and responsibility to lead. DoDEA cultivates a sense of shared leadership between teachers, administrators, and the Center for Instructional Leadership (CIL) through professional learning. For those teachers whose career paths lead to administration, additional professional learning will also be available. The Leadership Development Program will address the gap in learning that new administrators face in managing the daily business operations and personnel issues that arise when leading a school. Additional opportunities are also available for existing principals to refine their practice as instructional leaders through the CILs. As a result of this Strategic Initiative, educators will experience individual growth opportunities as leaders at all points during their careers.
Safe and Secure Environment for Learning and Working
DoDEA will continue to provide a safe learning environment for students and employees through the Comprehensive School Security Plan (CSSP). The CSSP was developed with the input of various civilian and military experts and will proactively identify threat trends, employ security tools, and respond to contingencies. Lessons learned from COVID-19 will be incorporated to develop and prioritize this Strategic Initiative.
DoDEA is dedicated to developing and sustaining high-performing schools.