The principal discussed the goals in the School Improvement Plan (SIP) which were created using guidelines from various organizations and prioritize reading and math improvement. Progress is measured using a variety of assessments, especially the Smarter Balanced Assessment which is weighted heavily. The SIP is aligned with the mission and vision of the school and progress is tracked using data from assessments and student cohorts. When improving a school, the principal focuses on understanding the school's culture and building relationships with staff and students. Input from district supervisors helps determine priorities, which should include academic progress as the core function of schools, as well as student safety. The principal wants to better incorporate parents not involved in the school/district and is working with the PTA and

1. Principal SIP Interview
Emily Ross
Interviewing Arturo Gonzales, Karshner

2. What are the top goals in your SIP and how do you
determine timelines?
Created with CSIP team using guidelines from
OSPI, Title 1, LAP, and NEU
Priorities are reading and math improvement
Reality snapshot: progress should be
measured through a variety of assessments, but
everyone seems to look to the MSP . . . it is the
weighted achievement.

3. How closely is the SIP aligned with the mission and vision
of the school and how do you measure progress?
SIP is aligned with mission and vision
(how much was not explained)
Progress measured through data,
especially MSP and STRAND
Cohort groups carry huge weight
Advice: Maintain perspective and look
at all areas, not just obvious ones!

4. You are asked to improve a school. . .what are focus
points for you?
Know the background and make-up of
the school ... do you need to build
culture and norms or are some already
in place?
Build relationships and heal those that
need it.
Be flexible!!!

5. How do you choose what to prioritize?
Supervisors and district will tell you!
Be an instructional leader . . . notice
what needs improvement and act on it!
Academic progress is the reason school
exists, obvious focal point.
Safety trumps all!

6. Is there a group that you would like to play a role in the
SIP that isn’t?
How do you plan to incorporate them?
How do you plan to incorporate them?
How do you plan to incorporate them?
Yes - Parents that do not work within the
school and/or district.
PTA is helping communicate this need.
Parent involvement surveys were put in
place last year.
BE INTENTIONAL and follow through

7. Take-Aways
Build trust-worthy relationships among staff
Be open and accessible
Use the resources you already have (align your
SIP with Title, NEU, etc.)
Be flexible
Be realistic
Follow through
“Schools are a
whole lot like
playgrounds”