Comparison+of+DIPs

A Comparison of the Austin ISD DIP and the Leggett ISD DIP In comparing the District Improvement Plans from Austin ISD and Leggett ISD, I found many similarities and differences in the two plans. As I expected in comparing two such different districts, there were some obvious differences, but surprisingly, especially in terms of funding, there were also quite a few similarities. Although the amounts may differ greatly, the sources of funds were basically the same. The biggest differences in the plans were not so much the use of the funds, but more so the approach to writing and structuring the written document. In looking at similarities, both plans referenced the vision, mission, and goals. The Austin ISD plan did not list these items, but mentioned them as a part of the strategic plan and included a link to those items. The Leggett ISD plan listed the mission and goals early in the plan. Both documents listed the people involved in the development of the plan. Both groups used input from district and campus level advisory groups who represented all stakeholders in the district. Both plans listed, by name, the members of those advisory committees. Both plans listed measureable outcomes including TAKS, academic performance goals, graduation rates, attendance, and discipline. Finally, both plans listed specific sources of funding for the strategies and activities that would be used to accomplish the goals. There were many differences in the two district improvement plans. Most obviously, the structure of the documents was entirely different. Whereas the Leggett DIP followed a more traditional look (goals, strategies, resources, evaluations, etc.), the Austin ISD plan consisted of references to those items and more emphasis on the process of completing the strategies and activities. The Leggett plan contained the complete Campus Needs Assessment and the Austin plan did not. The Austin plan contained a great deal of detail about the ongoing work of the Core Management Team and examples of many of the programs and activities that were taking place in the district. Finally, in terms of funding sources, the Austin ISD plan and the Leggett ISD plan had similarities and differences. Both plans listed State Compensatory Education funds linked to specific items. In the Austin plan (Appendix A), a complete list was given of the supplemental programs and services supported by SCE funds. In the Leggett plan, specific strategies listed in the plan were accompanied by the corresponding source of funds. Some of these were very specific grants, while others listed SCE funds. Still others were less specific, listed only as state or local funds. In both plans, it is apparent that the goals will only be accomplished with the ongoing use of the funds identified. Specific personnel or programs will only continue while the funding is available. I know from experience in Leggett, that when funds are no longer available, personnel and programs get cut. The implementation of the plans will always be dependent on the funds available.