ACHIEVEMENTACHIEVEMENT
Strategic Initiative 1: Student Achievement and Growth Lifelong Learning Goal 1 & 2 - Standards-Based Education North Dakota State Standards – The Fargo Public Schools will use the North Dakota State Standards to provide the structure for teaching and learning. Standards encourage the highest achievement of every student by defining the knowledge and skills that students should acquire at each grade level. (Reference: Teaching and Learning Long Range Plan)
21st Century Standards – The Fargo Public Schools will use the 21st Century skills of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking to provide the structure for teaching and learning. 21st Century skills encourage the highest achievement of every student, by defining the knowledge and skills that students should acquire at each grade level and support the learning of the North Dakota State Standards. (Reference: Teaching and Learning Long Range Plan)
Standards-based instruction provides educators an ongoing collaborative process to proactively plan instruction, interventions and extensions that will result in improvements to student learning. Fargo Public Schools teachers will use a standards-based education model to deliver the curriculum adopted to meet North Dakota State Standards and 21st Century skills. (Reference: Teaching and Learning Long Range Plan)
Standards Based Scorecard Goal 3 - Integrated Technology Today's learning environments should reflect what we know about how people learn and take advantage of technology to optimize learning. Our system must support administrators, teachers, and support staff in their efforts to leverage the power of technology to provide engaging, personalized learning experiences and ensure students have the skills to be lifelong learners. Technology provides access to more learning resources and connections to experts and audiences beyond the classroom. The Fargo Public Schools will integrate technology within the curriculum to optimize the individual learning of each student. Integrated technology assists students to:- Gather, evaluate, and or use information for learning
- Conduct research, solve problems, and or create original works for learning
- Communicate and work collaboratively for learning
Technology Integration in Classroom Activities 
Long Range Technology Plan Goal 4 - Assessment Assessments provide students, educators, parents, and the public with a range of information about standards-based student achievement. The Fargo Public School teachers will use both formative and summative assessments to measure student achievement. Results from these assessments will assist teachers in making decisions to determine the best practices and procedures that will result in improvements to student learning.
(Reference: Teaching and Learning Long Range Plan)aimswebPlus Benchmark Reading Assessment MAP NDSA American College Testing - ACT Advanced Placement - AP Academic Rigor Graduation Rates NDUS Retention Rates Student Eligibility and Career Readiness Student Life After High School: Military, Two, or Four-Year Institution of Higher Education
Support for Learning
Goal 1 - Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Collaboration among teachers in each academic area will enhance the ability of teachers to examine all practices in light of thei impact on learning. This collaborative process proactively assists teachers in planning for standards-based instruction, interventions and extensions. The Fargo Public Schools will accomplish this goal by ensuring that the time needed to conduct PLCs is scheduled at least once a week during the school year. PLCs are one of the components of the district's needs assessments to determine professional development sessions.Strategic Plan Survey Goal 2 - Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) MTSS is a school-wide process, beginning with quality core instruction within the general education classroom. Academic and behavioral interventions or extensions are provided to students based on data collection and analysis. These interventions or extensions vary in intensity based on student needs an may be provided by a variety of personnel, starting with the general education teachers. The MTSS model supports:- Supplementary Intervention: Supports that augment primary instruction to directly address an area of need; often implemented in small-group setting but may be individualized; often associated with Tier 2.
- Intensive Intervention: An academic and behavioral intervention characterized by increased length, frequency, and duration of implementation and administration to students significantly below grade level; often associated with Tier 3.
- Progress Monitoring: A scientifically based practice to assess students' academic performance and evaluate the effectiveness of the instruction that can be used with individual students, a small group, or an entire class. Also, the process used to monitor implementation of specific interventions.
- Extensions: Supports that augment primary instruction to directly address content, product and process.
