Resources and Supports for Continuous Improvement

• LEAs with federal identifications can schedule a Microsoft Teams meeting with DPI staff through this Bookings link. Multiple staff with relevant expertise will attend, so you can have all your questions answered with one call.
• Technical Assistance Network for Improvement (TA Network): Staff at your CESA—including data experts trained in the WISExplore process—are ready with coordinated supports for your continuous improvement. TA Network Contacts by CESA
• DPI Title I Consultant Directory by LEA
• DPI Special Education LEA Contacts
• A list of accountability trainers (data experts) by CESA and District are available on the Accountability Resources page.
• DPI’s Office of Educational Accountability (OEA): oeamail@dpi.wi.gov
• Wisconsin Response to Intervention (RtI) Center

• WISExplore data inquiry supports walk you through the data inquiry and improvement planning process. A sample of available tools:
  • Fishbone Diagram tool for examining root causes, based on the key system features of Wisconsin's Equitable Multi-Level System of Support (EMLSS) model
  • Influencer Circle Tool for prioritizing hypotheses of root cause
  • Data Source Audit Instructions (Google doc); Data Source Audit: Student & Practice Data (link to copy the Google sheet)
  • Calendaring Tool for Data Inquiry to support regular examination of data
  • Data Inquiry Protocols for PLCs
  • Data Inquiry Journal (DIJ):  Available through WISEdash for Districts, this planning tool works with WISEdata and helps ensure that your plan meets ESSA and IDEA requirements.  
• Resource Inequity Data Tool: This tool, available in SAFE, helps you assess the alignment of resource allocation (human and material) to equity goals and make changes that empower your improvement efforts. Using this tool helps you meet ESSA requirements related to resource inequities. 
  • 2021 Template for high school (Word)  2021 Template for high school (pdf) 
  • 2021 Template for non-high school (Word)  2021 Template for non-high school (pdf) 

Other Needs Assessment & Root Cause Analysis Resources

• State Support Network Needs Assessment Guidebook
• Climate Survey Support (free tools developed by the US Dept. of Education)
• Using Needs Assessment for District and School Improvement, A tactical guide from the Council of Chief State School Officers
• Addressing the Root Causes of Disparities in School Discipline: An Educator's Action Planning Guide, by Safe Supported Learning
• Four Domains for Rapid School Improvement: Indicators of Effective Practice, by WestEd

• Introductory level presentations on evidence-based improvement strategies:
  • What is an Evidence-Based Improvement Strategy?
  • How to Select an Evidence-Based Improvement Strategy
• 12 Online Databases for Investigating Evidence-Based Improvement Strategies (Google doc)
• Aligning Evidence-Based Clearinghouses with the ESSA Tiers of Evidence
• Initiative Inventory Resources:
  • National Implementation Research Network Initiative Inventory Tool
  • National Implementation Research Network Initiative Inventory Process Description
• National Implementation Research Network Hexagon Tool for evaluating evidence-based improvement strategies
• U.S. Dept. of Education Nonregulatory Guidance: Using Evidence to Strengthen Education Investments  (contains explanation of tiers of evidence)

• Local stakeholder engagement guidance and resources
• DPI's Family Engagement Resources for Educators webpage
• Dual Capacity Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships
• Flamboyan Foundation's School-Wide Family Engagement Rubric
• Title I Parent & Family Engagement Resources webpage

• CSI Planning Grants and CSI Implementation Grants
• IDEA flow-through & preschool formula grant
• Using Title I and Title II Funds for Educator Rewards and Incentives in Identified Schools
• Connecting the Results of Your Root Cause Analysis to How You Spend Your Federal Funds (presentation at the 2020 Federal Funding conference)

• Leading for Learning series: An annual Leading for Learning Summit kicks off a year-long series of professional development opportunities for school-based teams.
• The Disproportionality Technical Assistance Network offers equity-focused workshops and webinars.
• The Association of WI School Administrators (AWSA) Data Leadership Academy focuses on the WISExplore data inquiry process.
• Promoting Excellence for All, DPI's e-course on educational equity, can be taken individually and also offers a facilitator’s guide to support groups taking the course together.
• The Wisconsin Urban Leadership Institute supports principals in large, urban districts through a professional learning series, leadership coaching, and networking.
• Mindset Cards: This modular coaching tool to helps center equity in improvement efforts.

• Beliefs, Mission, Vision & Values Team Self-Assessment
• Examining Team Structures & Functions Template
• Self-Assessment of Data-Informed Leadership

See also the resources about engaging families and other stakeholders.