Background

Planning in education is an essential part of ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to be self-reliant, responsible, caring and contributing citizens. Planning ensures resources for education are used in the best possible ways to meet the educational needs of Alberta's young
people.

The Division plan outlines priorities for student learning in the Division, guides budget development, and forms the basis for reporting on progress and achievement.

The Division is required by Alberta Education to prepare an education plan that aligns with the Alberta Education Three-Year Business Plan and focuses on student learning over a three-year period. Plans are updated annually so that, as one year is completed and another is added, the plan continues in a three-year time frame.

Procedures

1. System Planning Guidelines
   1. The vision and mission of the Division will provide overall direction for system planning
   2. The planning process will recognize any corporate priorities identified by the Board.
   3. The actions and endeavors of Northern Lights School Division and its schools must be guided by sound planning processes. The planning process must provide ample opportunity for input and meaningful involvement by persons from stakeholder groups. “Formal” processes for the system and its schools to develop, revise and extend Three-Year Education Plans that identify priorities, along with predetermined courses of action, outcomes, measures, strategies and timelines for task completion will be developed each year.
2.  Three-Year Education Plan
   A Division education plan that meets local needs and fulfils provincial accountability requirements shall be developed and implemented.
   1. The Division education plan shall be kept current to ensure focused, efficient and effective change and improvements.
   2. The Division education plan shall be updated annually with provision for ongoing input into the revision process by schools, school councils, parents, teachers, students and community stakeholders.
   3. Progress reports on the Division education plan will be presented to the Board as deemed necessary.
   4. The Division education plan shall contain the elements required by the province, and other local priorities.
   5. The Division education plan shall be consistent with the provincial funding framework.
   6. The Superintendent shall:
      1. Submit the Plan to the Board for approval generally at its regular May
         meeting;
      2. Ensure that the Division Three-Year Plan is submitted to Alberta Education in a form and at a time that meets requirements;
      3. Prepare a news release advertising the goal initiatives to be undertaken during the upcoming school year; and
      4. Make provision for distribution of the Three-Year Plan and its placement on the Division website.