5: Laying Out the Plan

Looking at Different Ways to Organize Information

In the beginning of the planning process we looked at an overview of what was being offered in the district, using specific Focus Areas as reference points.

1. Standards Based Curriculum
2. Instruction and Methodology
3. Student Assessment
4. Professional Development
5. Program Administration and Personnel
6. Partnerships and Collaborations
7. Resources and Facilities
8. Program Evaluation

We can now think of these areas more broadly as three components of a triangle – with the base of support including infrastructure and sustainability –giving support to the content. Click here to see Key Components of an Arts Education Program Triangle image (PDF:35K).

Content: What do we want to see in place for all of our students?
• Standards-based curriculum which includes student assessment
• Instruction by high quality teachers supported by professional development
Infrastructure: What do we need to deliver those programs? (nuts and bolts)
• Administration and personnel / Coordination
• Resources and facilities
• Partnerships and collaborations
Sustainability: What do we need to keep the programs alive and flourishing?
• Funding
• Program Evaluation
• Communication / Advocacy
• District Leadership
• Policy

Arts Education Overview SAMPLE (PDF:54K)

Keeping these three key components in mind, small groups or sub-committees can work to develop the details of each area of your plan based on vision and the strategic directions.

As you review the sample plans, notice the similarities and the differences among them. There are many different ways to format a plan. In all cases your plan should include:

• Focus Area, Strategic Direction or Goal
• Phases or Implementation Timeline
• Implementation Tasks or Action Steps
• Persons Responsible
• Preliminary Budget Implications

The three sample plans include selected pages of the full plan so that you can compare format and layout. For complete sample plans go to the CAAE website: http://www.artsed411.org/projects/caepsamplepoliciesplans.stm

Sample Plan #1 (PDF:92K)

Sample Plan #2 (PDF:69K)

Sample Plan #3 (PDF:45K)

See Chapter 7 for a recommended outline for presenting the plan to the school board.