5 Strategic Planning Student's Name Institution Course Professor Date Strategic planning It is an essential part of running a successful organization. It can help organizations reach their goals, gain competitive advantages, and maximize resources. It is a process of setting goals, identifying objectives, developing strategies, and creating a plan of action to achieve these goals (George et al., 2019). Doing so helps organizations align their activities and resources to create the best possible results. By planning, organizations can set objectives, develop strategies aligned with their mission and goals, and utilize resources most efficiently to achieve those goals (Brozovic, 2018). Additionally, it allows organizations to stay ahead of the competition by developing a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan for the future (George et al., 2019). Strategic planning also helps organizations better understand their external environment, such as their competitors, which helps them anticipate change and develop strategies to adjust accordingly. Possible gaps As the former principal of George H. Oliver Elementary School, I have had the opportunity to observe the strengths and weaknesses of our organization. Over the past few years, there have been many changes and challenges to the school, yet I feel there are still gaps that need to be addressed. One of the most pressing gaps is in technology, and infrastructure-the school has made great strides in the past few years in terms of technology, yet there are still areas such as inadequate Internet access, equipment, and software (Rachmadtullah et al., 2020). The institution must invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed. Another gap I feel is present in the school is the area of student engagement. There are a lot of great teachers and staff that are doing a fantastic job of engaging students. Still, there is a need to go beyond the traditional classroom setting and involve outside activities and classes to engage students (Leighninger and Niedergang, n.d). The administrators must find ways to reach out to the community and involve them in school activities. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) The SWOT Analysis is an essential strategic planning tool used by businesses, educational institutions, and organizations to assess their internal and external environment and plan their strategies for the future. It is essentially a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's current situation and is used to identify areas for improvement and capitalize on strengths (Teoli et al., 2019). This analysis helps organizations to assess their current position and to develop strategies to improve their future performance. For elementary schools, a SWOT analysis can help school administrators, teachers, and staff gain insights into the current educational environment (Phadermrod et al., 2019). It can determine the school's strengths and weakness.

1. 5
Strategic Planning
Student's Name
Institution
Course
Professor
Date
Strategic planning
It is an essential part of running a successful organization. It can help organizations reach their
goals, gain competitive advantages, and maximize resources. It is a process of setting goals,
identifying objectives, developing strategies, and creating a plan of action to achieve these goals
(George et al., 2019). Doing so helps organizations align their activities and resources to create
the best possible results. By planning, organizations can set objectives, develop strategies aligned
with their mission and goals, and utilize resources most efficiently to achieve those goals
(Brozovic, 2018). Additionally, it allows organizations to stay ahead of the competition by
developing a comprehensive and well-thought-out plan for the future (George et al., 2019).
Strategic planning also helps organizations better understand their external environment, such as
their competitors, which helps them anticipate change and develop strategies to adjust
accordingly.
Possible gaps
As the former principal of George H. Oliver Elementary School, I have had the opportunity to
observe the strengths and weaknesses of our organization. Over the past few years, there have
been many changes and challenges to the school, yet I feel there are still gaps that need to be
addressed. One of the most pressing gaps is in technology, and infrastructure-the school has
made great strides in the past few years in terms of technology, yet there are still areas such as
inadequate Internet access, equipment, and software (Rachmadtullah et al., 2020). The institution
must invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.
Another gap I feel is present in the school is the area of student engagement. There are a lot of
great teachers and staff that are doing a fantastic job of engaging students. Still, there is a need to
go beyond the traditional classroom setting and involve outside activities and classes to engage
students (Leighninger and Niedergang, n.d). The administrators must find ways to reach out to
the community and involve them in school activities.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)

2. The SWOT Analysis is an essential strategic planning tool used by businesses, educational
institutions, and organizations to assess their internal and external environment and plan their
strategies for the future. It is essentially a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's current
situation and is used to identify areas for improvement and capitalize on strengths (Teoli et al.,
2019). This analysis helps organizations to assess their current position and to develop strategies
to improve their future performance. For elementary schools, a SWOT analysis can help school
administrators, teachers, and staff gain insights into the current educational environment
(Phadermrod et al., 2019). It can determine the school's strengths and weaknesses in different
areas, such as academic performance, student engagement and participation, curriculum, and
teaching strategies (Yehya, 2021). The analysis can also reveal potential opportunities for growth
and areas of improvement, as well as potential threats that could impact the school's future.
