USB Strategic Plan

Academics

The School for the Blind provides access to academics which are the foundation of real world success.

• Students:
  • Effective assessment resulting in increased student progress 
    • Formative
    • Interim
    • Summative
• Staff: 
  • Every teacher will deliver evidence based curriculum using high quality teaching strategies, targeted instruction and use best practices to monitor progress and student outcomes.

• The core curriculum will be appropriately designed and accessible for all students statewide in their preferred format.

• Align the ECC with the core curriculum
• Portrait of a Graduate competencies, specific to USB, and reflecting multiple levels of ability, will guide instructional strategies across age and grade bands birth to 22.
• Teachers will use ECC assessments for students statewide and track results in the fall and spring with progress reported in end of year reports.

• AT teams will be providers of PD and resources for stakeholders statewide.
• The AT team manages and maintains equipment for student use.

Stakeholder Engagement

USB demonstrates a commitment to parents, families, and consumer groups statewide through actions, communication, and dissemination of information.

• USB will use multiple mechanisms for parents and families to collaborate with teachers and staff for the success of children and young adults. 
• Families, districts, and other stakeholders will be aware of and utilize supports available to all children and young adults who are blind, deaf-blind, or have low vision across the state independent of who serves IEP vision services.

• USB will utilize every network, local and nationwide, for recruiting personnel.
• USB’s online presence will reflect high-quality educational programs and an exceptional place to work
• USB will employ full time aides with benefits
• Data will be obtained from teachers, aides, and interveners utilizing an exit interview form when their employment ends at USB.

• USB will increase efforts to collaborate effectively with districts to provide support to children and young adults.
• USB will obtain District feedback statewide.

Transition

Intentional, effective transition planning will be infused throughout educational preparation birth to 22.

• USB will be a local and national leader in transition planning for children and students who are blind, deaf-blind, or have low vision.
• Graduating students statewide will earn a traditional or alternate diploma, as opposed to a certificate of completion.
• A transition handbook for families, children and students, aged birth to 22,will be developed and widely referenced by district personnel, USB staff, families, and other stakeholders.
• USB will be a contracted agency facilitating Pre-ETS with a full-time position funded by Pre-ETS.
• Increased relationships with universities and technical programs will reflect greater access for high school students preparing for post-high training and increase successful completion of academic and vocational programs.
• Comprehensive data collection program will be developed to assess program success and quality of life for children and young adults across the educational life span and 5 years after exiting USB services.
• Develop a robust program for 3 to 3 transition criteria and develop a trajectory for students beginning preschool and preparing for an inclusive environment.