SPARK Team

The Scottsdale’s SPARK Team role is to serve as the district’s collaborative body for program development, review, monitoring, and continuous improvement of signature programs and specialty schools.

The team’s purpose is to:

1. Evaluate signature program proposals
2. Recommend new program locations 
3. Review program performance and status
4. Research unique and new school programming models
5. Provide implementation and strategic planning supports to schools/programs
6. Recommend the continuation or removal of program status

• The large team meets quarterly for three hours to develop, monitor, and adjust strategies related to specialty program implementation.
• Subgroups may meet more frequently (monthly or bi-weekly) when reviewing new program proposals.

• School principals, teachers, program coordinators, and parents from current signature programs and schools.
• District leaders and staff members who work directly with signature programs and schools.
• Community members: each learning community will have two designated members (one elementary, one secondary).
• Parents: each learning community will have two parent representatives (one elementary, one secondary).
• Subject matter experts: when new programs are being explored or developed, the SPARK team will recruit staff, community members, or other individuals with specific subject matter expertise to participate in the design and proposal process.

1. Program Development Recommendations
   1. Annual or semi-annual recommendations for new specialty programs, program expansions, or program redesigns.
   2. Identification of high-demand themes based on community, workforce, and educational trends.
2. Program Performance Review
   1. Completion of annual review reports for each specialty program, including strengths, challenges, and growth opportunities.
   2. Recommendations for improvement plans for programs not meeting performance expectations.
3. Program Quality Standards
   1. Development and refinement of consistent quality indicators for specialty programs (instructional, operational, engagement, equity).
4. Community & Stakeholder Engagement
   1. Summary of community input gathered through forums, surveys, and outreach activities.
   2. Recommendations based on stakeholder feedback to guide future specialty program decisions.
5. Facilities & Resource Planning Input
   1. Identification of facility considerations aligned with specialty program needs.
   2. Recommendations related to technology, equipment, staffing, and professional development.
6. Communication & Awareness Support
   1. Guidance on communication strategies and messaging for specialty program promotion.
   2. Identification of target audiences and recommended outreach approaches.
7. Annual SPARK Team Report
   1. An annual summary delivered to district leadership outlining SPARK Team activities, program evaluations, and recommendations for the upcoming year.

About the Team

Scottsdale’s SPARK Team serves as the district’s collaborative body for program development, review, monitoring, and continuous improvement of signature programs and specialty schools.

Key Purpose

• Evaluate signature program proposals
• Recommend new program locations
• Review program performance and status
• Research unique and new school programming models
• Provide implementation and strategic planning supports to schools/programs
• Recommend the continuation or removal of program status

Your Expertise is Needed

• Quarterly half day collaboration sessions
• Membership comprised of current signature program faculty, families and community partners
• Click here to indicate interest