School Site Councils| OUR Single Plan for Student Achievement

Together, We can achieve a strong and effective School Site Council

California established School Site Councils (SSC’s) as part of its commitment to fostering a collaborative approach to school governance and decision-making. Every school that receives funding through certain state and federal programs, such as Title I, must establish an SSC. This requirement is outlined in state and federal laws, including Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 

 SSCs play a critical role in promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within schools, ultimately working towards the shared goal of student success. As SSCs enter the spring season they should be focused on ending the 2023-2024 academic year strong and preparing for the upcoming school year. It is critical that they do so with a focus on Equity and Inclusion.  SSCs should actively work to advance equity and inclusion within their schools, addressing disparities in student outcomes and opportunities.  

 Critical tasks that the SSC must engage in are: 

 Review and Analyze Data  

School Site Councils should regularly review student achievement data such as that found on the CA Dashboard https://www.caschooldashboard.org/ to analyze, attendance rates, discipline reports, and other relevant metrics to identify areas for improvement and track progress towards school goals. This should involve analyzing disaggregated data to identify and address achievement gaps across lines of race/ethnicity as well as gender and for various student groups (i.e. socio-economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities, English Learners, foster, and homeless youth. 

  Monitor Implementation of the School Plan  

Once the school plan is in place, School Site Councils should monitor the implementation of strategies and interventions to ensure they are being carried out effectively. This may involve reviewing progress reports, conducting site visits, and soliciting feedback from stakeholders and conducting needs assessments. A focus should be on ensuring that the perspectives of diverse students and families are included and that the feedback is received from a representative sampling of the student body and school community. 

  Budget Allocation  

School Site Councils have input into the allocation of certain funds, such as those provided through categorical programs or grants. They should prioritize expenditures that align with the goals outlined in the school plan and ensure that resources are allocated equitably to support student success. SSCs must advocate for resources and programs that support underserved student populations and promote culturally responsive practices.  

  Parent/Community Engagement  

Engaging parents and community members in the decision-making process is essential for the success of School Site Councils. Councils should seek input from diverse stakeholders, ensure transparency in their operations, and provide opportunities for meaningful participation in school governance. This could include hosting virtual or hybrid meetings, conducting surveys, and organizing outreach events. 

  Advocacy and Support  

School Site Councils serve as advocates for their school within the broader community. They should actively seek resources and support from local agencies, businesses, and other organizations to enhance educational opportunities for students. 

By focusing on these keys' areas, School Site Councils can meaningfully engage parents and families and contribute to the ongoing improvement of their schools and the success of all students. 

 If you and/or your School Site Council would like our support, please send an email to erin@ppssf.org.