ACTION PLANNING

Session Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• List the goals of Action Planning

• Explain the Action Planning process

• Describe the roles of program staff, funders,

partners and ClASS Review Team

• List best practices for Action Planning sessions

Action Planning Goals

1. Discuss ClASS findings in detail

2. Prioritize findings and develop an immediate action plan

3. Discuss local TA resources and assign responsibility for areas needing attention

4. Foster staff ownership and program sustainability

5. Provide evidence-based approach to capacity building

6. Assist Project Manager in monitoring role

Action Planning Process

1. Introductions

2. Discuss goals and objectives for session

3. Review Action Plan document and process for session with a focus on prioritization of opportunities for improvement

4. Review priority opportunities for improvement as identified by ClASS Team

5. Document next steps to address opportunities for improvement, by whom (individual or organization responsible) and by when (specific dates identified)

6. Close and distribute action plan

Action Planning Participants

• Review Team

• Site Staff and Leadership

• Technical Assistance Associates

• Funders (when applicable)

Action Plan Template

FINANCEAreas for Improvement Action / Activities Responsible

Party Timeline Resources/TA Needed

ClASS Assessment Areas for ImprovementWork Plan Development Session – (Date)

Role of Program Staff

• Participate actively in discussions

• Participate actively in creating solutions, identifying deliverables, and offering suggestions for TA and capacity building

• Commit to take responsibility for deliverables and to set and meet timelines

Role of ClASS Review Team and Funders• Team Lead pre-populates Action Planning template

with opportunities for improvement detailed in final debrief and may populate Action Plan during the session

• Review Team members and funders (when applicable) participate actively in discussion to clarify any opportunities for improvement or ClASS recommendations and are flexible to make changes when appropriate

• Make suggestions about possible TA resources

Best Practices (1)

• Not held on the same day as the Closing Session if possible

• Presentation and overview of Action Planning process should be made by ClASS Team Lead

• ClASS Team should prioritize opportunities for improvement to optimize time

Best Practices (2)

• Site staff should participate only in those sessions that are directly applicable to their position

• List next steps in detail

Intended Outcomes of Action Planning• All are aware of post-assessment responsibilities

• Site staff can immediately begin addressing opportunities for improvement

• Funders understand what deliverables to expect

• Alignment/leveraging of local resources among partners

• All parties assist in search for TA resources

• Increased organizational capacity and sustainability

Key Points

• Ultimate goal is to promote program sustainability by developing an immediate plan for action and fostering program ownership

• ClASS Team should prioritize for discussion most important opportunities for improvement

• Process involves completing Action Planning template, outlining priority activities, responsible parties and deadlines

• All stakeholders participate actively in discussion and remain flexible to make changes when appropriate

QUESTIONS?