Autonomy
through the iDivision gives local schools and communities authority over
curriculum decisions, budgets, hiring, and professional development. It moves decision-making locally, freeing
school staff from many of the mandates and decrees of the district, while
protecting the needs of all students and maintaining union rights, protections
and benefits for staff.
Because
educators closest to the students are the ones held most responsible for outcomes,
we believe that these people should have the power to make choices that fit
with the needs of the school and community.
The LMU Partnership will support teachers, staff, parents, and community
in decision-making roles, giving the school the best opportunity to act based
on the needs of the students.
What does it mean for teachers?
If
your school chooses to join iDivision and the LMU Partnership, teachers retain
union-negotiated rights and benefits. Here are 10 key things that would change:
School Vision: Led by a Stakeholder Governing
Council, school staff will develop a cohesive vision for educational excellence
and success, with a focus on personalizing education for each student and
family. LMU will provide training and
support in collaboration and leadership development.
Expanded Teacher Voice: This new structure will
allow teachers a leadership role in crafting changes at the school, rather than
having changes imposed on them.
Personalized
Education: By tailoring education to the needs of the
students, we can more quickly address those in need of support and provide more
opportunities for all students (gifted, low socio-economic status, underserved
populations, and otherwise) to excel. Schools
will have the opportunity to reevaluate SST, GATE, and other referral processes
for the best fit to serve their students.
Addressing Local Needs: Teachers, administrators and other
school staff will have freedom to focus their time and efforts on the needs of
the school, the students, and the parents rather than attending mandated
meetings and irrelevant trainings, implementing unnecessary programs or
policies, or dealing with centrally mandated policies that might have no
relevance for this school.
Urgency of Mission;
Innovative Setting:
With the increased decision-making authority, school stakeholders will continue
to approach their work with a heightened sense of accountability, but now with
the flexibility to address emerging needs quickly (without needing central
district approval for all changes), and with the empowerment that comes with
greater voice. Furthermore, teachers and
staff will be encouraged to be bold and innovative in thinking about ways to support
student success.
Match Budget Choices
with School Needs:
With control over budget and staffing decisions, the school will have
flexibility to make decisions based on the needs of the students and the
school, as opposed to following district-mandated formulas. For example, if a school wants an extra
teacher, a nurse, or a counselor, they have greater flexibility to make these
choices, based on the school’s needs, despite district mandates linked to
enrollment.
Match Instructional
Choices with School Needs: Greater autonomy over curriculum
and instructional choices, so if there are programs that the school knows work,
these can be implemented, without fear of district sanction.
Partnership Potential: Being an Innovation School
in the LMU Partnership provides greater freedom to partner with other schools
and entities in the area for shared initiatives, planning, and greater
potential for increased funding...
Quick Decisions: Instead of the school having to go
through many channels and layers of the district to get answers to questions or
approval for action, the staff will be empowered to make decisions based on
local needs at the school.
Support and
Partnership, Not Control: The LMU Partnership role in
supporting Partner Schools will be one of support, resource provision, and
shared accountability, not one of control or compliance. The LMU Partnership will assist schools in
developing their school plans and vision, and provide support and resources for
student services, professional development, and governance, but not control
school communities or dictate and mandate to the schools.