Format Essentials (Worksheet Instructions)

·     Prepare the Key Factors Worksheet by listing the key factors (KFs) for the applicant. The purpose of the Key Factors Worksheet is to give a concise summary of the most important aspects of the applicant’s organizational environment. Each KF describes a significant fact about or aspect of the applicant (e.g., environment, key working relationships, strategic challenges).

·     Organize the key factors into five sections, using the Areas to Address (Organizational Environment, Organizational Relationships, Competitive Environment, Strategic Challenges, and Performance Improvement System) from the Preface: Organizational Profile section of the appropriate Criteria for Performance Excellence booklet.

·     Limit the worksheet to 1–2 pages.

·     Use phrases rather than complete sentences.

·     Delineate phrases with bullets.

·     Use a single line between phrases.

Key Factors Worksheet (sample from the 2004 Sandy Hill School District Case Study)

To begin the evaluation process, review the applicant’s Organizational Profile and the Additional Information Needed Form. List the key business/organization factors for this applicant, using the Areas to Address (Organizational Environment, Organizational Relationships, Competitive Environment, Strategic Challenges, and Performance Improvement System) in the order presented in the Preface: Organizational Profile section of the appropriate Criteria for Performance Excellence booklet.

P.1a Organizational Environment

·     Largest school district in state with enrollment of 84,169 students, 68 sites, and 102 schools. Encompasses 750 square miles of urban, suburban, and rural communities with substantial economic diversity

·     Regular academic programs: elementary, middle, and high school programs

·     Other programs: special education, the Exceptional Student Program (ESP), the Learning Choice Center (LCC), New Chance for Success (NCS), English as a Second Language (ESL), adult education, and summer programs

·     Educational delivery mechanisms: classroom, technology-based instruction, educational learning labs, and school-related activities

·     Vision: Evolve as life-long learners and a learning organization; provide learning to others as benchmark school district through collaboration with parents and community

·     Mission: Serve educational needs of community by providing safe and people-centered education system that effectively and efficiently manages resources

·     Values: Pursue life-long learning; treat others with respect and value differences; have right to learn in a people-centered, safe, and collaborative environment; and commit to performance excellence as a learning community

·     12,687 employees: 5,562 certified faculty, 2,943 other certified staff, and 4,182 classified school district and school support staff at 68 sites

·     60% faculty have master’s degrees, and all meet No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requirements; all administrators hold degrees above bachelor’s; 8% support staff have master’s degrees, 55% have bachelor’s degrees, and 37% have high school diplomas

·     Teachers and support staff represented by unions

·     Regulatory environment: Governed by laws and guidelines established by the Anywhere State Department of Education (ASDE); Anywhere State Board of Education (ASBE); curriculum standards; School Improvement Plans (SIPs); federal government regulations include NCLB, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Safe Schools Act, and Children’s Internet

·     Protection Act; Midwest Association accreditation; teacher and professional certification

·     Total revenue is $762.8 M or $9,063 per student; includes 10% federal, 63% state, and 27% local funding sources; revenue includes student fees, event admission, contributions, petty cash, concessions, proceeds from student organizations; operates on a balanced budget, which is required by state law