The Swift School Strategic Plan

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The Swift SchoolStrategic Plan 2006 - 2015
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The Swift School Mission
The mission of The Swift School is to prepare
children with dyslexia and related language-based
learning differences to be successful in life.
We will strive to accomplish this mission by
teaching them specific learning strategies and
skills and by identifying and fully developing
their talents. To do so, we will create an
environment that is exciting, challenging and
supportive. Our educational philosophy is guided
by our belief in the following principles

• Every child is unique and as a result the
  teaching approach, timeframe, and expected
  outcomes must reflect their individuality
• While early diagnosis and intervention is
  preferred, they can occur at any age
• The optimal learning environment includes a
  nurturing approach, a compassionate teaching
  style, a small class size, and proven
  instructional techniques including the
  Orton-Gillingham methodology
• The relationship between mind, spirit, and body
  requires a curriculum with an integrated approach
  to addressing the academic, psychological,
  social, and physical needs of children
• A strong community of parents, alumni,
  professionals, specialists, administrators,
  faculty, and trustees will greatly contribute to
  our overall effectiveness
• Appropriate and relevant accreditation and
  certification will define our minimum standards
  for excellence

As a result of investing in their childs future,
parents can expect their child to improve their
reading abilities and comprehension, written and
oral language processing, written and oral
expression, reasoning, self-esteem and confidence
as well as other academic, social, and physical
skills.
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The Swift School Vision
The vision of The Swift School is to become the
leading academic institution offering a
comprehensive educational experience for each
student until he or she is ready, willing and
able to transition to another environment of his
or her parents choosing. We will know we have
realized our vision when we achieve these
essential goals

• Create the optimal learning environment
• Develop a comprehensive educational program
• Establish a reputation for academic excellence
• Develop an active and vibrant school community
• Serve as many children as possible in the Atlanta
  metropolitan area
• Become a leading force in the professional
  community serving dyslexia and language related
  learning differences

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A Ten Year, Three Phased Strategic Plan to Serve
the Mission, Fulfill the Vision, and Achieve Six
Goals
Phase 3 Years 8 - 10
Phase 2 Years 4 - 7
Phase 1 Years 1 - 3
Solidify Extend
Grow Expand
Serve Excel
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Create the Optimal Learning Environment
Phase 3 Years 8 - 10
Phase 2 Years 4 - 7
Phase 1 Years 1 - 3
Solidify Extend
Grow Expand
Serve Excel

• Improve admissions effectiveness through a more
  comprehensive evaluation process
• Achieve optimal class sizes

• Increase the tools and technologies in the class
  room
• Develop the optimal class room design

• Apply emerging and proven instructional
  techniques in the class room

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Develop a Comprehensive Educational Program
Phase 3 Years 8 - 10
Phase 2 Years 4 - 7
Phase 1 Years 1 - 3
Solidify Extend
Grow Expand
Serve Excel

• Strengthen the PE program through adequate
  facilities, equipment, and staff
• Integrate speech and language as well as
  occupational therapy
• Develop Swift School curriculum that fosters
  consistency between the age-grouped classes and
  continuity across age-grouped grades while
  maintaining some faculty flexibility to address
  student individuality

• Develop inter-school athletics
• Establish a Fine Arts program
• Establish a science and Technology program
• Establish a Media Center program
• Establish a Social Skills program

• Co-invest with other schools to expand offerings
  and programs

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Establish a Reputation for Academic Excellence
Phase 3 Years 8 - 10
Phase 2 Years 4 - 7
Phase 1 Years 1 - 3
Solidify Extend
Grow Expand
Serve Excel

• Obtain Phonics-First certification, an
  Orton-Gillingham approach, for all lead teachers
  and training for all assistant teachers

• Obtain further accreditation and certification
  (e.g., SACS)
• Enhance faculty and administration requirements
  and capabilities
• Demonstrate success in alumni performance
• Hire a Fellow through the Academy of
  Orton-Gillingham
• Obtain Associate Member status through the
  Academy of Orton-Gillingham for lead teachers

• Become the preferred choice for parents,
  administration, and faculty
• Obtain Certified Member status through the
  Academy of Orton-Gillingham for lead teachers.

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Develop an Active and Vibrant School Community
Phase 3 Years 8 - 10
Phase 2 Years 4 - 7
Phase 1 Years 1 - 3
Solidify Extend
Grow Expand
Serve Excel

• Educate parents on dyslexia and LD
• Develop a charter for the Parent Club
• Cultivate a representative parent association
  that contributes to school goals (as defined in
  the Parent Club charter) and seeks to connect all
  parents and alumni

• Expand social opportunities for children,
  parents, administration, and faculty
• Develop intimate relationships with the
  psychologists and other professional that enable
  a mutually valuable exchange of ideas

• Foster diversity in school leadership and student
  population
• Seek out external feedback, review, and evaluation

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Serve as Many Children as Possible in the Atlanta
Metropolitan Area
Phase 3 Years 8 - 10
Phase 2 Years 4 - 7
Phase 1 Years 1 - 3
Solidify Extend
Grow Expand
Serve Excel

• Create a strong development capability
• Support early intervention and effective
  transition by offering a kindergarten through 6th
  grade program
• Cultivate a perception of being approachable,
  accommodating, and service oriented
• Develop a summer school program

• Develop a permanent site and structures
• Complete the addition of a middle school
• Develop a tutoring program through the school to
  broaden the reach of the school beyond its
  student capacity

• Establish an endowment
• Develop a scholarship program
• Complete the addition of a high school (should
  demand justify doing so)

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Become a Leading Force in the Professional
Community Serving Dyslexia and Language Related
Learning Differences
Phase 3 Years 8 - 10
Phase 2 Years 4 - 7
Phase 1 Years 1 - 3
Solidify Extend
Grow Expand
Serve Excel

• Develop a comprehensive diagnosis process and
  capability in partnership with the professional
  community

• Participate in brain-based and other studies
• Contribute to the development of leading and
  innovative teaching practices, techniques, and
  materials for the class room

• Foster dyslexia and LD RD
• Develop an accreditation association and standards

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Next Steps

• Develop an 2006-2007 Operational Plan to achieve
  the Strategic Plans objectives (Administration)
• Set 2006 2007 priorities and align the
  Operational Plan and the Operating Budget
  (Administration)
• Establish institutional and operating policies to
  guide the implementation of the Strategic and
  Operational Plans (Board and Administration)
• Refresh the Strategic Plan starting in January
  2006 (Executive Committee)