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Two Structures of School Governance: School Planning and Management Teams and School Governance Councils

Presented by:Shelia Brantley, M.A., NHPS District Comer Facilitator & Fay E.

Brown, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist, Yale Child Study Center

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Introduction

Connecticut’s new school reform law (P.L. 10-111) requires that schools that are among 5% of the state’s lowest performing, and that failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in math and reading at the whole school level must have School Governance Councils (SGCs). The intent of the Councils is to enable parents, the principal, teachers, high school students, and community leaders to work together to improve student achievement.

The School Planning and Management Team (SPMT), one of the three structures that comprise the framework of the Comer Process, develops the Comprehensive School Plan, sets academic, social, and community relations goals, and coordinates all school activities, including staff and parent development programs. As the governance and management structure in the school, the SPMT is considered as the engine that drives the school.

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Composition

School Planning and Management Team

(SPMT) • Parents• Paraprofessionals• Administration• Teachers from each

grade level/discipline• Students• Union representative• Community partners

School Governance Council (SGC)

• Parents or guardians: 7• Teachers: 5• Community leaders: 2• School principal or

designee (non-voting): 2• Students (non-voting): 2

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Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC: Some Contrasts…

School Planning and Management Team (SPMT):

• All schools have a SPMT or cross-constituency team

• Volunteers• Decisions made by

consensus using no-fault problem solving approach

School GovernanceCouncil (SGC):

• Low-performing schools required to form councils

• Members are elected.

• Decisions made by voting.

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Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC

SPMT• Analyzes different sets

of data across the school for informed decision making

• Building Leadership Data Team monitors School Improvement Plan (SIP); updates SPMT – specific to the New Haven Public Schools

SGC• Analyzes school

achievement data and school needs as they relate to the school’s improvement plan.

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Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC

SPMT• Principal is a member

of the team; team engages in shared decision making.

• Decisions pertaining to the functioning of the school are made in a collaborative manner.

• Child and adolescent development principles and relationships are foundational for decision making.

SGC• After three years the

council may recommend school reconstitution.

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Two Structures of School Governance: SPMT and SGC: Similarities. . .

• Serve in an advisory capacity. • Review budgets.• Analyze student achievement data.• Provide support for student success.• Provide professional development for parents

and staff.• In New Haven: Assist with Parent Compacts in

Title 1 schools; district surveys

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For More Information

School Planning and Management Teams (SPMTs)www.schooldevelopmentprogram.org/about/works.aspx

School Governance Councils (SGCs)CT State Department of Education

www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2678&Q=322630&sdePNavCtr=|454

Video of the November 29, 2010 Community Forum on SGCs and SPMTs at Cooperative Arts High School in New

Haven

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxEmCN71fPQ

Dr. Judy Carson presentation (5:12 – 16:00)

Dr. Fay E. Brown and Shelia Brantley, M.A. presentation (16:00 - 29:00)