The strategic research plan was conducted at an elementary school located in Broward County, Florida. The plan incorporated various components including identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) within the organization; identifying the area of need based on the SWOT analysis; establishing solutions to the provisions of the needs within the organization; establishing a strategy for the desired solutions through research-based approaches and results from the Qualitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) and creating an action plan based on the desired strategy presented. The strategic research plan was designed to improve the overall process of inclusion for students with autism that is carried out through a school-wide approach. Based on the SWOT analysis, the problem of practice within the organization was to improve the current process of inclusive education for students with autism. Four solutions were chosen; however, based on the various barriers presented, the solution requiring minimal financial outlay in addition to being a practice that was already partially integrated within the organization, was collaboration between general and special education teachers. Upon establishing the solution, two strategies were chosen. With the integration of the QSPM, the data showed that the strategy best suited to carry out the given solution was principal-lead initiatives. A principal-lead initiative is a unique approach in the proposed changes presented through the action plan formulating a timeline for the steps needed to accomplish the desired goal. The goal was established to improve the inclusion process for students with autism. The action plan comprised action steps to include meetings between the leadership team, district staff, and teachers to provide support in all areas, integration of quarterly professional development for teachers, and planned collaboration between special and general education teachers. To establish whether the action steps within the action plan are followed through and enacting change, continuous evaluation through survey and leadership observations will be integrated.
| Date of Award | Oct 1 2022 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Gina L. Peyton (Supervisor) |
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