It is the CAC’s mission to represent
the Unit 5 community by fostering district-wide dialogue
and examining topics of interest.
Short Term Action Project ~ Report Due January 18, 2006
Focus Groups
Project Summary
In collaboration with members of respective parent-teacher
organizations, plan and conduct focus group sessions at Brigham
Elementary School on November 1, Northpoint Elementary School on
November 2, and Fairview Elementary School on November 3.
Particular emphasis should be placed upon utilizing techniques
and strategies recommended in the context of provided focus
group training sessions as the foundation of these public
meetings. Encouraging the attendance and involvement of a
diverse, representative portion of the Unit 5 community shall be
a primary objective. Publicity should be designed to reach as
many non-English speaking families as possible and at least one
sub-group at the Brigham session should be conducted in Spanish.
At least some of the questions to be developed for these
sessions may be derived from the study topics below and should
take Strategic Plan goals and objectives into consideration.
Key Questions for Consideration
• What do members of the Unit 5 community routinely identify as
“points of pride”? (In general and in reference to specific
topic areas)
• What primary concerns exist throughout the Unit 5 community?
(In general and in reference to specific topic areas)
• How can community feedback be translated into meaningful,
measurable goals and objectives?
• How can the focus group process be used to support 2005-2006
CAC Long Term Studies?
Anticipated Action Project Outcome
In addition to conducting three focus group sessions as detailed
above, the focus group committee shall be responsible for
authoring a report containing the following components:
• A detailed account of data collected from each focus group
session, organized by topic
• Analysis of collected data, with special attention to the
significance of recurring themes
• Recommendations for actions that may be initiated in an effort
to address topics of particular community interest
• Evaluation of the relative successes and challenges
experienced throughout the focus group process
Long Term Studies – Reports Due March 15, 2006
Alternative Educational Structures
Project Summary
Examine a variety of alternatives to our current educational
structure, including, but not limited to: attendance centers and
grade configurations (K-5, 6-8, 9-12), year-around schooling,
length of school year, length of school day, scheduling, age
requirements, and services provided to students with
disabilities. Study and analysis of additional innovative
educational structures is encouraged.
Key Questions for Consideration
• In what areas could Unit 5 benefit from alterations to its
current educational structure?
• How might potential alternative educational structures both
positively and negatively affect District operations?
• How might members of the Unit 5 community receive alterations
to educational structures?
• What is the most prudent course of action for further
consideration (if recommended) of alternative educational
structures?
Anticipated Study Outcome
The alternative educational structures committee shall be
responsible for authoring a report containing the following
components:
• A description of each of the alternative educational
structures studied, including examples of districts currently
utilizing the structure in question
• Analysis of the benefits and challenges associated with each
alternative educational structure option
• Consideration of the applicability and feasibility of each
alternative educational structure in the context of the Unit 5
community
• Recommendations regarding the future pursuit of each
alternative educational structure considered
Change Management
Project Summary
In the specific context of the Unit 5 community, identify
critical elements of change management strategies. Analyze the
impact and viability of change management strategies in relation
to students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff,
citizens, and the Board of Education. Pinpoint change management
approaches best suited to the climate and needs of the Unit 5
community.
Key Questions for Consideration
• What is the relative value of developing a formal change
management strategy for Unit 5?
• What are the primary components of widely accepted change
management strategies?
• How might the unique facets of an educational community impact
the development and implementation of a change management
strategy?
• What are the short and long term implications of change
management strategy development and use?
Anticipated Study Outcome
The change management committee shall be responsible for
authoring a report containing the following components:
• A description of each of the change management strategies
studied, with special attention to recurring themes and “best
practices”
• Analysis of the benefits and challenges associated with the
development of a change management strategy
• Specific commentary regarding the application of the change
management strategy to the Unit 5 community
• A listing of useful change management resources
• Recommendations regarding the future pursuit of change
management strategy development and implementation
Unit 5 2025
Project Summary
Develop a vision of Unit 5 twenty years into the future.
Consider community growth, projected enrollment, staffing,
facilities, curriculum, and technology and support services.
Evaluate the manner in which future conditions may both reflect
and differ from current Strategic Plan goals and objectives.
Consultation of external organizations and resources is
encouraged. The Unit 5 2025 concept should be explored relative
to students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff,
citizens, the Board of Education, and community organizations
and entities. This study may be undertaken over the course of
several academic years, with a preliminary framework for further
consideration being developed during 2005-2006.
Key Questions for Consideration
• What is the role of the current District mission in the
development of a Unit 5 2025 vision?
• How will shifting circumstances, resources, and priorities
impact the district’s goals and objectives?
• In light of the uncertainty associated with future conditions,
how might the district best prepare itself for imminent
challenges?
• What is the best approach for developing a long-range vision
and plan?
Anticipated Study Outcome
The Unit 5 2025 committee shall be responsible for authoring a
report containing the following components:
• A description of a recommended process for the development of
a long-range vision and plan
• Analysis of available data with projections of potential
community conditions in 2025
• Recommendations relative to the value of and potential methods
for developing a comprehensive long-range District plan
Reporting Format
A standard format for Citizens Advisory Council reports is not
prescribed or appropriate. Committees are encouraged to adapt
their reports to the topic of study and to the talents and
preferences of the members. However, each report should include
an executive summary, overview of the topic or subject of study,
a presentation of data, resources, and recommendations for Board
of Education consideration. Samples of a wide variety of reports
and formats are available for any committee to use as reference
material.
Because of the inter-relationship of the action project and
study topics, it is anticipated that communication among the
committees will be necessary and valuable