The Aligning for Student Success (AFSS) program was created by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) in response to requests from school districts to have a more streamlined process for grant program applications, reporting, etc. Six existing programs that have common goals have been combined into this one process. No new programs are created through the AFSS process, but district goals will be continually refined in response to changes at the district and state levels.
Districts are required to create a four-year rolling plan with clear outcomes, goals, and strategies which considers the needs of all students at the district. The team who initiated this new process for ASD this year are Interim Superintendent Sean Gallagher, LAHO Principal Tim France, Athletic Director Bart Rothenberger, Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District Integration Coach Aaron Miller, and Linn Benton Community College Career (LBCC) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Regional Coordinator Dale Moon. Additional analysis was made of existing data in several educational areas across the district.
Areas identified for improvement for Alsea School District include the decline over the past three years in the percentage of 9th grade students on track to graduate and the strong desire for increased access to CTE courses and other hands-on programs that prepare them for real world occupations and opportunities. The AFSS plan for ASD to address these incorporates low student to staff ratios, access to Advanced Placement courses as well as dual credit courses through the district and LBCC, and various investments in creating a thriving CTE program.
Parents, students, staff, and focus groups were engaged in creating the AFSS plan for Alsea School District (ASD). There will be further opportunities for community involvement in the completion of this year’s process. From April through the end of June, the public can participate in this developing “Longitudinal Performance Growth Targets” for ASD with ODE. There are five targets that will be addressed: 3rd grade reading, 9th grade on-track, 4 year graduation rate, 5 year completion rate, and boosting consistent attendance by students. Community input will be welcomed using the usual school channels. This project will be a Fireside Chat topic, which will be a great place for the public to ask questions and get answers.
To view a PowerPoint about AFSS, visit https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/WebViewer/2548?file=4de99b1b-9718-4bf7-9023-a3b4fa5ca262. For questions about this article, please contact the Public Information Officer for Alsea School District at sara.cash@alsea.k12.or.us
