Dear Families,

We are pleased to share with you Superintendent Kaftan's Entry Plan. This document was developed with guidance from the Iowa Department of Education. It features Superintendent Kaftan's goals and strategies as he gathers information from various stakeholders. If you have questions regarding the content, please contact Superintendent Kaftan at chris.kaftan@iaedb.org

Superintendent Entry Plan

Iowa Education for Deaf & Blind

September 2024

Chris Kaftan

To the Community,

As I embark on this journey as a new Midwesterner, I am honored and excited to begin my first year as Superintendent of the Iowa Education for Deaf and Blind programs. This entry plan outlines various goals and strategies I plan to accomplish during the first six months of my tenure as Superintendent.

This plan aims to create structures and processes that will provide the ability to establish a solid understanding of the traditions, relationships, operations, strengths and opportunities that make up the fabric of Iowa School for the Deaf (ISD) and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI). The insights I gain will help me make informed decisions that will build on past accomplishments and take ISD and IESBVI to new levels of success. This plan aligns with the Iowa Department of Education's mission to ensure all students experience a world class education and will allow me to chart a path that allows me to create transparency and trust with community stakeholders while remaining attentive to our classrooms’ teaching and learning needs.

Sincerely,

Chris Kaftan

Before I describe the entry plan process, I want to share my vision and some of the core beliefs that drive my leadership. My vision and core beliefs have influenced my career as a teacher, principal, and school administrator and greatly guide my entry plan.

Vision

My vision is to create models of enriching academic environments for all students and ensure that each student can reach their full potential.

Opportunity

I celebrate our schools and educational institutions as a community committed to dual education programs. As superintendent, I am tasked with finding solutions that provide resources and support for students.

Instruction

Classroom instruction represents the core of our educational system. A community that fosters high-quality instruction rooted in evidence-based practices is essential for a thriving instructional environment. Teachers must receive the support they need to address every student’s learning needs effectively. Our teachers maintain the strongest connections with their students, and we must recognize this reality, strengthen these bonds, and offer the required assistance to improve that relationship.

Team

A successful team driven by trust and leadership fosters high expectations, accountability, and positive outcomes. Team members need to feel appreciated and be open to collaborating for mutual growth and learning. A setting that promotes open dialogue, constructive problem-solving, efficient conflict resolution, and teamwork will propel the team’s progress.

Continuous Improvement

Data-driven practices encourage reflection and help us understand what is effective, what requires enhancement, and what steps we should take next. Gaining insights from our achievements and obstacles is crucial for recognizing and prioritizing strategies to yield positive outcomes throughout our programs.

1. Learn about the history and community priorities of IESBVI and ISD as fully as possible to gain insight into strengths, challenges, and opportunities so we can best serve our students.

2. Learn how our staff implement the programs’ initiatives and priorities in our schools.

3. Gain a better appreciation of the factors that contribute to our community's thriving.

4. Utilize the information gathered to:

• Create a transparent and reciprocal process with school and community leaders to address our programs’ strengths and challenges.
• Develop a plan of strategic action.

Phase 1: Listening & Learning

This phase will involve discussions with school personnel, staff, and community members to explore our programs’ objectives and initiatives. The aim is to gain insights into IESVBI and ISD’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This phase is crucial for gathering input from students, educators, administrators, staff, parents, and community members. By considering diverse viewpoints, we will understand how our school staff and community perceive our schools’ efforts in achieving our vision and mission.

Meetings

Meetings with key stakeholders, including Principals, Teachers, Parents, Parent Organizations (Bobcat Family Staff Organization & Iowa Blind and Visually Impaired Children's Support Group), Students, Student Leadership Groups, Community Organizations (e.g., Iowa School for the Deaf Alumni Association, Iowa Association of the Deaf, Iowa Council of the United Blind, ISD Foundation), City of Council Bluffs Leaders, Chamber of Commerce, Business Leaders, University Partners.

Phase 2: Analyzing, Planning & Reporting

I will utilize the data collected during the listening and learning phase to create a summary report and presentation. This document will detail my findings and observations while outlining the next steps. The summary will be valuable in informing the community about IESBVI and ISD objectives, strategic priorities, and planning efforts. Information will be shared with staff and made available online.

Summarize

The information gathered will be used to create a summary report and findings. This resource will help guide the school leaders and staff in strategic thinking and planning, improving their support of school leaders and teachers.

Phase 3: Looking Ahead

This part of the entry plan will use the report and presentation outlined, along with the current Iowa Education for Deaf & Blind (IEDB) strategic plan, to prioritize the groundwork for our upcoming Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf and Cognia reaccreditation self-study reports and outline the work we need to do in 2026 when we start developing our new IEDB strategic plan for 2027 and beyond. As IESBVI approaches its 175th anniversary in 2027 and ISD’s 175th anniversary in 2030, our work will positively impact future generations of students.

We are at a pivotal moment for IESBVI, ISD, and our community. This period presents significant challenges, yet it also brings remarkable opportunities. Engaging in active listening, learning, collaboration, and mutual trust is essential. We must strive to develop a shared understanding of our schools’ culture and work collectively toward fulfilling our mission.

Let us make the most of this time to ensure that every student in our community has the chance to succeed. While we celebrate our achievements, let us also look ahead with confidence, purpose, and optimism. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet you and collaborate in building a system that fosters accountability and results and a promising future for every student.