Strength
It is an attribute or a resource that a company possesses, giving it a competitive advantage in the
marketplace. This involves analysis of the quality of teachers, the ability to offer a variety of
programs, the quality of facilities, and the school's reputation (Kristiawan and Sari, 2020). By
identifying the school's current strengths, the school can build on them and use them to its
advantage. This is by identifying and implementing strategies to improve their performance and
better meet the needs of their students (Satria and Shahbana, 2020). Similarly, school leaders,
teachers, and staff can gain insights into their current environment and create strategies for
success.
Weakness
It is an attribute or resource that an organization lacks, making it vulnerable to competition. In an
elementary school, weaknesses could include a lack of resources, inadequate technology,
inadequate staff training, and a lack of student engagement. Additionally, the school may have a
weak budget, limited space, and a lack of parental involvement (Phadermrod et al., 2019).
Identifying the school's weaknesses can help to uncover areas of improvement that need to be
addressed (Yehya, 2021). Knowing weaknesses can help the organization identify areas of
improvement and develop strategies to take advantage of opportunities and minimize threats.
Opportunity
It is an external factor that can be used to gain an advantage over competitors. This could include
forming partnerships with other schools, developing new programs and services, or even
expanding the reach of the school (Satria and Shahbana, 2020). The school can use these to its
advantage by identifying opportunities and making positive changes. Thus, it helps teachers and
staff to identify ways to better engage students in their learning and create a more positive
educational culture (Kristiawan and Sari, 2020). Additionally, it can help school leaders to plan
for future opportunities or challenges and anticipate potential risks.
Threat

3. It is an external factor that could harm the institution's performance. This could include
competition from other schools, changes in the local community, or changes in funding. By
identifying potential threats, the school can come up with strategies to mitigate them and protect
the school (Yehya, 2021). This can assist the school in making informed decisions and
developing strategies to ensure their success (Kristiawan and Sari, 2020). By recognizing the
potential threats, the organization can plan and develop strategies to counter them by investing in
research and learning resources.
Conducting a SWOT analysis can be a valuable tool for an elementary school by identifying its
strengths and weaknesses and potential opportunities and threats. The analysis is an invaluable
tool that can help organizations assess their current position and develop an effective strategy to
improve their performance in the future. By recognizing their strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats, organizations can create an effective plan that takes advantage of their
strengths and minimizes their weaknesses. As such, the SWOT Analysis helps organizations
reach their maximum potential.
References
Brozovic, D. (2018). Strategic flexibility: A review of the literature. International Journal of
Management Reviews , 20 (1), 3-31. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12111
George, B., Walker, R. M., & Monster, J. (2019). Does strategic planning improve
organizational performance? A meta―analysis. Public Administration Review , 79 (6), 810-
819. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.13104
Kristiawan, M., & Sari, A. P. (2020). SWOT Analysis of Instruction at State Elementary School
South Indralaya. Electronic Research Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities , 2 , 136-150.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Electronic-
Journals/publication/340870001_SWOT_Analysis_of_Instruction_at_State_Elementary_School_
South_Indralaya/links/5ea196b7458515ec3aff919a/SWOT-Analysis-of-Instruction-at-State-
Elementary-School-South-Indralaya.pdf
Leighninger,M & Niedergang, M. (n.d.). [email protected] - The Institutional Repository of the
University of Nebraska Omaha.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1035&context=slcepartnership
s
Phadermrod, B., Crowder, R. M., & Wills, G. B. (2019). Importance-performance analysis based
SWOT analysis. International journal of information management , 44 , 194-203.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.03.009
Rachmadtullah, R., Yustitia, V., Setiawan, B., Fanny, A. M., Pramulia, P., Susiloningsih, W., ...
