Running head: STRATEGIC PLAN ANALYSIS 1

Unit 6: Final Project Phase 2: Strategic Plan Analysis

Bridget Sandoval

EDU515 Measurement and Metrics

STRATEGIC PLAN ANALYSIS 2

Unit 6 Final Project Phase 2: Strategic Plan Analysis

Lakeview Elementary’s first mission objective is to make sure students transition into

middle school with reading, writing, thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Connecticut

Department of Education gave the school a “Challenged” rating for meeting 3 of the 15

performance indicators. It has also earned a 42.7 performance index out of a needed 88 and has

an attendance rate of 83.3 %. Two of the most significant issues impacting Lakeview Elementary

from achieving that are the current curriculum not meeting education standards and being

understaffed. The school has a high number of ELLs, 37%, and is in a high-poverty area as 100%

of the students are on free or reduced lunch. Extra staff can make sure that ELLs and those with

learning disabilities and other struggling students, receive the time and instruction they require.

Changing some of the current curricula to accommodate so many ELLs can help with student

engagement and learning. Engaged students are more inclined to do well in school and more

willing to attend school.

Student to teacher ratio is important. Studies have shown that lower class ratios produce

higher academic achievements in grades K-3, with greater gains from students with socio-

economical disadvantages (Lydian Academy, 2021). A study of how understaffing affects

schools was done in Kenya, Africa. It was noted that educators with heavy workloads were not

as effective, many times taking shortcuts due to being overwhelmed (Mangendi, 2019).

Lakeview Elementary has a good core of staff to work with as 79.4% have master’s degrees and

9 out of 10 courses are taught by certified teachers. It does not say how many teachers are part-

time and how many are full-time. Adding staff can help cut the workload of the current staff

making them happier and more efficient, while also providing better student-teacher ratios,

allowing for more one on one help. The National Center for Education Statistics states that
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schools are reporting they are having a hard time finding qualified applicants and are feeling

understaffed, many are providing various forms of technology and digital help to students

(NCES, 2002).

Lakeview Elementary has had declining test scores over the past four years. It would be

good to have a better breakdown of all scores on all subjects each group of students earned. Erica

Olsen and Todd Ballowe give good help on strategic planning and SWOT analysis via a web

series that can help identify the issues (Ballowe, n.d.) just some more data is needed. The data is

broken down by race/ethnicity and sex and income, but it does not say what courses have what

scores and in what areas of education need help, and what are doing fine. The school states about

diversity and equality yet it does not talk about English and math scores and focuses on race and

gender. There are programs that teach in native languages and include native culture (Lipka,

2002). Part of Lakeview’s beliefs is impacting change and opening the door of possibilities.

Lakeview has many strong points to work with. Its mission statement has many positive

views; Lakeview just needs some help making some of its vision realities. Mental and emotional

health were stated as essential for optimal learning, this should include the staff as well as the

student body. One nurse for over one thousand people is not a good way to ensure this. The

school has a good foundation in its core teaching staff and a good vision of where it wants to be,

it just needs good strategy and planning and a bit of change to achieve its goals. No matter the

system, it can be worked with as long as the parts are known and matched up (Snowden, 2007).
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References

Ballowe, T. (n.d.). How to perform a SWOT Analysis. OnStrategy

Dettmer, H. W. (2011). Systems thinking and the Cynefin Framework. Goal Systems

International

Lydian Academy. (2021, June 30). What is the student-teacher ratio and why is it important?

Lydian Academy. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://lydianacademy.com/what-is-

the-student-teacher-ratio/

Lipka, J. (2002, January). Schooling for Self-Determination: Research on the Effects of

Including Native Language and Culture in the Schools. ERIC Digest. ERIC Development

Team. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED459989.pdf

Mangendi, D. (2019, June 4). Influence of understaffing of teachers on teaching and learning in

public primary schools in Makueni Sub-county, Makueni County, Kenya. The Catholic

University of Eastern Africa Library. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from

http://ir.cuea.edu/jspui/handle/1/6204

NCES, National Center for Education Statistics (2022, September 27). Too Few Candidates

Applying for Teaching Jobs the Primary Hiring Challenge for More than Two-Thirds of

Public Schools Entering the 2022-23 School Year Retrieved February 22, 2023, from

https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/09_27_2022.asp

Snowden, D. J., & Boone, M. E. (2007). A leader’s framework for decision-making. Harvard

Business Review Last Name, F. M. (Year). Book Title. City Name: Publisher Name