Identify Root Cause | Smarter Schools Spending

The budget needs to be rooted in the priorities of the district. Intentionally created instructional priorities provide a strong basis for developing a district’s budget and strategic financial plan, as well as presenting a budget document.

Objectives

Develop goals that address district's major needs
Analyze the underlying issue of any deficiencies being addressed
Develop priorities to accomplish goals
Select a limited number of priorities to pursue to maintain focus and promote success

Identify Root Cause of Gap between Goal and Current State

By finding root causes of problems, a district can identify the most effective solutions to achieving its goals.

Milestones

Level 1: Discuss and make initial effort to reach beyond surface level causes of challenges.
Level 2: Use formal tools, like "5-whys" (see Best Practice), to structure investigation of root causes.
Level 3: Conduct data analysis and site visits for more accurate root cause analysis.