School Plan for Student Achievement Header

School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)

About

The SPSA is an annual school improvement plan that outlines how each school will use student data, resources, and evidence-based strategies/ actions to improve student achievement and create equitable opportunities for all students.

Why Schools Develop a SPSA

California law (Education Code (EC) Section 64001[a]) requires schools receiving federal categorical funds, including Title I, Part A, to develop and annually update a SPSA.

The SPSA ensures that schools:

📊 Use Data to Drive Decisions

Schools analyze student achievement, engagement, attendance, and other data to identify needs and determine appropriate supports.

🤝 Engage Educational Partners

School staff, secondary students, families, and community members provide input and participate in developing, reviewing, and evaluating the plan.

🎯 Align Resources to Student Needs

Schools strategically allocate funding and resources to support identified needs and address achievement gaps.

🔄 Monitor Progress and Improve Outcomes

The SPSA serves as a living document that guides implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement throughout the school year.

📋Key SPSA Sections

📊 Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA)
Schools analyze state and local data to identify areas of growth and priority student needs.

🎯 School Goals and Measurable Outcomes
Schools review SPSA goals and measurable outcomes to monitor progress and evaluate impact.

💡 Evidence-Based Actions and Strategies
Schools identify programs, strategies/ actions, and supports that address identified needs and improve outcomes.

💰 Resource Allocation
Schools connect funding decisions to SPSA goals to ensure resources are used strategically and effectively.

📈 Progress Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Schools regularly review implementation data and student outcomes to determine effectiveness and make adjustments.

🎯SPSA Goals

Each school’s SPSA is aligned to district priorities and focuses on improving outcomes for students. Goals include:

📚 Goal 1 English Language Arts (ELA)- Strengthen literacy achievement through targeted supports and strategies designed to close learning gaps.

🌎 Goal 2 English Language Development (ELD)- Support English Learners and Multilingual Learners through language development opportunities that promote academic success and access to rigorous instruction.

➗ Goal 3 Math- Strengthen mathematical understanding, problem-solving skills, and achievement through effective instruction and targeted academic supports.

🔬 Goal 4 Science- Support scientific thinking, inquiry skills, and student engagement through meaningful science learning experiences.

🏫 Goal 5 Pupil Engagement & School Climate- Foster engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes attendance, student engagement, and overall well-being.

Additional School Improvement Initiatives and Supports

Some schools may have additional improvement frameworks or grant-supported initiatives in their SPSA based on identified needs and eligibility requirements.

📓 Goal 6 Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), High School Only: An external accreditation process that supports schools in evaluating the quality and effectiveness of their educational programs. WASC helps schools identify priorities that strengthen student learning and college and career readiness.

📔 Goal 7 Comprehensive Support & Improvement (CSI)- Applicable to schools identified through the California School Dashboard for additional support in academic performance or graduation rates. Identified schools develop targeted improvement strategies that are incorporated into their SPSA to address identified needs and improve student outcomes.

📚 Goal 8 Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialist Educator Training (LCRSET)- Applicable to identified schools to expand the capacity of educators to strengthen literacy instruction and improve reading outcomes for students.

💰 SPSA Funding

Title I, Part A & Title I, Parent Involvement

Schools receiving Title I, Part A funds are required to develop and annually update an SPSA in collaboration with educational partners and the School Site Council (SSC).

Title I, Part A provides supplemental resources to support students who are identified as needing additional academic support and to help schools address achievement gaps.

Title I, Parent Involvement is 1% of Title I, Part A funding designated to support engagement, resources, and opportunities that help parents and families understand, participate in, and contribute to their child’s education and the school’s Title I program.

Title I funds may support activities such as:

- Academic interventions and targeted student supports
- Supplemental instructional materials and resources
- Extended learning opportunities
- Parent and family engagement activities/ workshops/ trainings
- Professional learning aligned to identified student needs
- Data analysis and progress monitoring supports

All Title I expenditures must be:

- Aligned to SPSA goals and identified needs
- Supported by evidence-based strategies
- Approved through the appropriate school governance process
- Monitored for effectiveness and impact on student outcomes

🤝The Role of the School Site Council (SSC)

School Site Council (SSC) is a critical partner in the SPSA process.

The SSC:

- Reviews and analyzes student performance data
- Reviews and responds to recommendations from site parent advisory committees, including School Advisory Committee (SAC) and English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
- Provides input on school goals and strategies/ actions
- Recommends approval of the SPSA
- Reviews Title I expenditures to support student achievement
- Monitors implementation and progress toward SPSA goals

The SSC ensures that decisions reflect the voices and needs of the students and school community.