As we enter the 3rd year of our strategic plan, Shelton Success, we want to follow up with those most closely tied to the Shelton School District and invite you to participate in an important survey regarding our schools and education programs.
In November 2021, 570 Shelton families and community members responded to an online survey in regards to what they thought was important for the district to prioritize. Using the survey results, along with focus group feedback, and hundreds of hours of research and conferring, SSD developed its 5-year strategic plan, Shelton Success.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable progress we have made since kicking off Shelton Success! The increase in 3rd grade reading scores showcases our commitment to fostering foundational literacy skills. It's also encouraging to see the number of 9th graders on track to graduate continuing to grow, reflecting our dedication to academic success and support. Additionally, the decrease in suspension rates highlights our positive school environment and effective behavior management strategies.
Below are the four areas that the district is focusing on along with a few key moves we have made over the first couple years implementing the strategic plan.
High-Quality Literacy Instruction
- 2022-23 SY: We established K-6 classroom libraries with over 100,000 books!
- 2023-24 SY: Classroom libraries expanded to 7th – 12th-grade classrooms! We also focused on every student reading more minutes and pages every day.
College & Career Readiness
- 2022-23 SY: The Shelton Academies model grew stronger with focused pathways and participation from all SHS students, including the Freshman Academy.
- 2023-24 SY: We increased our efforts to engage all incoming freshmen through orientation courses, support in their High School and Beyond Plan, and obtaining at least 6 credits.
Invest in Effective Educators and Leaders
- 2022-23 SY: The hiring process began earlier allowing us to hire dozens of highly qualified staff well before the end of the school year.
- 2023-24 SY: We began providing over 40 additional hours of training for all educators and 1:1 coaching for novice teachers. We also implemented a new hiring platform which resulted in a 50% increase in elementary teacher applications. These changes have increased the retention rates of highly qualified teachers.
Safe and Welcoming
- 2022-23 SY: Schools improved understanding and training in crucial safety practices and de-escalation of students.
- 2023-24 SY: We implemented new procedures and practices focused on knowing and educating to each student’s story, strengths, and needs.
To learn more about Shelton Success and how it is helping shape the Shelton School District, please visit www.sheltonschools.org/district/strategic_plan/shelton_success
This survey is open to all Shelton residents, regardless if you have a student attending a school in the district. Your answers are anonymous and confidential.
Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2QPHTVP