Strategic Plan Survey Multi-Tiered System of Supports Handbook Our Mission: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed
STEAMSTEAM
Strategic Initiative 2: STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Goal 1 - STEAM The Fargo Public Schools will encourage teachers and students to see and think in new ways across disciplines. Knowledge creation, innovation and breakthrough thinking will assist the process of making connections across disciplines. As a result of our efforts, the Fargo Public Schools will accomplish this goal through the district's STEAM related strategic initiatives as articulated in the Teaching and Learning Long Range Plan.Co-Curricular STEAM Related Activities in the Schools 
Our Mission: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed
CULTURECULTURE
Strategic Initiative 3: Positive School Culture Goal 1 - School Culture As a result of our efforts, each school will develop and maintain a culture plan that emphasizes character development and cultural proficiency.School Culture Plans by Building 
Our Mission: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed
ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
Strategic Initiative 4: Engagement and Experiences in Co-Curricular Activities Goal 1 - Diverse Activities Fargo Public Schools will provide a broad range of diverse activities for our students.Goal 2 - High Quality Activities Fargo Public Schools will provide high quality activities for our students.Goal 3 - Enhanced Learning Fargo Public Schools will enhance the learning of our students through co-curricular activity participation.Participation Data from Season Summary Participant Satisfaction Survey Activities "Honor Roll" GPA of Participants Team Scholar Award Recipients 
Our Mission: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed
COMMUNICATIONCOMMUNICATION
Strategic Initiative 5: Community Outreach and Communication Community Outreach Goal 1 - City of Fargo/Fargo Park Board The Fargo Public Schools will continue to foster a positive partnership with the City of Fargo and Fargo Park District. Positive and heathy relationships between administrations and elected officials will enhance the ability of all three entities to serve the public in a collaborative and meaningful way.Bi-annual Meeting Goal 2 - Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation The Fargo Public Schools will maintain a relationship with the Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation for financial resources to support student and critical needs and innovative educational programs.Critical Needs Program Funds Raised Endowments, Education Grants, Scholarships and Awards Funds Raised for Special Projects Adopt-A-School Program Goal 3 - College & University Partnerships The Fargo Public Schools will continue to work with local college and university teacher preparation programs to ensure that we are partners in the preparation of future teachers. In addition, we will partner with the colleges and universities to ensure that our current staff have access to professional development and college course credit programs.College Teacher Preparation Programs 
UND Resident Teacher Program Student - Teacher Internship Opportunities Goal 4 - Career & Technical Education Partnerships Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an essential component of the educational system, preparing learners for life, careers, and college. With an emphasis on real-world and real-life skills, occupational content and academics come to life through application. Students develop 21st Century skills as they communicate and collaborate on activities and utilize creativity and critical thinking to design projects and solve problems.
Teachers work directly with business and industry partners to bridge high school curriculums with relevant skills and experiences needed in today's world of work. Implicit to the CTE program are the components of advisory committees and community relations outreach as well as workplace experiences, business partnerships, and postsecondaryconnections. Therefore, as a result of the Fargo Public Schools efforts, we will engage in outreach initiatives designed to support our programs and students.
Advisory Committee and CommunityRelations - The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Committee's purpose is to strengthen the programs it serves. The committee exists to advise, assist, support and advocate for career and technical education. Members from community businesses and organizations are volunteers who share content expertise and performance knowledge based on the program area and its related occupations. Advisory committees work cooperatively with school administration and instructors in planning and carrying out committee work. They are advisory only and has no legislative, administrative or programmatic authority. Committees may serve a specific CTE program or a combined committee may serve several CTE programs.
CTE Reports Goal 5 - Mental Health, Dropout Prevention, Youth Risk Services As a result of our efforts, Fargo Public Schools will implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for grades K-12 to identify and assist students who experience mental health and alcohol/drug issues, are in need of additional support for academic and social/emotional development, or are at risk of dropping out of school. Fargo Public Schools will collaborate with community agencies to help secure needed assistance for students.Student and Family Referrals to Community Resources Attendance Rates Graduation Rates Incident Reports Communication Goal 1 - District Image As a result of our efforts, the Fargo Public Schools will have strong relationships with the community. Overall, citizens of Fargo will have positive opinions of the education provided to students in the district.Goal 2 - Parent/Family Communication and Engagement As a result of our efforts, the school district and individual schools will have established, effective communication between school, parents and families. Uniform communication guidelines will be set for all schools in order for communication processes to be consistent amongst all schools.Goal 3 - Community Communication and Engagement As a result of our efforts, the school district will have effective communication and engagement with the community at large. Fargo Public Schools will focus on communicating with the ever changing and diverse community that exists in Fargo. When applicable and appropriate, the district will provide for public engagement and feedback on the educational processes and decisions.Goal 4 - Internal Communication and Engagement As a result of our efforts, Fargo Public Schools will have communication systems that establish open and transparent communication channels throughout the entire organizational system and through all employee groups. Communication processes will be enhanced to improve the flow of information to internal stakeholders. Staff members will be provided with information regarding the schools and district in order to be ambassadors for the district.AdvancED Survey Data on School Communication Number of Media Releases and Coverage Percentage Website Analytics Number of Social Media Followers and Interaction Number of Subscribers to Electronic Newsletter Community Engagements, Feedback Opportunities or Public Forums Our Mission: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed
