INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ESTONIA Strategic Plan 2014-‐2019
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF ESTONIA: Mission, Core Values, and Vision The International School of Estonia The International School of Estonia provides the highest quality internationally accredited and inspected curriculum for children aged 3 to 19. Its curriculum is based on the programs of the International Baccalaureate Organization and is taught in the English language.
Mission • • • •
Develop inquirers, communicators, risk-takers and leaders Provide an environment of creativity, innovation and care Foster intercultural understanding and respect Empower students to implement positive change in the face of future challenges
Core Values In all that we do, we value – 1. Personal attention with care and compassion 2. Skills for future success 3. Inquiry based learning 4. Student action to make positive change
Vision Vision – ISE is internationally recognized as a school that develops and empowers future innovators and leaders
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The core of International Baccalaureate programs is the IB Learner Profile and the International School of Estonia celebrates the promotion of these student attributes:
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Inquirer: Acquires skills for purposeful, constructive research
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Thinker: Applies thinking skills critically and creatively to solve complex problems
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Communicator: Receives and expresses ideas in more than one language including the language of mathematical symbols
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Risk-taker: Approaches unfamiliar situations with confidence
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Knowledgeable: Explores themes which have global relevance and importance
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Principled: Displays integrity, honesty and a sense of fairness and justice
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Caring: Develops a sense of personal commitment to action and service
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Open-minded: Respects the views, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and is accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view
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Balanced: Understands physical, mental and personal well-being
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Reflective: Analyzes own strength and weaknesses
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ISE MISSION STATEMENT, VALUES, AND VISION
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IB LEARNER PROFILE
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CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
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ISE DEFINED
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STRATEGIC GOALS, 2014-2019
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Strategic Area 1: Learning
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Strategic Area 2: Community
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Strategic Area 3: Facilities
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Strategic Area 4: Resources
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APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS
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INTRODUCTION In October 2013, the ISE Management Board launched a Strategic Planning framework and timeline to ensure that ISE proactively plans for the future. To this end, the Board initiated actions to ensure that the community and its voice would be heard through focus groups and other advisory meetings. The Board thoroughly analyzed accreditation and authorization documents alongside these community recommendations to prepare the Strategic Plan. The Board took on the challenge to revise the vision, mission and core values of the school to closely align with the mission of the International Baccalaureate and the future long-term success and sustainability of the International School of Estonia. ISE DEFINED Background The International School of Estonia (ISE) was founded in September of 1995. ISE consists of two schools, the International Preschool of Estonia and the International School of Estonia. The schools are owned and operated by MTĂœ IEAE (International Educational Association of Estonia), a non-profit organization composed of the parents of ISE students. ISE is recognized by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Estonia and is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It is an independent private day school serving children aged 3-19. The Future By 2019 the school will strengthen student learning through focused strategic development of four areas: Learning, Community, Facilities, and Resources.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 1: LEARNING Objective
1.1
Return to offering full IB curriculum programme at ISE
Action
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1.2
Provide opportunities for innovative learning
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Date to be achieved
Person/group responsible for achieving this objective
Budgetary implications
Evidence of achievement or of progress towards achievement of the objective
Submit application for MYP candidacy. Provide necessary training for middle school and administrative staff. Implement MYP programme curriculum offerings and assessment procedures. Apply for full MYP authorization Implement authorized MYP programme
Spring 2018
DIR, MYPC
Implementation: 12000 euros
Define Innovative Learning for ISE through committee Assess and review curriculum to meet new objectives of the Mission statement. Develop Innovative Learning Plan for students that includes professional development training and resource needs Implement Innovative Learning Plan
Jan 2016
Completed application to MYP on March 27 2014. Provide online training to all middle school staff by December 2014. Schedule required courses for staff to meet MYP requirements by Fall 2014.Provide collaboration and meeting time in staff schedules for MYP. Apply for authorization. Await response from IBMYP and implement any recommendations to eliminate deficiencies. Innovative Learning defined for ISE. Adequately budgeted integrated technology plan. School improvement plan details innovative learning curriculum initiatives and regular evaluation of initiatives.
Ongoing approximately 7000 per annum fee Ongoing professional development costs
Spring 2017
MB, DIR, US, LSP, ITS, Technology committee
Budget line TBD, capital budget
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1.3
Promote intercultural understanding and respect
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1.4
Redefine the ISE language policy
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Research best practices for promoting internationalism. Develop school wide definition of internationalism in the ISE community. Extend CEESA commitment especially in the PYP with a focus to develop greater internationalism Foster student and teacher exchange opportunities through CEESA network and grant opportunities that meet the Mission statement.
