Washougal knows, nurtures, and challenges all students to rise!
This document represents a comprehensive strategic planning process that began in November 2018, and includes input from Washougal School District community, parents, students and staff. These stakeholder groups met in person and online to share ideas which were distilled by a steering committee representing all of these groups. This culminated in a shared vision and goals to be adopted by the Washougal School Board. The board invited community input during our mid-point check-in process at the start of 2022, and has adopted a revised Strategic Plan 2025, with a focus on clear metrics for our progress and shared work.
A printable version of the Strategic Plan can be found here.
Goal: We will invest in attracting, retaining and developing excellent teachers and staff. We will provide relevant, rigorous and supportive instruction with high expectations for all students.
Identify and seek effective supports for each child (Highly Capable, Special Needs, English Language Learners)
Elevate student expectations and encourage higher community aspirations
Develop and use multi-tiered systems of support
Implement differentiation and scaffolding
Model and encourage a growth mindset
Develop and use Social-Emotional Learning curriculum
Encourage students to enroll in AP coursework and provide supports to ensure they are successful
Offer industry certifications
Increase student engagement by using modern and innovative teaching methods
GOAL: We will prepare students to contribute to the community they live in, whether in skilled trades, higher education, or professional careers.
Develop an articulated High School and Beyond Plan for all students
Create a personalized pathway for every student
Provide opportunities for students to explore future interests
Utilize community members with training and experience to provide mentorships and apprenticeships
Utilize projects and assignments that allow students to communicate and demonstrate knowledge
GOAL: We will engage in intentional efforts to identify disparities that create opportunity gaps, and take action to eliminate the achievement gap. We will develop and strengthen students’ agency, so they are prepared for careers, college and life.
Identify students from marginalized groups
Learn the many assets and strengths of families, students, and their respective communities
Develop culturally responsive practices
Ensure inclusive environments that value contributions from all groups
Utilize trauma-informed pedagogy
Provide staff and students space to develop agency, and shift ownership of learning from teachers to students
Disrupt systems that perpetuate institutional biases and oppressive practices
Hire a diverse workforce that reflects the students we serve
Create a process to ensure equity is at the center of all decision-making
GOAL: We will ensure all students are involved in innovative, artistic, creative, vocational, and intellectual pursuits, so they develop confidence, understanding, and agency in the classroom and beyond.
Empower students to put forth the effort to find academic, social, and emotional success
Capitalize on student strengths, interests, and experiences and celebrate different ways to apply learning
Develop each student’s understanding of their identity as a learner
Recruit and encourage students to participate in a variety of opportunities
Encourage students to participate in visual and performing arts starting at a young age
Eliminate barriers to participate for students without financial or emotional supports
Grow student interest and connect them with co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
Assist staff and students in cultivating a growth mindset
GOAL: We will partner to build culturally responsive schools, where all children are known, supported, and connected through positive relationships in a safe environment.
Identify student social-emotional needs and seek resources to support them
Provide authentic, real-life and engaging mentorships and learn about our students
Develop connections and relationships within Washougal so staff and students can contribute to the community
Work with service organizations, businesses, social service providers, families, students, and staff
Encourage students to develop perseverance, determination, and resiliency
Partner with early learning providers
Invest in birth to three programs
Provide mental health supports for students
Ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment
Seek partnerships to provide engaging opportunities for students
Reduce challenges and barriers to parental participation
GOAL: We will maximize resources to create opportunities for our students through a transparent budget process that aligns with our priorities for student achievement and operations of the district. Every dollar matters.
As we move forward to achieve these goals, we will use multiple metrics for each goal, focusing on academics, college/career/work readiness, culture & climate, disparities for different subgroups, and participation rates for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. These metrics are contained in the WSD Board Ends Report.
As we approached the mid-point in the 6 year plan, the district kicked off a check-in process, which was an opportunity for you to share your feedback about our schools, programs, and services to help us continue our work knowing, nurturing, and challenging all students to rise. This also informed the budgeting process that supports the work outlined in our strategic plan. As we’ve done in past years, we surveyed our community, families of students, and staff, and incorporated the shared ideas and thoughts on our progress, so can work to continue our excellent work together.