& Ardhian, T. (2020). The challenge of elementary school teachers to encounter superior
generation in the 4.0 industrial revolution: Study literature. International Journal of Scientific &
Technology Research , 9 (4), 1879-1882. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Reza-
Rachmadtullah/publication/340886839_The_Challenge_Of_Elementary_School_Teachers_To_E

4. ncounter_Superior_Generation_In_The_40_Industrial_Revolution_Study_Literature/links/5ea2b
9a492851c87d1b1066f/The-Challenge-Of-Elementary-School-Teachers-To-Encounter-Superior-
Generation-In-The-40-Industrial-Revolution-Study-Literature.pdf
Satria, R., & Shahbana, E. B. (2020). The SWOT Analysis of Strengthening Character Education
In Junior High School. Jurnal Iqra': Kajian Ilmu Pendidikan , 5 (2), 56-67.
https://doi.org/10.25217/ji.v5i2.827
Teoli, D., Sanvictores, T., & An, J. (2019). SWOT analysis.
https://europepmc.org/article/med/30725987
Yehya, F. M. (2021). Promising Digital Schools: An Essential Need for an Educational
Revolution. Pedagogical Research , 6 (3). https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1304757
George H. Oliver Elementary School
871 Ritchie Avenue
Clarksdale, Ms. 38614
662.627.8605
_______________
Shawneequa Beal, Principal
Executive Summary
Description
George H. Oliver Elementary School (GHO) is located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, which is in the
heart of the Mississippi Delta region. GHO is located in the Brickyard neighborhood, an area of
the city plagued by violence and crime. GHO inherits all of the social ills associated with these
tumultuous community environments. GHO is one of the Clarksdale Municipal School
District’s four (4) elementary magnet schools serving students in grades Pre-K-4. Currently,
GHO serves approximately 350 students, which represents an enrollment increase due to the
closure of one of the district’s elementary schools in 2016. Students from the closed
elementary school were divided among the 4 remaining schools. Almost all of students at GHO
come from low-income families. 100% of the students at GHO receive free meals through the
district's participation in the Community Eligibility Provision Program. Approximately 99% of
the student population is Black.
The staff is comprised of approximately 25 employees, consisting of 1 Administrator; 1
Secretary; 1 Part-time Counselor who comes 2 times a week; 11 full-time certified staff
members, 1 Certified Interventionist, 1 pre-K teacher, 1 part-time music teacher, 1 part-time PE
teacher, 1 part-time librarian; and 9 non-certified staff members.

5. Staff turnover at GHO has been a tremendous challenge. This year is the first time in five years
the school has had the same principal for more than a year. Approximately 50% of the current
teachers have less than 4 years of teaching experience. More than half of the teachers hold an
emergency or provisional license
Clarksdale has suffered from an economic decline over the past years. The economy has
historically been based upon agriculture and some low-skilled manufacturing. However, many of
these businesses have closed or relocated, leaving many residents without jobs. Consequently,
many residents have relocated to other areas, causing a decline in student enrollment
districtwide.
Poverty is widespread in the Clarksdale community, with many residents living below the
poverty level. The median income hovers around $20,000 a year. According to the most recent
Census data, more than 40% of residents in Clarksdale and 37% of the residents in Coahoma
County live below the poverty level, compared to 21.6% statewide.
100% of the students in the district receive free meals through the district's participation in the
Community Eligibility Provision Program.
