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Learning Without Limits LWL is a new small public school that is part of the Oakland Unified School District. . LWL Vision. Each morning our students join in our courtyard and say our vision statement in unison: We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us
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Learning Without Limits LWL is a new small public school that is part of the Oakland Unified School District.
LWL Vision Each morning our students join in our courtyard and say our vision statement in unison: We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us as we grow into leaders who are passionate and care about making our world better. We are equipped with skills and knowledge filled with curiosity, and we know that even when we face challenges, we will achieve.
Learning Without Limits -- Demographic Information Our Students: • 91% qualify for Free or Reduced Price Lunch • 53% are English Language Learners
LWL Core Strategies • The following strategies inform LWL’s current work: • Filling the bucket AND lighting the fire • Strong relationships between adults, children and families • Systematic collaboration among teachers using the PLC model • Use of analysis of informal and formal assessments to adjust instruction to fill gaps in student understanding.
LWL CST Results 2009-10English Language Arts 35% 12% Learning Without Limits has doubled the percentage of students who scored Proficient compared with Jefferson in 2007.
LWL CST Results 2009-10 Math 58% 25% Learning Without Limits has doubled the percentage of students who scored Proficient compared with Jefferson in 2007.
LWL API Growth 728 718 622
Advantages of RBB for LWL • Our Students’ Skills Needs and School Vision Determine PD and Curriculum • Position Control • Teacher Experience Level had a dramatic impact on how we needed to spend funds – PD and Intervention
Budget Choices • PD • Love and Logic • Trip to see high success high poverty schools • Responsive Classroom • GLAD training • Extended Contract for Collaboration Time • Extended Contract for Summer Professional Development • Literacy Coach’s time • Intervention • Outside contractors • Teacher extended contract • Paid Staff • Tools • Computers in classrroms • Leveled books • Positive Climate Support • Data Support • Class-size reduction
Budgeting Process at LWL December • Per Pupil Projections December/January • Principal prepares a budget summary. Faculty Survey completed using a menu of cuts and/or scenarios • Instructional Leadership Team reviews summary • Teachers complete a survey both quantitiative and qualitative • In December/January, the School Site Council (SSC) reviews data from teacher surveys and generates Late January • Final proposal made by principal reviewed by SSC and ILT. February – Site Plan Finalized. “RBB Sessions held”
Budgeting Process at LWL • Instructional Leadership Team reviews summary • Clarifying questions answered • Additional scenarios brainstormed • Choices crystalized • Faculty Survey • Additional clarifying questions answered • Teachers work in teams to make recommendations in writing and list their priorities • SSC • Distills themes in surveys • Makes final tweaks/alterations
Training and Support Training • Operations Coaches • Opportunities to learn from fellow principals
Review of Key Recommendations of Principal RBB Issue Group 2009-10 • Sites should make all decisions regarding money and positions • For equity, ensure that money follows students directly to sites • Ensure a funding pool to balance the books and promote equity • To make budgets more efficient in the short and long-term, given declining resources, principals should be part of the solution
Results Based Budgeting Purpose 85% of principals signed a letter in support of the principles of RBB in the Spring of 2010 • Transparency • Equity • Autonomy • Accountability Source: Matt Hill, Funding Schools Equitably: Results-Based Budgeting in the Oakland Unified School District, Center for American Progress, June 2008
Next Steps/Wish List for RBB in Oakland • Weighted Student Formula • Timeline Flexibility • More Resources • Enrollment • Staffing
Take - aways • Budgeting is part of Instructional Leadership • Decisions are made closest to the children with input from multiple stakeholders • RBB done well leads to staff buy-in • We feel accountable to achievement results because we have the tools we need • What kind of principal are you looking for? (middle managers or entrepreneurs?)
Take - aways • Training and Support is key • Autonomy, Equity, Transparency, Accountability • For equity sake, charge actual salaries • RBB impacts staffing • Fosters experimentation and sharing of best practices • Budgeting is part of Instructional Leadership • “Results” in Results Based Budgeting
Contact Information Preston Thomas Life Academy preston.thomas@ousd.k12.ca.us Aaron Townsend Coliseum College Preparatory Academy aaron.townsend@ousd.k12.ca.us Leo Fuchs Learning Without Limits leo.fuchs@ousd.k12.ca.us