Sec. 1277.

(1) Considering criteria established by the state board, in addition to the requirements specified in section 1280 for accreditation under that section, if the board of a school district wants all of the schools of the school district to be accredited under section 1280, the board shall adopt and implement and, not later than September 1 each year, shall make available to the department a copy of a 3- to 5-year school improvement plan and continuing school improvement process for each school within the school district. The school improvement plans shall include, but are not limited to, a mission statement, goals based on student academic objectives for all students, curriculum alignment corresponding with those goals, evaluation processes, staff development, development and utilization of community resources and volunteers, the role of adult and community education, libraries and community colleges in the learning community, and building level decision making. School board members, school building administrators, teachers and other school employees, pupils, parents of pupils attending that school, and other residents of the school district shall be invited and allowed to voluntarily participate in the development, review, and evaluation of the district's school improvement plans. Upon request of the board of a school district, the department and the intermediate school district shall assist the school district in the development and implementation of district school improvement plans. Educational organizations may also provide assistance for these purposes. School improvement plans described in this section shall be updated annually by each school and by the board of the school district.

(2) School improvement plans shall include at least all of the following additional matters:

(a) Goals centered on student academic learning.

(b) Strategies to accomplish the goals.

(c) Evaluation of the plan.

(d) Development of alternative measures of assessment that will provide authentic assessment of pupils' achievements, skills, and competencies.

(e) Methods for effective use of technology as a way of improving learning and delivery of services and for integration of evolving technology in the curriculum.

(f) Ways to make available in as many fields as practicable opportunities for structured on-the-job learning, such as apprenticeships and internships that involve active, direct, and hands-on learning, combined with classroom instruction that enhances a pupil's employability, including, but not limited to, instruction relating to problem solving, personal management, organizational and negotiation skills, and teamwork.

(g) A requirement that each school operated by the school district provide to pupils a variety of age-appropriate career informational resources in grades K to 12 and an opportunity to do each of the following:

(i) During grade levels that the board of the school district considers appropriate, complete 1 or more experiences in a field of a pupil's interests or aptitude and participate in a follow-up process that provides the pupil with sufficient reflection of those experiences.

(ii) During grades K to 12, discuss career interests, options, and preparations with a school counselor or, as considered appropriate by the board of the school district, another knowledgeable adult.

(h) Programs that will provide pupils in grades 6 to 12 work-based learning activities that ensure those pupils make connections with workers or experts in a variety of fields.

(i) Programs or instruction that ensure every pupil in grade 12 knows how to develop and use a resume, letter of reference, school record, and talent portfolio, as described in section 1278b.

(3) Each intermediate school board shall adopt and implement and, not later than September 1 each year, shall make available to the department a copy of a 3- to 5-year intermediate school district school improvement plan and continuing school improvement process for the intermediate school district. Constituent and intermediate school board members, school building administrators, teachers and other school employees, pupils, parents of pupils, and residents of the intermediate school district shall be invited and allowed to voluntarily participate in the development, review, and evaluation of the intermediate school district's school improvement plan. Upon request of the intermediate school board, the department shall assist the intermediate school district in the development and implementation of an intermediate school district school improvement plan. An intermediate school district school improvement plan described in this section shall be updated annually by the intermediate school board. An intermediate school district school improvement plan shall include at least all of the following:

(a) Methods to assist districts in improving pupils' academic learning.

(b) Assurance that all pupils have reasonable access to all programs offered by the intermediate school district, including, but not limited to, transportation if necessary.

(c) A plan for professional development that supports academic learning.

(d) Methods to assist school districts in integrating applied academics and career and employability skills into all curricular areas.

(e) Ways to make available in as many fields as practicable opportunities for structured on-the-job learning, such as apprenticeships and internships, combined with classroom instruction.

(f) Collaborative efforts with supporting agencies that enhance academic learning.

(g) Long-range cost containment measures, including additional services that might be provided at reduced costs by the intermediate school district or through cooperative programs, and cost reduction programs such as interdistrict cooperation in special education and other programs and services.

(h) To the extent that it would improve school effectiveness, specific recommendations on consolidation or enhanced interdistrict cooperation, or both, along with possible sources of revenue.

(i) Evaluation of the plan.

History: Add. 1990, Act 25, Eff. Apr. 13, 1990 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 335, Imd. Eff. Dec. 31, 1993 ;-- Am. 1993, Act 339, Imd. Eff. Dec. 31, 1993 ;-- Am. 1995, Act 289, Eff. July 1, 1996 ;-- Am. 1997, Act 179, Imd. Eff. Dec. 30, 1997 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 532, Eff. Apr. 9, 2017 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 231, Eff. Dec. 24, 2018 Popular Name: Act 451