Compliance and Improvement Monitoring (CIM) Process

SIL’s Support in Shifting From Compliance to Improvement

The California Department of Education’s monitoring framework uses a tiered system that differentiates the level of monitoring and technical assistance support for each local educational agency (LEA) based on data analyses and LEA needs. At the core of the monitoring framework is the Compliance and Improvement Monitoring (CIM) process. The CIM process is a series of steps and activities aimed at the state identifying and assisting LEAs to identify areas for correction and improvement and developing an integrated plan to address them.

In spring 2022, CDE asked The System Improvement Leads (SIL) team to provide direct technical assistance to 25 LEAs that have been identified for level 1 intensive monitoring as they work through the CIM process. SIL is excited to play an integral role in supporting LEAs through the CIM process. The California Department of Education has made a targeted shift away from “check the box” elements of compliance to supporting LEAs through a streamlined three-step process that keeps improvement at the heart of the work. The intention is to make the work simple, but not easy.

SIL members are actively providing support during each phase (step) of this new system, hosting virtual and in-person meetings with districts throughout the state, as well as creating resources to strengthen the CIM process.

Teams are working diligently to make data a primary focus through the use of protocols, snapshot reports that make data accessible for all, and engaging in data-driven discussions. Many of the resources utilized can be found in the Improvement Data Center.

CIM is an ongoing, dynamic process, and teams are currently wrapping up Step 1 and moving into Step 2, where they will be investigating and engaging in root cause analysis. The SIL team has embraced their role as part of this new process as a way to create positive relationships and trust with teams to build the capacity for the use and implementation of tools for improvement.