Setting Timelines and Agendas

The arts education planning process as outlined in the Guide is based on one academic year: September through June. The entire process may be completed in that length of time, as demonstrated by a number of districts in Los Angeles County. However, you may find your district is more comfortable with 18 to 24 months as a target for completion, which is also an effective model. The pace will vary from district to district and this calendar may be adjusted for your use.

Click on the links below to access examples of Community Arts Team meeting calendars and planning timelines, which can serve as a springboard for your core Design Team in determining the most effective structure and rollout for the strategic planning process in your own district.

Sample Meeting Calendar [Word Doc: 47KB]

Sample Planning Timeline [PDF: 2.97MB]

Below are some additional ideas for structuring your strategic planning sessions to span four meetings or two full days.

4-Meeting Strategic Planning Process

Small team is responsible for collecting data on
current arts education program prior to the first meeting.
First Meeting (4 hours)
  • Team Building Activity (e.g., each person shares something that represents why they value the arts)
  • District Arts Education Timeline (past 20-30 years) or Discussion: “What does quality arts education look like?”
  • Review of Current Program Data
  • Identify Strengths and Gaps in the Current Program
Second Meeting (3 hours)
  • Opening Activity gets all voices heard (20 min.)
  • Create Vision
  • Strengths and Challenges
Third Meeting (3 hours)
  • Opening Activity (20 min.)
  • Review Vision and Strengths and Challenges
  • Create Strategic Directions
Fourth Meeting (3 hours)
  • Review Strategic Directions
  • Create Implementation Plan
  • Celebration

2-Day Strategic Planning Process

Small team is responsible for collecting data on
current arts education program prior to the first meeting.
DAY 1 Agenda
DAY 2 Agenda

Morning

  • Group Formation Activity (i.e.. each person shares something that represents why they value the arts)
  • History Wall (1.5 hours)
  • Discussion: What does quality arts education look like?
  • Review of Current Program Data
  • Identify Strengths and Gaps in the Current Program (1.5 hours)

Morning

  • Strengths and Challenges Wave (45 min.)
  • Strategic Directions Workshop (2 hours)

Afternoon

  • Continue review of Current Program
  • Create Vision (2 hours)

Afternoon

  • Implementation Planning/Calendar (3 Hours)
  • Celebration!