What is an Action Plan

"Definition: an action plan is the explicit portion of a given strategy that outlines the tasks required to implement the program, the person(s) responsible, the anticipated date of completion and the cost benefit analysis. (Bryan, p. 23)

Role of Action Plans in the Strategic Plan
The action plans comprise the concluding component of the Strategic Plan. In effect, action plans are the blueprints that move the strategies to the operational level. Each action plan describes a specific set of steps that, if accomplished, result in the successful achievement of a strategy. Prior to developing the steps, it is important to be clear about the problems or opportunities the strategy is targeting, so that the steps of the action plan clearly and systematically address specific needs. In carrying out the action plans, priority is given to the most urgent steps relative to Mission, objective and/or strategy. This is followed by a determined logical order that reflects manageability and resources. Not all action plans will break new ground. It is probable that some will confirm existing programs and services that merit continued emphasis.

Construction Specs for Action Plans
Action plans are appropriately developed by administrators, faculty and staff directly responsible for accomplishing the strategies. Several departments and/or groups may contribute to the action plans for a given strategy.

A complete action plan includes sequenced directions, timelines, assignment of responsibilities, and resource allocation. The perspective and language are operational, which implies the reader knows exactly what will occur, when, by whom and the cost. Action plan formats should suit the needs of a particular school and will vary.

There are, however, several recommendations. Action plans should:

• specify the results that demonstrate that a strategy has been achieved
• describe each step to be accomplished and the sequence of steps.
• assign responsibilities.
• specify timelines.
• allocate resources that take into consideration staff time, materials, equipment, contracted services.

Taken from: Validating the Vision: An Assessment Protocol for Mission Effectiveness, Institutional Accreditation, and Strategic Planning in the Catholic High School. Mary Frances Taymans, SND, EdD National Catholic Educational Association: Washington, D.C., 1999. Page 135.

Salesianum School's Draft Objectives / Strategies

Draft #3
Strategies for Objective 1
Objective 1: Academic Achievement

By the year 2012 – 13, Salesianum School students will demonstrate improved academic achievement as measured by:

A) an increase of 4.5 percentage points in the percentage of students taking Advanced Placement courses.

Baseline 2003 – 04: 13.47% of students took AP courses

Strategy: Build vertical teams to bolster specific skills in all subject areas to prepare students for enrollment in AP courses.

Specific Result: More students will be prepared to take AP courses

Strategy: Create a more flexible schedule to allow more students opportunities to take AP or a variety of other courses

Specific Result: More students will have the chance to take a variety of courses.

Strategy: Develop a program so qualified sophomores can take AP courses

Specific Result: More students would be taking AP courses and would be prepared for AP courses later on.

B) an increase of 3 percentage points in the percentage of scores of 4 or 5 on Advanced Placement tests.

Baseline 2003 – 04: 57% of AP scores were 4 or 5

Strategy: Offer more AP and non-AP teachers AP in-service training workshops so they can give skills to students that prepare them for AP courses

Specific Result: Teachers and students will be better prepared.

Strategy: Address class size issues and teacher/student ratio to allow for optimal teacher-student interaction

Specific Result: Better student/teacher contact will enable more direct attention to students from teachers

Strategy: Create a manageable number of required core objectives (with success in college-level courses as the goal) in each department in preparation for vertical advancement, and evaluate progress in core objectives departmentally.

Specific Result: More uniform preparation of all students towards advanced placement/college level competency.

C) an increase in students’ average SAT-I math scores to 570

Baseline 2003 – 04: Average SAT-I Math score: 562

Strategy: Increase opportunities for teacher training on the SAT-I test

Specific Result: Teachers will have a better idea of what objectives to implement in their lessons.

Strategy: Instruct students in test-taking strategies and basic format of the SAT Math test. Begin this early in sophomore year in preparation for the PSAT.

Specific Result: Better prepare students for success in the SAT through familiarity with the format and comfort with the basic style.

Strategy: Teachers will highlight through the year the key types of content questions often seen on the SAT-I.

Specific Result: Students will be more aware of important questions and questioning styles on the test.
D) an increase in demonstrated critical reading and writing skills to _____

Baseline 2004 – 05: Average SAT-I Critical Reading score _____
Baseline 2004-05: Average SAT-I Writing score _____
Note: Initial baseline data will be collected for the Class of 2006 using the first SAT Critical Writing section in May/June 2005. Targets will be set after that data is collected.

Strategy: All teachers will receive in-service training to improve and make consistent our efforts at improving critical reading and writing skills for all students.

Specific Result: All students improve SAT Critical Reading & Writing Skills.

Strategy: Students will compose at least one formal, multi-paragraph essay per quarter. A rubric/basic format for a good essay would be available to teachers across the curriculum.

Specific Result: Increase students’ exposure to and proficiency in formal, well-organized writing across the curriculum.

Strategy: Critical reading. Not completely fleshed out yet. Ensure use of textbooks, outside reading of articles, etc.

