Update on the Long-Range Plan Steering Committee

February 1, 2018

COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL INITIATIVES: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION

SUMMARY: This item provides the committee with an update on the work of the Long-Range Plan Steering Committee and related activities.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(1).

TEC, §7.102(c)(1), requires the State Board of Education to “develop and update a long-range plan for public education.”

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The board in September 2016 approved a work plan crafted by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the board’s consultant, that outlines the process to be followed in creating a Long-Range Plan for Public Education. The board in November 2016 approved a process for selecting members of the Long-Range Plan Steering Committee. The members of the steering committee were selected in June and July 2017.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: The board last approved a long-range plan in November 2000. That five-year report was called the Long-Range Plan for Public Education, 2001-2006.

As it began to consider creating a new plan, the board agreed to a two-phase approach. The first phase developed the methodology to be followed in creating a new plan. Phase II is now under way, using a multi-pronged approach to develop the new plan which will set goals through the year 2030.

The 18-member steering committee and community meetings being held around the state are gathering information around four broad areas:
 
• Educator preparation, recruitment, and retention
• Equity and access to and support for advanced courses, funding, and technology
• Student engagement and empowerment, including effectively supporting all students and preparing students for postsecondary careers or the work force
• Family engagement and empowerment
 
Additional community meetings will be held in Houston, the Rio Grande Valley and Amarillo this month.

An online survey will also be used to gather additional stakeholder input.

Preliminary recommendations are expected to come to the State Board of Education this summer.

FISCAL IMPACT: The Texas Education Agency, The Texas Comprehensive Center (TXCC) at American Institutes for Research (AIR), and the Meadows Foundation are providing in-kind or financial assistance for Phase II of the project. The fiscal impact to districts will not be known until the long-range priorities are established.

PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Students and the public will benefit from a long-range plan designed to provide a high-quality education program.

PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: This project will result in a new long-range plan report.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Public comments are being gathered at the community meetings.

Staff Member Responsible:
Debbie Ratcliffe, Interim Director
Division of State Board of Education Support