Rethinking Resources for Student Success

Transformation or DeclineUsing Tough Times to Restructure Resources

EWA National SeminarApril 9, 2011

Education Resource Strategies 2

We know what it takes to create high performing schools.

Strategic School Design

• Effective Teaching Teams• Targeted Individual Attention• Maximized Academic Time

Education Resource Strategies 3

The School Systems We Have

A FewHigh Fliers

TEACHING COMPENSATION & JOB STRUCTURE discourage effectiveness

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORTnot strategic

LEADERSHIPunsupported, underinvested

CENTRAL OFFICE SERVICESinefficient, unresponsive

SCHOOL DESIGNantiquated schedules and staffing

PARTNERS & TECHNOLOGYunderleveraged

FUNDINGinequitable, unintelligible, rigid

Education Resource Strategies 4

The School Systems We Need

High-PerformingSchools at Scale

TEACHER COMPENSATION & JOB STRUCTURElinked to contribution

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORTstrategically aligned

LEADERSHIPsupported and rewarded

CENTRAL OFFICE SERVICESaccountable, efficient

SCHOOL DESIGNschedules and staffing match needs

PARTNERS & TECHNOLOGYleveraged

FUNDINGequitable, transparent, and flexible

Education Resource Strategies 5

1.Restructure compensation spending by managing teaching workforce mix and differentiating instructional roles.

2.Strategically raise class sizes and rethink one-size fits all class size models for providing individual attention.

3.Redirect special education spending to early intervention and targeted individual attention for all students.

4.Use existing time better to meet student learning needs and extend where needed.

5.Close sub-scale school buildings.

6.Leverage outside partners & technology when higher quality and lower cost.

Tough times provide opportunity to take on restructuring that promotes Transformation

Education Resource Strategies 6

Maximum Teacher Salary Components

ERS Analysis and Partner District

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

42%

32%

14%

9%

DISTRICT YMAXIMUM TEACHER SALARY =

$100,000Leadership, ResponsibilityEducation

Longevity

Base

Education Resource Strategies 7

Restructuring Challenge: Most districts spend less than 2% of all spending on teacher compensation to reward increased teacher contribution

District Y0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

$500 Million

42%

7%

27%

24%

0%

Benefits

Responsibility & Results

Longevity

Education

Base

Education Resource Strategies 8

1.Focus on school systems—not just individual schools

2.Illuminate the trade-offs—get the numbers

3.Look to the future—investments not just cuts

4.Focus on restructuring efforts—not just line-item cuts

How can reporters promote transformation that helps all students?

Education Resource Strategies 9

To quote a well known scholar…

For every complex problem there

is an answer that is clear simple…

and wrong.

H.L. Mencken

“”