Success Breeds Success: 90-Day Action Plan Cycles
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In a recent article, “The Problem with Annual Improvement Planning,” Robyn Jackson argues for a shift from the annual School Improvement Plan (SIP), which can be easily derailed when “life gets in the way,” to a more iterative model of a 90-day plan (2022). Of course, our Arizona Department of Education requires schools to submit a School Integrated Action Plan (SIAP); however, implementing 90-day planning cycles might both inform and support a school’s SIAP.
Jackson deems a 90-day model more realistic than the annual plan and cites several benefits:
Predictability – A leader can more accurately predict what changes might be needed in 12 weeks as opposed to over 12 months. Thus, a 90-day plan creates greater agility as the unexpected inevitably arises.
Learning Opportunities – Because they are shorter planning cycles, teams can review what did or did not work and use that knowledge to move closer to the school’s vision in the next cycle.
Small Victories – The shorter planning cycle highlights cumulative successes towards the school’s vision throughout the year, thereby maintaining energy and building morale.
“Focus on Less to Achieve More” – This benefit is the crux of the 90-day plan, as a single focused goal every 90-days provides the momentum to “make more progress throughout the year” (Jackson, 2022, p. 18).
Furthermore, she provides specifics to “power up your plan:”
Identify a goal focused on the “one problem or challenge that, if solved in the next 90 days, would have the biggest impact on your ability to achieve the school’s ultimate vision for students[.]”
Keep a “scorecard” on leading indicators (real-time data, e.g., daily and weekly formative assessments) as opposed to lagging indicators (after the fact data, e.g., end-of-course assessments).
Establish a “meeting rhythm” of daily (short team check-in); weekly (identify challenges and responses); and monthly (review data against goals; reflect on successes and challenges; adjust for next 90-day plan).
(Jackson, 2022, pp. 18-19)
We invite you to read the entire article for a case study and further details about successfully using 90-day planning cycles.
Jackson, R. (2022, February 9). The Problem with Annual Improvement Planning. ASCD. Retrieved March 28, 2022, from https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/the-problem-with-annual-improvement-planning