Focus groups promote lively and thoughtful conversations about the future
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Seven focus group sessions were conducted in April and May to gather additional input on the future direction of Vancouver Public Schools. The focus groups included current students, recent graduates, district employees, parents (including families with English Language Learners and Special Education students), community and business leaders, and representatives of early childhood and higher education. Emerging themes from the focus group discussions are listed below:
Community Focus Group
• Partner with families/community to teach social skills and to ensure “real world” relevancy; share accountability for educating the whole child
• Help students see all their options (counseling/advising, career exploration, apprenticeships, mentorships, etc.) and realize their full potential (post-secondary education, career-technical programs, etc.)
• Promote the development of students’ abilities to work with different people in different environments
• Ensure that students learn essential 21st century skills—technology, world view, adaptability, etc.
• Plan for now, and plan for the future—both students and the district
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Summer work will focus on preparing for Goal Area Teams 
In June and July, the district’s Futures Team will review all the data and information collected during the community engagement phase of the strategic planning process. Thoughts, ideas, comments, and suggestions from the symposium, survey, listserv groups, and focus groups will be organized into major themes. Educational experts from outside the district will assist with this process to help ensure that the themes accurately reflect the input of district staff and community members.
In late August, Goal Area Teams will be formed to represent the major themes. The teams will use input from the community engagement activities and other materials to write vision statements, goals, target objectives, and metrics (evidence of success) for the strategic plan. All stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment on the plan before it is presented to the school board in December. 
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Community and staff members compliment the strategic planning process
“I have been most impressed with Vancouver School District’s thoughtful and thorough approach to strategic planning. Those of us in the business community should take a few lessons from our colleagues in education. We could learn a great deal about how to set the future course of an organization.” Beth Quartarolo, president and CEO, Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
“As a parent and community member, I always knew Vancouver was a great school district. After being involved in the planning process, I am more encouraged than ever by the passion, energy, and dedication being invested in the future of our children. My input was received in a manner that made me feel like superintendent for a day!”
Casey Wyckoff, parent and business community member
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