September, 2005

Rick Gantman, Superintendent

Mount Baker School District is addressing improvement in each of our schools using a research based Continuous School Improvement (CSI) model. The purpose of this CSI effort is to help every student excel in his/her studies.  The CSI model is a systemic, data-driven process designed to improve student achievement through collaborative efforts of the school community. Each school analyzes the school’s performance, based on the nine characteristics of high performing schools. CSI is based on the premise that staff participation and commitment to the improvement process is critical. Therefore, time is provided for all staff to be involved in the development of the action plan.

Each school identifies a School CSI leadership team to coordinate the work of the project that includes the principal, teachers, classified staff and parent representatives.  Leadership capacity is built through teams receiving   intensive training, from a coach, in group processes and leadership strategies to work with the school staff that will produce a researched based, data driven, action plan. The coach also provides technical assistance to the principal, the school improvement team and staff.

Through the CSI model the school creates a vision, analyzes data, establishes goals, researches best practices, creates an action plan, establishes indicators for monitoring the plan, and evaluates the plan. The results of the evaluation are then reviewed and the action plan is improved annually.

CSI in Mount Baker School District is developing a professional learning community by focusing on:

I believe that this CSI work that our schools are engaged in is the most important work taking place in public education.  I hope that you will join me in supporting our staff in their courageous efforts of improving our schools for your children. 

Superintendent's Messages

Mount Baker School District