Purpose
The mission of George H. Oliver Elementary School is through collaboration and continuous
learning, George H. Oliver Elementary School will be a place of excellence where all students
are engaged in high-quality real-world learning. A professional and highly motivated staff, in
partnership with parents will encourage children to achieve their full potential and become
responsible citizens who are lifelong learners. The vision of George H. Oliver Elementary
School is to strive to guarantee each child a superior education through high quality integrated
learning experiences.
Students are screened at the beginning of the school year with IReady to determine interventions
and course of instruction. Students are monitored for academic gains as well as data talks
between administration and teachers, teachers and students. In the pass teachers have taken
students on field trips to the pumpkin patch, the riverboat parks, and the Bologna Performing
Arts Center. The school has also participated in a partnership with Kennedy Center to provide
arts related education.
Grade levels collaborate on student expectations and look at student achievement gaps of those
entering each grade with the goal of decreasing academic achievement gaps. The administration
communicates with all stakeholders through School Status, SAMS, school web site, social
media, emails, newsletters, and flyers. We have many opportunities for student engagement and
volunteers. Students use Apple Ipads for IReady reading and math. Every student and teacher
have access to Ipads and Macbooks. Teachers have ClearTouch boards and Apple TV in their
classrooms.
School/Family events are planned throughout the school year. We have a Fall Literacy Festival
that focus on literacy in all grade levels. GHO has won the school engagement award for several

6. months throughout the school year. The students participate in the school spelling bee in order to
qualify for the district spelling bee. Activities are a way that we can get information out to
parents about academics, attendance, and testing. The school has hosted information nights for
each grade level to keep parents informed of things dealing with education.
Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement
George H. Oliver has collaborated with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc to give coats to students each
winter. We have also raised money to provide uniforms to students who were without uniforms
through our coronation ball fundraiser. Another project organized by teachers in the fall, where
students bring food items and supplies, with the purpose of making Thanksgiving baskets for
needy families. We have also collaborated with several families to provide each student a present
for Christmas.
George H. Oliver was a 191 on the accountability model in 2017-2018. GHO manage to about 87
point to raise its accountability score to a 278. The school was no longer in F status, we are
currently a D. We were congratulated by the state superintendent of education for increasing the
scores. We are very proud of our students and teachers for this accomplishment. George H.
Oliver was on the way to becoming a successful school before the pandemic hit. Our third
benchmark indicated we were close to a B.
4
George H. Oliver Elementary school
Student name
Institution affiliation
Course name
Date submitted
George H. Oliver Elementary school
Selected organization: George H. Oliver Elementary school in Clarksdale
Why the organization was started: The organization is located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in
the Delta region. It serves an estimated 350 learners who are mainly from low-income families.
The school offers free meals to all learners through the Community Eligibility Provision
Program. Most of the school population (99%) is African American (Blacks). The school aims to
offer collaborative and continuous learning by engaging all learners in high-quality authentic
world learning. The organization seeks to provide learners an opportunity to attain their optimal
potential and be responsible citizens that are lifelong scholars. This involves having highly
motivated personnel and partnering with the parents. The establishment aims at offering learners
a superior education through eminent and integrated learning experiences.

7. Founders: The school was founded by George H. Oliver, born in June 1857 in Georgia. Oliver
was a teacher and administrator listed on the 1900 census in Claiborne County with his partner
Susan and his family. Oliver also worked with Alice Carter, whom he married after he divorced
Susan. Alice was the main contributor to the George H. Oliver Elementary School in In
Clarksdale, as she was the first black home demonstration agent in Mississippi. She served in the
capacity for over 30 years hence retiring in 1950 (Baldwin, n.d.). Today, some influential people
in the institution include Mrs. Regina Chess (the Principal) and Miss. Johnetta White (Secretary)
(Blackboard, 2022). The founders and influential managers continue to advance the institution's
mission. They strive to offer an innovative and quality educational program that looks more into
the individual development of every learner.
