What is an SSIP?

A School Site Instructional Plan (SSIP) is a roadmap for making our school a better place for students to learn and succeed. It outlines our priorities, sets clear goals, and identifies strategies to improve academics, school culture, and student support.

At Smidt Tech High School, our plan ensures that all students receive high-quality instruction, feel safe and supported, and have access to the resources they need to thrive. This includes strengthening teaching practices, fostering a positive school culture, and providing targeted support for students facing challenges.

By working together—students, teachers, families, and the community—we can create a school environment where every student is prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.

Below is an overview of our SSIP. If you’d like a more detailed version, HERE is a copy of our working draft. Please reach out to use if you have any questions.

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School Mission

School Vision

Theory of Action

Our mission is to develop lifelong learners who communicate effectively, use innovative methods to enhance learning, and responsibly contribute to society.

At Alliance Smidt Tech High School, we provide a positive, inclusive environment that empowers innovative thinking, community-minded leadership, and whole-student development so that all students can be successful in whatever path they choose. To achieve this, Smidt Tech prepares graduates for the future through 21st-century academic projects like robotics development, 3D modeling, and multimedia communication. Our student-centered, research-based approach ensures students have the diverse skills and knowledge to succeed and make a positive impact on the world around them.

If Smidt Tech teachers, admin and staff implement school-wide data-driven instructional, cultural and operations practices, then we will see scholars becoming more successful at school every day which leads to greater daily attendance, clearer understanding of expectations, and greater scholar connections.

Network Goal #1: Essential Content

At Smidt Tech, we believe strong planning leads to strong instruction, especially for our Diverse Learners. To support all students, teachers will engage in Intellectual Preparation (IP), receive regular coaching and feedback, and analyze student work to improve instruction.

To build a strong curriculum foundation, teachers will submit daily lesson plans focused on English Learners and students with disabilities. We are also launching a Core Rubric and conducting classroom walkthroughs to ensure high-quality teaching.

Our goal is to see 7-15 point growth in ELA and Math for all student groups, especially ELs, students with IEPs, and Black/African American students. To reach this, we will provide weekly co-planning support, grade-level meetings, and professional development to strengthen instruction.

Teachers will focus on structured discussions, vocabulary strategies, and culturally relevant lessons to make learning more engaging and effective. Observations and coaching will center on academic discourse and student participation to keep classrooms interactive and rigorous.

Finally, we will track progress through student work analysis and structured assessments, ensuring all students engage with grade-level content and build essential skills.

By staying focused on these strategies, we are creating an equitable, high-quality learning experience for every student at Smidt Tech.

Network Goal #2: Culture of Learning

At Smidt Tech, fostering a positive school climate and strong teacher-student relationships starts with clear expectations, structured support systems, and data-driven interventions.

To build a consistent school culture, we will define Tier 1 behavior expectations, provide staff training, and launch a multi-tiered behavior system used in all classrooms. We will also track student referrals and attendance through KPI/4DX data practices to ensure students receive the support they need. Dean’s List will be used to monitor behavioral data, rewarding students with Smidt Coins for positive behavior, while the Reflection Room will serve as a space for redirection.

A strong sense of belonging is key to student success. Our MTSS attendance plan includes:

  • Tier 1: Grade-level attendance competitions, daily phone calls, advisory messaging, and weekly updates.
  • Tier 2: Student meetings, home calls, nudge letters, and case manager referrals.
  • Tier 3: Parent meetings, home visits, and external support referrals.

To strengthen teacher-student relationships, we will promote community-building activities, embed culture norms into grade-level tracking, and use walkthroughs to provide structured feedback. Observations will focus on classroom engagement, behavior expectations, time management, and adherence to school policies.

Current data shows:

  • Student-Teacher Relationships: 47% overall (ELs: 44%, IEPs: 48%, B/AA: 52%)
  • Chronic Absenteeism: 31% overall (ELs: 22%, IEPs: 42%, B/AA: 31%)

To address these trends, school leaders will set clear, enforceable school-wide policies and provide targeted professional development. Staff will reinforce expectations in classrooms and common areas, ensuring all students feel supported and engaged.

By staying consistent and intentional, we will create a structured, positive learning environment where all students can thrive.

Network Goal #3: Anti-Racist/Pro-Black Learning Arc

Smidt Tech is committed to fostering an anti-racist, pro-Black school community through DEI strategy development, student engagement, and the No Place for Hate program. DEI professional development will follow the “alone, affinity, and across” model, with monthly sessions to deepen staff understanding and commitment. An annual DEI audit will assess policies, curriculum, and culture to identify strengths and areas for growth.

DEI PD days are scheduled monthly, starting with alone work and progressing to affinity and across work. Attendance and engagement will be tracked to ensure staff feel more equipped in this ongoing process. The structure will mirror the AP DEI training and adapt as needed. Leadership will codify key actions, ensure accountability, and monitor progress through KPIs and scheduled meetings.

Network Goal #4: Enrollment & Recruitment

 

Smidt Tech must increase enrollment by 40 students per year to reach 410 students by 2026-2027 and achieve financial sustainability. This will be done through consistent outreach to feeder schools, community engagement, and strategic recruitment efforts. Smidt will establish regular touchpoints with prospective families through school visits, community events, and digital outreach.

The goal is to secure 350 applications by July 2025, with 200 by January. Recruitment efforts will focus on feeder school visits, student and parent ambassador engagement, and updated promotional materials. Leadership will build a structured recruitment calendar, assign clear ownership for tasks, and track progress through application numbers, conversion rates, and retention data. By maintaining a 95% retention rate and increasing visibility, Smidt Tech will secure long-term enrollment growth.