Specific Result: Students will increase ability to process and comment on information.
E) an increase in the percentage of students who have taken a Fine Arts course before graduation to 35% of the student body

Baseline 2004 – 05: 31.3 % of students take at least one Fine Arts course (321
students)

Strategy: Develop the scope and sequence for the inauguration of a Fine Arts requirement.

Specific Result: We finally “bite the bullet” and make this score-long debate part of our curriculum.

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F) an increase of 5 percentage points in the percentage of juniors taking three years of a foreign language

Baseline 2004-05: 50.3% of juniors take a third year of a foreign language (136 students)

Strategy: Continue to encourage our students to see the benefits of taking more than two years of a language.

Specific Result: More students take three years of a language and distinguish themselves for college acceptance by taking the “most rigorous course load possible” for them.

Strategy: _____________________________________________________________________

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Salesianum School
Strategies for Objective 2
Objective 2: Catholic and Salesian Identity and Mission

By the year 2012-13, Salesianum School students will grow in their ability to embrace the Catholic and Salesian identity and mission of the School in their lives as demonstrated by:

A) a _____ percentage point increase in the number of students earning a grade of “competency” on the Salesianum Salesian Identity Inventory

Baseline 2005 – 06: _____ students earned a grade of “competency” on the
Salesianum Salesian Identity Inventory
Note: Initial baseline data will be collected for the Class of 2006 when the SSII is developed in the fall of 2005.

Strategy: We will increase the opportunities for students to be exposed to the teachings and spirit of Saint Francis de Sales.

Specific Result: We will provide more opportunities for students to participate in Salesian events.

Strategy: Teachers will integrate religious aspects into their own disciplines.

Specific Result: Students will detect religion and spirituality aspects through the curriculum.

Strategy: We will incorporate the history and philosophy of Saint Francis de Sales into the curriculum.

Specific Result: We will develop a Salesian identity course so that students will be able to express and explain the history and philosophy of Saint Francis de Sales.

B) a _____ percentage point increase in the percentage of students participating in service activities outside of those required by the Religious Studies Department

Baseline 2003 – 04: _____ students or _____ % of the student body participated

Strategy: We will structure one of the student retreats to include a service experience

Specific Result: Students will realize the connection between prayer and service and increase awareness of fulfilling service opportunities in the community.

Strategy: Increase awareness to underclassmen through posters and upperclassman recruiting

Specific Result: Freshmen and sophomores will feel more comfortable joining and at least be aware of Campus Ministry and the Salesian Spirituality Commission.

Strategy: Athletic moderators and coaches will encourage their players to participate in service programs

Specific Result: Students will experience the value of service and giving back to their community as a unified group.

C) a 4 percentage point increase in the percentage of students participating in student activities

Baseline 2003 – 04: 770 students or 76% of the student body participated

Strategy: Publish a process and criteria for establishing a new club or activity. Have a central location for all activities information.

Specific Result: Increase awareness of types of clubs and activities and the process about how to form new ones.

Strategy: Have a second Activity Fair for later in the year.

Specific Result: The fair can target underclassmen who are timid at the beginning of the year or students who missed the first fair.

Strategy: Develop and publish a process by which a student can resolve scheduling conflicts between two or more clubs/activities.

Specific Result: Students who participate in more than once club can still maintain active membership in these organizations.

Salesianum School
Strategies for Objective 3
Objective 3: College Selection

By the year 2012 – 13, Salesianum School students will demonstrate improved facility at college selection so that:

A) the percentage of students applying to colleges and universities outside of Delaware will increase by 5 percentage points.

Baseline 2003 – 04: 175 students (72%) of the senior class applying to colleges applied outside of Delaware

Strategy: We will expose our students/parents/guardians to a more diverse array of colleges.

Specific Result: Create a structure of greater awareness and involvement in the research, selection, and application to a broader range of colleges.

Strategy: We will introduce students and parents to technology and programs that will enhance their ability to search for colleges and universities that meet their needs.

Specific Result: This will provide students with realistic possibilities of colleges that actually can meet more of their needs.

Strategy: Expose our students to the advantages and disadvantages of out-of-state institutions vs. in-state institutions.

Specific Result: Students will be able to make a more informed decision in their selection process.

B) the percentage of students accepted to four-year colleges and universities rated as “most difficult” or better by the Peterson’s Guide will increase by 5 percentage points.

Baseline 2003 – 04: 26 students (10.69%) of the senior class was accepted to colleges so rated (243 seniors in the Class of 2004)

Strategy: We will provide opportunities for our students to improve their chances to gain acceptance to college identified as “most selective” by the Peterson’s Guide.

Specific Result: Create within the school culture programs that will enhance our students’ chances for acceptance into “most selective” colleges as rated by the Peterson’s Guide.

Strategy: Encourage more students to maximize their course selection.

Specific Result: Create the opportunity for students to take more AP and independent study courses.

Strategy: Encourage students to develop their individual talents (e.g. athletics) so that they can present a stronger college portfolio.

Specific Result: Enable more students to become involved in clubs and activities by continually developing new clubs and activities as they pertain to student body interest.