Turning points: A significant turning point was the 2017-2018 accountability model, where the
school was ranked 191. The institution attained additional 87 points hence raising its
accountability score to 278. This helped the organization to move from F status to D status. This
was a substantial effort from the teachers and learners. A third benchmark by the model showed
the institution was close to B status (Blackboard, 2022). Through its leadership team and other
stakeholders, the school helps the institution achieve its goals and identify challenges that need
extra attention. The progress assessment showed the institution's growth in ELA proficiency,
library resources, data and literacy coaching, labs, educational grants, technology resources, and
supplies.
Inspirational history: The institution partnered with the Kennedy Center to offer arts-related
education. The establishment created an integrated arts education program that helps attain the
'tools of thought' to develop imagination (U.S. Department of Education, n.d.). The students
rigorously integrate the arts, developing deep structural connections between art and other
subjects. The deep connection between art and other areas enhances learners' capacities to be
successful grownups, mainly in the business world and scientific discovery.
References
Baldwin. D., (n.d.). George H. Oliver . Against All Odds. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from
https://much-ado.net/legislators/legislators/george-h-oliver/
Blackboard. (2022). George H. Oliver Elementary / Homepage. Retrieved January 16, 2023,
from https://www.cmsdschools.org/Page/13
U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). APPLICATION FOR FUNDING UNDER RACE TO THE
TOP - DISTRICT . Clarksdale Municipal School District-pdf. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from
https://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop-district/2013/finalists/applications/clarksdale.pdf
Researcher’s Role
Every organization must have an action planning process, which starts by creating mission,
value, and vision statements. Through them, community initiatives by the organization become
successful since they explain the organization's aspiration. Also, the statements help an
organization stay focused on the important things while providing a basis for developing other

8. strategic plan aspects. A person who conducts in-depth study on a subject to gain greater
knowledge about that subject is called a researcher. There is no one set of duties that a researcher
is expected to fulfill across all academic disciplines or professional domains. Researchers in the
medical field may utilize clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of a novel treatment, whereas
social scientists may use questionnaires and in-person interviews to gain a better understanding
of how people behave (Aspers, P., & Corte, 2019).
Through the processes of data gathering, analysis, and interpretation, the role of a researcher is to
contribute to the existing body of knowledge in their respective discipline. Researchers acquire
data through a variety of methods, some of which include controlled experiments, surveys,
interviews, and direct observation (Bakker, 2018). Direct observation is another method. They
first do statistical analysis on the data to derive conclusions, and then they interpret the findings
of that study. They present their findings at conferences and publish them in academic journals
and papers to share their findings with others and advance the field.
I am the former principal of George H. Oliver Elementary School. It was my role and
responsibility to serve as the instructional leader of the school. As principal, it was also my
responsibility to conduct informal and formal observations of teachers using the Mississippi
Professional Growth Rubric. School administrators are required to be trained by the Mississippi
Department of Education to give teachers ratings during observation (Mississippi Department of
Education, 2022). I also worked with teachers to set learning goals based on the state approved
curriculum.
As the leader of the school, I had to build partnerships with community stakeholders so that we
could educate the whole child. I was also responsible for developing and implementing a school
improvement plan. In my capacity, I served as support for new teachers and served on the
district’s disciplinary committee. It was also my responsibility to manage GHO district and
federal budget. I had to ensure that federal money was spent according to the needs of the school.
Finally, as principal, it was my responsibility to improve the culture of the school by boosting
teacher morale, decreasing the amount of discipline problems, and increasing attendance.
Description of the Setting
George H. Oliver Elementary School (GHO) is in Clarksdale, Mississippi, which is in the heart
of the Mississippi Delta region. GHO is in the Brickyard neighborhood, an area of the city
plagued by violence and crime. GHO inherits all the social ills associated with these tumultuous
community environments. GHO is one of the Clarksdale Municipal School District’s four (4)
elementary magnet schools serving students in grades Pre-K-4. Currently, GHO serves
approximately 350 students, which represents an enrollment increase due to the closure of one of
the district’s elementary schools in 2016. Students from the closed elementary school were
divided among the 4 remaining schools. Almost all of students at GHO come from low-income
families. 100% of the students at GHO receive free meals through the district's participation in
the Community Eligibility Provision Program. Approximately 99% of the students at George H.