Ongoing
Review current ISE and IB policies on second language acquisition, ELL and mother tongue policies in accordance with the new Mission statement. Determine a five-year courseoffering plan with budget planning to fully resource decisions. Create after school opportunities and policies to promote language acquisition and mother tongue support Implement new language policy
Spring 2014
MB, DIR, staff, PTA
None
Internationalism defined for ISE by December 2014. Cooperation of PYP with CEESA activities. Exchange programs realized. Events programs monitored for internationalism.
MB, DIR, USP, LSP
3000 euros for program expansion in books and materials; cost of new teacher, if added
Course offering plan created. After school activities expanded. New programs implemented.
December 2014 Ongoing Ongoing
Spring 2015 Fall 2016 Fall 2016
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1.5
Serve the individual needs of all students to a greater degree
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Review policies of Student Support Services Define expectations of differentiation in the classroom for teachers Liaison with Estonian health and support services to a greater degree Review special needs access issues throughout school and propose capital investments to improve access Provide after school activities that serve the needs of diverse learners
Spring 2015
Spring 2017
MB, DIR, SSC, nurse
Ongoing
Policies reviewed and presented to Board for approval. Differentiation defined for ISE. Policies to assist parents in accessing health services. Assessment of special needs access and investment proposal presented to the Board. After school activities that demonstrate equal access to diverse learners.
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STRATEGIC GOAL 2: COMMUNITY Objective
2.1
Improve internal and external communication with the ISE, Estonian and the global community.
Action
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2.2
Attract, develop and retain distinguished staff.
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Date to be achieved
Person/group responsible for achieving this objective
Budgetary implications
Evidence of achievement or of progress towards achievement of the objective
Proactive outreach to international community Further implementation and training of ManageBac Further utilize social media channels Annual open days
Ongoing
MB, DIR
Additional 5000 for marketing efforts
Further outreach with various foreign entities. Regular training scheduled for ManageBac for families and staff. Greater use of new social media outlets.
Develop policy of incentivizing benefits package offers Develop adequate parameters for hiring and retention Provide ongoing professional development opportunities Promote teacher leadership in global community
2016
MB, DIR
Long term costs TBD
Incentivization policies established. New salary schedule implemented. Hiring and retention parameters established. Yearly professional development expenditures fixed.
Ongoing
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STRATEGIC GOAL 3: FACILITIES Objective
3.1
Provide a safe and attractive facility for students that meets the Mission statement
Action
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3.2
Improve current facility
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Date to be achieved
Person/group responsible for achieving this objective
Budgetary implications
Evidence of achievement or of progress towards achievement of the objective
Meet risk assessment objectives. Level uneven surfaces Replace outdated equipment and comply with playground regulations Replace or repair original flooring throughout the building Replace fluorescent lighting with LED or other child friendly lighting in classrooms Maintenance schedule of continuous upkeep and repair Yearly review of school needs
Fall 2017
DIR, MB
100000 euros divided over several summers
Risk assessment met. Floors replaced. Playground repairs completed. Long term maintenance and repair plan established. Yearly review of capital development of facilities.
Improve science lab equipment and replace lab furniture Redesign art/design room for effective implementation of MYP program Further improve safety and appearance of playground
2019
DIR
Ongoing
Updates completed to art/design room. Playground upgrade completed.
Ongoing
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STRATEGIC GOAL 4: RESOURCES Objective
4.1
Develop budget plan that fulfills the mission statement
Action
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Review budgeting process Separate reserve and capital funds into different accounts Prepare capital technology development budget with Information Technology Specialist Prepare professional development budget Standardize salary schedules for all employees
Date to be achieved
Person/group responsible for achieving this objective
Budgetary implications
Evidence of achievement or of progress towards achievement of the objective
Fall 2015
MB, ITS, DIR
None
New budget and reserve practices established by January 2015. Standardized salary schedules implemented.
Fall 2015 Spring 2016 Fall 2019
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Appendix: GLOSSARY of TERMS and ABBREVIATIONS CIS- Council of International Schools LSP- Lower School Principal CEESA- Central and European Schools Association MB- Management Board DIR- Director MYP- Middle Years Program DP- Diploma Program MYPC- MYP Coordinator DPC- Diploma Program Coordinator NEASC- New England Schools Association of Schools and Colleges ECIS- European Council of International Schools PYP- Primary Years Program ELL- English Language and Literacy PYPC-PYP coordinator IB- International Baccalaureate SSC- Student Support Coordinator ISE- International School of Estonia USP- Upper School Principal ITS- Information Technology Specialist