Page 17 - Technology Plan for School Years 2017 to 2021

LONG-TERM Outcomes
We have concluded our investigative Listening and Learning process which has enabled us
to collaboratively develop the foundation on which we have created a dynamic 5-year
strategic plan for the School District of Palm Beach County. We have identified four
interdependent, essential, long-term outcomes which will serve as indicators to measure the
progress of the School Board toward delivering the education system and public school
experience that Palm Beach County deserves. This strategic plan will serve as a shared
vision for the future of our students and their families, our employees, and our community.

LONG-TERM OUTCOME 1: Increase reading on grade level by 3rd grade
Recent research shows that "students who do not read proficiently by
3rd grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a
diploma than proficient readers" [http: //www.aecf.org/resources/
double-jeopardy]. Therefore, we need to undergo a paradigm shift that
may require time, energy, and money to be reallocated in order to
invest heavily on the front end of our students' education.
Kindergarten readiness and early literacy are crucial for the long term
educational success of our students.

LONG-TERM OUTCOME 2: Ensure high school readiness
Just as a student's 3rd grade reading level is an early predictor of
future academic success, we have also identified early warning
indicators for 8th grade to determine if our students are high school
ready. These factors include aspects of academic achievement,
student behavior, and school engagement. We need to make certain
that our students are receiving a rigorous education throughout their
elementary and middle school experience to prepare them for the
challenges of high school.

LONG-TERM OUTCOME 3: Increase the high school graduation rate
We need to engage our students in innovative ways to ensure we open
doors and build pathways so they are provided options when deciding
upon the post-graduate opportunity of their choice. The U.S. Census
Bureau estimates that high school dropouts earn 33% less than the
average graduate, and are twice as likely to live in poverty from ages
18 to 24 [http ://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/by- the-numbers
dropping-out-of-high-school/].

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