Strategic Plan – Cartersville City Schools
2011 - 2015

This 2011-2015 Cartersville Schools Strategic Plan provides for a 5-year systemic guide that emphasizes highest student achievement, stakeholder involvement, and efficient operations. The plan is based upon the goals listed in the state approved Charter System awarded to the Cartersville City Schools by the State Board of Education.  Charter System status allows the school system greater flexibility in resources and avenues to address student needs.  The flexibility afforded under the Charter is critical given the current and forecasted economic conditions at the state and local levels.  This Strategic Plan focuses on the school system’s intent and desire to meet the needs of individual students.  Our vision, “A Tradition of Excellence-Making It Personal” is at the heart of the efforts of the entire school system and its improvement plans.

Goal champions and goal teams are assigned to each system strategic goal to assure resource alignment and accountability.  The School Board annually reviews the progress status of each goal, accountability measures, and resource availability.

This Strategic Plan provides the framework for all system personnel in focusing on planning and deployment of the system’s goals and ensuring desired results. The plan provides clear direction for schools and departments to align available resources in our quest for continuous improvement. Schools use the plan to build their local school improvement plans, which provide details of implementing the system plan, aligned with their resources and expected results.

Goal 1
All students will meet high academic standards by 2014-2015.

OBJECTIVE 1.1: 100% of all grade 1-8 students will meet or exceed academic standards on the CRCT-Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics assessments.
OBJECTIVE 1.2:  90% or more of all grade 3-8 students will meet or exceed academic standards on the CRCT-Science and Social Studies assessments.
OBJECTIVE 1.3:  100% of all high school students will meet or exceed academic standards on the GHSGT-English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and GHSWT (writing) assessments.
OBJECTIVE 1.4:  The percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards on each required high school EOCT assessment will increase by at least 10%.

Goal 2
The percentage of students who exceed high academic standards will increase by at least 10% by 2014-2015.

OBJECTIVE 2.1:  The percentage of grade 1-8 students exceeding academic standards on each of the CRCT-Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies assessments will increase by at least 10%.
OBJECTIVE 2.2:  The percentage of high school students exceeding academic standards on each of the GHSGT-English, Math, Science, and Social Studies assessments will increase by at least 10%.
OBJECTIVE 2.3:  The percentage of students exceeding standards on each required high school EOCT assessment will increase by at least 10%.

Goal 3
By the end of 2014-2015, the high school graduation rate will be 90% or higher.

Goal 4
The achievement gap between student groups will be reduced by 2014-2015.

OBJECTIVE 4.1:  The achievement gap between minority (black) students and white students will decrease in such a way that 100% of students are meeting or exceeding standards on the CRCT-Reading, Language Arts, and Math assessments.
OBJECTIVE 4.2:  The achievement gap between minority (black) students and white students will decrease in such a way that at least 90% of students are meeting or exceeding standards on the CRCT-Science and Social Studies assessments.
OBJECTIVE 4.3:  The achievement gap between minority (black) students and white students on all sections of the GHSGT and the GHSWT will decrease annually in such a way that 100% of students are meeting or exceeding standards.
OBJECTIVE 4.4:  The percentage of minority (black) students who exceed standards on the CRCT assessment will increase by at least 10%.
OBJECTIVE 4.5:  The percentage of minority (black) students who exceed standards on the GHSGT assessments and GHSWT will increase by at least 10%.

Goal 5
At least 92% of families of the Cartersville City School System will rate the school system and its schools as a “B” or higher in overall satisfaction on a perception survey by 2014-2015.

OBJECTIVE 5.1:  By the end of 2011-2012, Cartersville City Schools will develop or cause to develop a parent/community perception survey method and instrument.
OBJECTIVE 5.2:  At the end of 2012-2013 and thereafter annually, Cartersville City Schools will survey parents and community as to their overall satisfaction of the school system and its schools with the intent that at least 92% of respondents will rate the school system and its schools with a “B” or higher.

Goal 6
By 2015, all Cartersville City Schools’ Media Centers will be identified as “Exemplary” as defined by the Wilson Catalog.

Goal 7
The school system will develop a 20-year plan for facility construction by 2011-2012.