Oliver are African American (George H. Oliver School Wide Plan, 2021)

9. GHO is a themed, magnet school targeting the Visual and Performing Arts to enhance the
curriculum. In addition to the core subjects, students can participate in music classes including
keyboarding and choral music. The staff is comprised of approximately 30 employees, consisting
of 1 Administrator; 1 Secretary; 1 Part-time Counselor who comes 2 times a week; 15 full-time
certified staff members, consisting of 1 pre-K teacher, 1 part-time music teachers, 1 part-time PE
teacher, 1 part-time librarian; and 9 non-certified staff members. Staff turnover at GHO has been
a tremendous challenge. Over the last four years, there has been three different school principals,
and approximately 40% of the current teachers have less than 4 years of teaching experience.
About 15% of the teachers hold an emergency or provisional license.
The district leadership includes a superintendent, assistant superintendent, chief executive
officer, and business manager. The district also has several departments in the organizational
structure which include the special education, transportation, maintenance, human resource, and
food service departments. The various departments ensure that schools are provided with the
supports they need. An important part of the district is the federal programs departments. Funds
are received from the federal government to ensure equity for all the students in the Clarksdale
Municipal School district. Federal funding makes up a majority of the district budget (Clarksdale
Municipal School District, 2023).
Organizational Background and History
George H. Oliver was established in 1962 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. George H. Oliver is one of
4 elementary schools in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Clarkdale Municipal School Board wanted to
establish an elementary school in an area where it was easily accessible by the African American
population. The goals of George H. Oliver are improving student achievement, build teacher
capacity, and increase student attendance (George H. Oliver Strategic Plan, 2021). George H.
Oliver increased their accountability rating with the state the department of educations from an F
to a D in 2018. The school received recognition from the Mississippi Department of Education
(Mississippi Department of Education 2018). George H. Oliver has had 3 principals and high
traditional high teacher turnover. From 2019-2021 the teacher turnover rate was low, because
they able to keep the same principal for four years.
In 2018 George H. Oliver Elementary school was a comprehensive support and improvement
school because of the F rating on accountability. The school was able to raise the accountability
level by eighty-seven points to become a D school on accountability (Mississippi Department of
Education 2018). Factors that contributed to the improvement was improved school culture,
teacher retention, and improved attendance. One of the most importance factors in helping to
transform the school was increase in teacher morale. George H. Oliver continues to struggle with
socioeconomic issues that prevents academic achievements from being the main focus.
The Mission Statement
The elementary school's mission is to provide an accurate, comprehensive, and contemporary
curriculum that prepares students for increased understanding, critical thinking, and lifelong
learning. In addition, we aspire to contribute to developing a positive school environment where
students are nurtured as healthy individuals who can become active participants in society. This

10. statement is concise and focused on what drives the school (Dernowska, n.d). It includes who
they are, what the school do, and why they are doing it (Alegre et al., 2018). It also sets out how
these goals are achieved.
It should guide the organization whom they want to serve and what it wants to be. The given
mission statement consists of the name of the school; George H. Oliver Elementary School,
values; high-quality learning, and a unique distinguishing factor that makes the school standout;
teamwork of parents and qualified staff. The statement outlines what the school is striving to
accomplish. It describes student life, parent involvement, and community relations. The
statement also highlights the organization's future target, ensuring that students are responsible
citizens in the future. An essential part to add would be the school's innovations. Moreover, long-
term goals inclusion would make the statement a success.
