Long Range Facilities Assessment: In November 1995, the administration met with the Board of Education and presented an aggressive facilities expansion recommendation. This proposal called for an immediate search of properties within the district for construction of three new school facilities. The addition of these buildings would enable the district to implement a full-day kindergarten program, deal with the district’s rapidly increasing student population, implement new programs deemed vital to educational improvement and continue focus on class-size reduction.

Professional Development: Through the Professional Development Committee, strategies were put into place to direct professional development activities toward the instructional needs of the district. Requirements assured that out-of-district PDS activities meet at least one of the improvement goals of the district. In-district activities were expanded from one, half-day workshop to two full-day workshops. The committee sought to bring in nationally known speakers to address topics critical to the district. Additionally, numerous after-school workshops that focused on specific topics of interest were presented. As a further enhancement, the district joined with over 40 other schools and established the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence to focus upon professional and curriculum development.

Test Taking Strategies: A review indicated that gaps existed in the testing program as it relates to national achievement tests and the MMAT. The district believed that a sporadic testing plan contributed to the lower test results by district students. In order to increase test-taking opportunities, the district began in 1995 giving all students, grades 1 to 9, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The MMAT was also given at all grade levels. In an attempt to prepare students for the MMAT, the district gave a practice test in the fall of the year. Also, computer disks that contained discarded test items were purchased and given to each teacher to use in testing situations throughout the year.

Instructional Focus: To ensure a greater instructional focus, the professional development priority for administrators became that of instructional leadership, which included "Leadership for Positive Change" as a major component. Much of the material used for this training was gathered at the annual "Teaching and Learning Conference," which was sponsored by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

To coordinate this focus, the job description of the Assistant Superintendent of Schools was realigned to focus upon the coordination of curriculum and instruction. Curriculum committees were appointed and department/grade level chairpersons were appointed for the core areas. Also, the position of Director of Special Services was added to assure the improvement of services to the special-needs population.

Comprehensive School Improvement Plan: The final component was the development of a plan for improving the district. This effort began with a Goals 2000 Grant and resulted in a significant change in instructional delivery at the high school. These changes included initiation of a tech-prep curriculum, block scheduling, and obtaining A+ designation. This plan was revised during the 1997-1998 school year and resulted in increasing "community buy in" for efforts to improve the district.

With the unwavering support of the Board of Education, the administration developed a plan that focused on the aforementioned efforts. The district committed itself to systematic infusion of new funds made available through The Outstanding Schools Act (S.B.380) to ensure that the district made progress in the areas of greatest need. The district made every effort to be certain that patrons were kept informed of all improvement efforts. They, in turn, demonstrated their commitment to educational improvement by passing two separate bond proposals (the second one passing with 78 percent approval). As the result, three new school buildings were constructed and ready for use during the 1998-1999 School Year.

It is truly the students’ future upon which the Webb City R-VII School District is focused, and the work continues.