Section 59C of Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General Laws states, "The principal of each school, in consultation with the school council established pursuant to this section, shall on an annual basis…develop and submit for approval by the district superintendent and school committee a plan for improving student performance. Plans shall be prepared in a manner and form prescribed by the department of elementary and secondary education and shall conform to any policies and practices of the district consistent therewith."

A school improvement plan, as described in the legislation, has the following elements:

• An assessment of: The impact of class size on student performance, Student-to-teacher ratios, Ratios of students to other supportive adult resources 

• A scheduled plan for reducing class size, if deemed necessary

• Professional development for the school's staff and the allocation of any professional development funds in the school budget

• Enhancement of parental involvement in the life of the school

• School safety and discipline

• Establishment of a school environment characterized by tolerance and respect for all groups

• Extra-curricular activities

• Means for meeting, within the regular education programs at the school, the diverse learning needs of as many children as possible, including children with special needs currently assigned to separate programs

• Any further subjects the principal, in consultation with the school council, shall consider appropriate

In addition, in school systems with language minority populations, the professional development component of the council's plan shall address the need for teachers' professional development on second language acquisition and on working with culturally and linguistically diverse student populations. The spirit of the law calls for collaboration between the council and the principal. The principal needs to create an environment of openness, collegiality and respect for all participants.

Plans are submitted annually to the school committee. As reviewing and approving authorities, school committees have the discretion to set their own schedule and timelines for the submission and review of the improvement plans. School committees are strongly encouraged to support the efforts of councils and work collaboratively with them.

For information on School Improvement Plans as they pertain to Massachusetts state laws, please visit DESE Advisory Councils web page