Atlanta Public Schools

project_atlanta_public_schools

Overview

NorthStar Education Partners collaborated with Atlanta Public Schools (APS) to develop strategies for multiple departments, including human resources, the office of schools, the office of academics, and engagement. This partnership involved not only designing the strategy but also supporting its deep implementation over four years, ensuring sustainable and impactful outcomes.

Objectives

APS partnered with NorthStar to:

  1. Define Excellent Teaching and Leadership: Establish clear standards for high-quality teaching and leadership.
  2. Strengthen Recruitment and Selection: Improve processes to attract top talent.
  3. Enhance Onboarding: Develop strong programs to prepare new teachers and leaders.
  4. Systematize Professional Development: Create consistent processes for teacher development, including Instructional Planning, Coaching, Data-Driven Instruction, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
  5. Expand Leadership Programs: Grow the Aspiring Assistant Principal and Principal programs.
  6. Forward Planning and Coordination: Facilitate planning and coordination at the district and divisional levels.
  7. Design and Launch Key Tools and Frameworks: Implement tools and frameworks to support teaching excellence and leadership.
  8. Assess and Improve Leadership Development Programs: Align leadership development content with updated frameworks and recommend actions for improvement.
  9. Design Performance Management Systems: Develop and implement performance management systems and training.
  10. Integrate Well-Being Strategies: Develop and track well-being strategies and practices across the district.
  11. Revamp Leader Hiring Processes: Update and improve internal principal selection processes and training.

Partner

Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
Location: Atlanta, GA

Enrollment & Schools

Approximately 52,000 students across 91 learning sites, including neighborhood schools, partner schools, charter schools, single-gender academies, and alternative programs

Mission Statement

Through a caring culture of equity, trust, and collaboration, every student will graduate ready for college, career, and life

Key Activities & Deliverables

Forward Planning with Chief of Schools and Chief of Academics

  • Facilitated weekly meetings aligned to the roadmap, professional learning schedule, and district priorities.
  • Supported cross-divisional planning and coordination, creating cabinet meeting materials and aligning initiatives.

Forward Planning with Associate Superintendents

  • Facilitated sessions to drive alignment on Playbooks, Check-in Agendas, Tools, and facilitation roles for principal and SLT meetings.
  • Conducted quarterly in-person planning/design meetings with Associate Superintendents and Program Directors.

Design and Implementation

  • Designed and launched tools like the Definition of Teaching Excellence Tool, Playbooks, Monthly Principal Coaching Agendas, and an Associate Superintendent Coaching Framework.
  • Coordinated the design of monthly principal and periodic School Leadership Team meetings.
  • Managed the design and facilitation of updated talent review processes and performance management systems.

Assessment and Design for Leadership Development

  • Assessed leadership development programs, aligning content with updated academic frameworks and tools.
  • Recommended actions to ensure aspiring leaders are well-prepared for leadership roles.

Performance Management

  • Designed performance management systems, created training sessions, and supported the Performance Management (PM) team in data analysis and trend identification.
  • Ensured integration of performance management into the Associate Superintendent roadmap and principal coaching agendas.

Well-Being Strategy

  • Finalized well-being strategy and integrated practices across divisions.
  • Designed systems to track well-being utilization and identified district well-being hot spots based on data trends.

Talent Management

  • Partnered with Associate Superintendents to increase focus on teacher planning time and check in on HR initiatives.
  • Led Phase 2 of the teacher burnout task force pilot, innovating school schedules.

Leader Hiring Processes

  • Collaborated to revamp HR internal principal selection processes, updating interview questions, tasks, and training materials.
  • Trained and supported calibration with HireVue raters and panel interview raters, and facilitated principal interview days.

Outcomes

NorthStar and APS developed a multi-year, board-approved strategy for talent management and academic improvement. This strategic plan is set to drive significant, sustainable progress in APS’s teaching quality and academic outcomes.

Future Work

We’re excited to continue working side-by-side with APS to implement this strategy, providing ongoing support and adjustments as needed. Together, we aim to create a brighter, more equitable future for all students in Atlanta Public Schools.

Read more case studies and learn how NorthStar Education Partners is transforming education through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches.

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