The Vision Statement
The future is now! We believe a great school starts with a deep understanding of each student's
needs and the communities surrounding our schools. We share this belief and are passionate
about developing strong leaders who can serve their students, communities, and the world in the
ways they want to. We will provide many opportunities for students to develop skills in areas
such as reading, writing, math, and science, as well as other areas which give them a strong
foundation for success. Each student will graduate from elementary school with a quality
education, knowledge of navigating the world surrounding them, and the motivation needed to
achieve their personal goals. The statement encompasses a completely objective or goals the
school can and will achieve (Allen et al., 2018). The vision statement also contains something
simple to remember, concise, and intellectual (Sulastri et al., 2021). It clarifies goals, defines
values, and communicates how people are motivated.
This should define what the organization wants to become in the long run and its target position.
The statement for George H. Oliver Elementary School has been expressed positively, where the
institution strives to utilize its high-quality learning experiences to provide superior education to
every child. Although the statement is short and complete, I would add details on learning
technologies to support learners in becoming productive global citizens
The Value Statement
Our organization emphasizes the importance of respect, responsibility, integrity, excellence,
collaboration, creativity, and innovation. These values will be expressed in a way that speaks to
our organization's commitment to helping our students reach their fullest potential. This
statement is clear, concise, and straightforward (Gurley et al., 2021). This provides clarity for
teachers, classmates, administrators, and parents alike (vic.edu, n.d). The statement is neither too
long or nor complex to read that easier to comprehend it
The value statement is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It has been written in a way that is
accessible and easily understood by students, staff, and the wider community. Also, it is
reflective of the school's culture and values. And it is aspiring and inspiring while reflecting the
school's goals and objectives. It is the foundation that sets the school's tone and establishes the

11. values, principles, and beliefs that the school stands for and will strive to uphold. It is important
to clearly articulate the school's values to create an environment conducive to learning, growth,
and success.
Organizational Reputation and Sustainability
Organizational Reputation :
George H. Oliver Elementary School in Clarksdale, Mississippi, has a poor reputation based on
test scores, student progress, and equity. The test scores at this school fall far below the state
average, which indicates that most students need to perform as expected at grade level
(U.S.News, 2019). The student progress is also slow and poor annually compared to similar
students in the state (U.S.News, 2019). In addition to low test scores, most students in this school
have low points and fall behind their peers in terms of their academic progress. The highest
percentage is underserved students from low-income families, which leaves them at an economic
disadvantage that create a significant achievement gap (U.S.News, 2019). This vulnerability
makes most students fall behind other students in the state. Based on enrollment and student
demographics, 98% are Black, 1% are White, and the other 1% are white. Overall, this
imbalance creates a negative perspective that results in a negative reputation for the school.
Organizational Sustainability:
George H. Oliver Elementary School lack sustainability due to a lack of capacity building of
professional teacher, lack of financial resources, and short-term pressure for higher academic
performance. Nonetheless, there is an opportunity for the school to improve its organizational
sustainability. For example, the school can use the student support and academic enrichment
grant to increase its capacity to establish a pool of professional teachers (Mississippi Department
of Education, 2023). The grant can also help the school to provide all the students with access to
a well-rounded education, improve the use of technology and improve school conditions for
student learning resulting in improved academic achievement (Mississippi Department of
Education, 2023). It can further use section 4101, section 4106(d), section 4110, and section
4109(b) of article IV to establish student support and academic enrichment programs that ensure
the school's substantiality in short and long term,
Relevant Terms
Academic Achievement refers to a student’s learning outcome of a school’s curriculum
(Huisheng, 2018)
At-Risk Student is defined as student who is likely to perform poorly in school (Fazul, 2022)
Researched-Based Instructional Strategy is any teaching approach supported by a statistical
analysis of data from the learning environment (Apostolou,2020)

12. Mississippi Department of Education seeks to create a world class education system that give
students the knowledge and skills to be successful in college, the workforce, and to flourish as
parents and citizen (Mississippi Department of Education, 2023)
School Culture is the belief and attitude influencing every aspect how a school function (Hall
and Hord, 2015)