What is the central problem?
In a clear and concise sentence state the central problem of this case study in the following format, “The central problem is….” Relate the central problem to a CPSEL. Identify the standard by name and
number along with a short description. State explicitly how the CPSEL supports the problem.
What are the secondary problems?
In a bulleted or numerical format identify 3 secondary problems that are
inherent in this case study. Describe each secondary problem in only two to three complete sentences.
Check to ensure that the secondary problems are a result of the central problem.
The Case Study
WHAT GETS CUT?
For the past three years, your school of 1000 students has received a $700,000 grant to help improve student achievement. With this money, your school has purchased a part-time Assistant Principal, a full-time Teacher Librarian, one full-time ELA, one Math Instructional Coach, and three additional teachers to reduce class size significantly. Additionally, teachers are paid to offer intervention classes after school.
The grant is now sunsetting and your school will not receive additional funds next year. As the end of the school year draws near, teachers are anxious and upset, wondering who will be cut, displaced, or bumped. Even the staff who know they will still have a spot are afraid of the bigger class sizes and increasing expectation to deliver more and do better with more students and less time for intervention.
Competition is high with a co-located charter school, which advertises small class sizes and personalized instruction. Parents have voiced concerns to you because rumors are circulating about closure of the library.
You are the principal of this school, and as you head into budget development time, you need a plan.
Remember to consider the following:
• You need to cut $700,000 from your total budget
• You need to look carefully at your existing plan and determine school needs
• You need to use data and resources available to make an informed decision
• Use data to identify which programs have been more successful to determine which programs to cut and/or personnel to displace
• You need to use contractual parameters when displacing teachers
• You can consider all funding sources when making budgetary decisions