Salesianum School
Strategies for Objective 4
Objective 4: Student Body Diversity and Academic Excellence (non – MSA goal)

By the school year 2012 – 13, Salesianum School will become a more diverse school community and attract an academically excellent student body as demonstrated by the following:

A) a 2.54 percentage point increase in the percentage of minority students that attend Salesianum

Baseline 2003 – 04: 4.96% of the student body are racial minorities (50 students)

Strategy: Provide opportunities for Salesianum to develop stronger relationships with elementary schools that have large populations of minority students.

Specific Result: Minority elementary students will be aware of our programs

Strategy: Provide opportunities to assist minority students and parents with the admissions process and financial aid applications.

Specific Result: More minosity parents and students will seek admission and financial aid.

Strategy: Provide more opportunities to feature more ethnic diversity in our publications.

Specific Result: Minority students could envision themselves as students.

Strategy: Provide opportunities for outreach to community groups that celebrate their unique cultural heritage.

Specific Result: More minority populations would feel welcomed.

Strategy: Provide opportunities for minority elementary school students to experience Salesianum’s academic excellence

Specific Result: More elementary students of minority backgrounds would take the Entrance Test.

B) a 4 percentage point increase in the percentage of students who receive need-based financial aid

Baseline 2003 – 04: 16% of the student body receives need-based aid (160 students)

Strategy: Provide opportunities to assist students and parents with the admissions process and financial aid applications.

Specific Result: More parents and students will seek admission and financial aid.

Strategy: Provide more opportunities to demonstrate that Salesianum provides need-based financial aid

Specific result: All students, regardless of economic background, could envision themselves as students of Salesianum.

Strategy: Provide opportunities for disadvantaged elementary school students to experience Salesianum’s academic excellence

Specific Result: More elementary students of economically diverse backgrounds would take the Entrance Test.

C) a 2 percentage point increase in the number of applicants testing in the 90th percentile and above who choose to attend Salesianum.

Baseline 2003 – 04: 70 % of applicants in the 90th percentile and above enrolled at Salesianum

Strategy: Provide opportunities for elementary school students to experience Salesianum’s academic excellence

Specific Result: More elementary students of diverse backgrounds would take the Entrance Test.

Strategy: Provide more “Academic based Scholarships” for those in the ninetieth and above percentile.

Specific result: Attract and retain more students in the 90 – 94 percentile group

Strategy: Provide more opportunities to tout Salesianum student excellence with-in the community.

Specific result: Inspire more students to attend Salesianum.

Salesianum School
Strategies for Objective 5
Objective 5: Institutional Advancement and Facilities Renewal (non – MSA goal)

By the school year 2012 – 13, Salesianum School will strengthen its financial resources other than tuition revenue and provide superior quality facility as demonstrated by the following:

A) a 4 percentage point increase in the amount of school revenue derived from non-tuition sources

Baseline 2003 – 04: 13% of the annual budget came from non-tuition sources

Strategy: Provide more opportunities for alumni participation in the Annual Appeal

Specific Result: Increased participation by alumni in the Annual Appeal.

Strategy: Provide local foundations with more information about the school’s needs.

Specific Result: Increased number of grants offered to Salesianum.

Strategy: Hedge the school’s investments to provide a raised stream of income for the endowment.

Specific Result: Increase the size of the endowment.

B) The percentage of alumni, parents, past parents, and friends of the School that contribute to the Annual Fund will increase by the following percentage points:

Alumni: increase by 3 percentage points
Parents: increase by 2 percentage points
Past parents: increase by 5 percentage points
Friends: increase by 2 percentage points

Baseline 2003 – 04: 22% of alumni contributed to the Annual Fund
Baseline 2003 – 04: 48% of parents contributed to the Annual Fund
Baseline 2003 – 04: 32% of past parents contributed to the Annual Fund
Baseline 2003 – 04: 33% of friends of the School contributed to the Annual Fund

Strategy: Provide more opportunities for educating the Salesianum community about the need for the Annual Fund.

Specific Result: More awareness and knowledge regarding the need for the Annual Fund.

Strategy: Provide opportunities for the Salesianum community to donate to the Annual Fund.

Specific Result: More of the Salesianum community will donate to the Annual Fund.

Strategy: Provide a wider variety of methods of giving for the Salesianum community.

Specific Result: The Salesianum community will donate in a wider variety of ways.

C) a 100 percent on-time completion rate of the Facilities Master Plan.

Baseline 2003 – 04: 70% of the Facilities Master Plan was completed on time

Strategy: We will provide continued development of funding outside if tuition to realize goals developed by the Facilities Master Plan

Specific Result: Continue to support and develop that outside funding to be tied to specific projects to ensure full funding for projects to meet timelines.

Strategy: We maintain and continue to seek competent and knowledgeable people on the Building & Properties Committee

Specific Result: Continue to recruit and develop competent professionals to volunteer their time, talent and treasures to this committee.

Strategy: We will continue to improve communication in order that all parties involved are knowledgeable and supportive of the Facilities Master Plan.

Specific Result: Provide a Facilities Plan that displays projects, timelines, and costs to ensure that all parties are communicating correct information for the purpose of educating all involved.