RESOURCESRESOURCES
Strategic Initiative 6: Equitable Resources and Planning Human Resources Goal 1 - Workplace Culture Fargo Public Schools will create a culture and work environment that makes the district an employer of choice. There are several motivating factors that attract applicants and retain employees. It is vital to create a culture that recognizes human motivators and allows for flexibility in meeting the wide range of needs facing our existing or potential workforce. We will accomplish this goal by providing:- Competitive compensation and benefit packages
- High quality new employee orientation programs
- A mentoring program for all new certified staff
- Continuing education and professional development for all staff members
Goal 2 - Recruitment and Promotions Fargo Public Schools will promote the district as a major employer in the state and region. This goal will be achieved by maintaining a marketing plan that promotes the broad range of employment opportunities available at Fargo Public Schools.Goal 3 - Recruitment Outreach Efforts Fargo Public Schools will continually review recruitment efforts and expand our efforts when necessary to attract the best candidates at all levels. In addition, the district will seek to recruit a diverse applicant pool for all openings.Annual Hiring Statistics Resignation/Retirement Rates Personnel Evaluation Systems Employee Longevity Employee Satisfaction Survey Exit Interviews Goal 4 - Teacher & Administrator Evaluation System The Fargo Public Schools will implement a framework for teacher and principal performance appraisals that are based on research-supported instructional strategies and consistent in application. The evaluation system will provide valid and reliable measures of teacher and principal performance.Completed Teacher and Administrator Growth Plans Goal 5 - Comprehensive Teacher Orientation Program The Fargo Public Schools will conduct comprehensive orientation programs for all new staff prior to the start of each school year. Orientation is the first step in the onboarding process of new employees. The purpose of onboarding is to provide a sructured process new hires go through in order to become engaged and productive with Fargo Public Schools. When new hires attend orientation, they are introduced to the Strategic Plan, the District's mission, vision, goals and initiatives and important information regarding benefits and expectations.Personnel Evaluation Systems for Category 1 Teachers Survey Results from New Staff Orientation Participants Goal 6 - Comprehensive New Teacher Mentor Induction Program The Fargo Public Schools will provide support for new teachers by engaging them in a comprehensive mentoring program. Support is focused on accelerating the new teachers' classroom practice, ensuring student academic success, and developing autonomous self-reflective teachers who are responsive to the diverse cultural, social, academic, and linguistic backgrounds of all students.FPS New Teacher Induction Survey Results Growth from Personnel Evaluation Systems for Category 1 Teachers Long Range Facility Planning Goal 1 - Maintain the Long Range Facilities Plan In 2013, Fargo Public Schools finalized a new Long Range Facilities Plan to guide the district. This effort includes an annual review and update so the plan stays current. (Reference: Long Range Facilities Plan)Goal 2 - Annual Operational Maintenance Fargo Public Schools will systematically plan maintenance projects annually for completion. With the Long Range Facilities Plan, the district enhanced the financial commitment toward operational maintenance. This commitment will require a detailed plan of annual needs and scheduling to ensure designated projects are completed. (Reference: Long Range Facilities Plan)Goal 3 - Long Range Facilities Plan Implementation Fargo Public Schools will proactively implement the Long Range Facilities Plan. The district must maintain good community partnerships to stay current with city growth trends. Data on Fargo city development will assist the district in implementing each step of the plan, which will assure we have secured the appropriate resources necessary to both maintain existing facilities, and design and build new facilities in a timely manner. (Reference: Long Range Facilities Plan)Designated Replacement Schedules Operational Maintenance Completion Schedules Analysis of Available Resources Compared to Needs Long Range Financial Planning Goal 1 - Legislative Interaction Fargo Public Schools will communicate with state leadership in the legislature regarding funding. The state legislature meets on a biennial basis and provide a significant portion of education funding. In the 2013 legislative session, there was an increase in the level of state support. As a result of our efforts, the Fargo Public Schools will continue to proactively communicate and collaborate with the North Dakota State Legislature to ensure that the state of North Dakota maintains the highest level of funding possible.Goal 2 - Local Support for School Fargo Public Schools will secure and maintain local support for the district. Local taxpayers have a history of supporting the educational services provided by Fargo Public Schools. Recent legislative action requires the district to reaffirm local authority for taxation. As a result of our efforts, the Fargo Public Schools will continue to seek local support and commitment for education.Goal 3 - Budgeting Fargo Public Schools will maintain annual cash flow and balanced budgets. Fargo Public Schools practices a zero based budget philosophy. This effort requires analysis of cash flow, which includes appropriate debt structure and fund balances. As a result of our efforts, we will continue to practice a zero based budgeting philosophy and ensure effective and efficient use of public tax dollars.Goal 4 - Operational Efficiency Fargo Public Schools will continue to analyze variable expenses in an effort to provide operational efficiency district wide. As a result of our efforts, we will accomplish this goal by ensuring that annual operating expenses mirror annual revenue projections.Unmodified Opinion on Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Budget and Tax Levy Certification Maintain Sufficient Fund Balances Maintain Highest Possible Bond Rating Our Mission: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed
IMPROVEMENTIMPROVEMENT
Strategic Initiative 7: Continuous Improvement and Accountability Goal 1 - School Site Based Improvement Each school will engage in a five-year cycle of school improvement and review.Goal 2 - District Improvement Cycle The school district will engage in a five-year cycle of school improvement and review.Results from School Accreditation Results from District Accreditation 
Our Mission: Achieving excellence by educating and empowering all students to succeed
