Outcome Based Continuous Improvement Overview

OBCI: Outcome Based Continuous Improvement

What is Outcome Base Continuous Improvement (OBCI)?

Camden County Schools’ Outcome Based Continuous Improvement (OBCI) model, in the simplest of terms, is a school improvement and strategic planning process that sets clear standards for observable, measurable outcomes and creates an environment where we hold one another accountable for those outcomes.
OBCI is founded on the belief that decisions about schools should be driven by the outcomes we'd like children to display at the end of their educational experiences. Planning efforts focus on clear expectations for what teaching should accomplish and plans are agile enough to adjust instruction, assessment and supports as necessary to accomplish those expectations.
Strategic planning efforts are aligned with our Board’s Vision, Purpose and Beliefs, informed by the values of the community and by effective schools research. Five Strategic Focus Areas provide a framework for organizing staff into Focus Area Work Groups who use core data revealing progress toward the outcomes and critical issues that threaten growth. Groups develop Action Plans which operationalize their work with strategies to meet Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time bound (SMART) objectives. These action plans are communicated to internal and external stakeholders during periodic performance reviews, reports at administrative and Board meetings and publications to reinforce accountability and ensure the transparency needed to build public trust and confidence.

Glossary of Terms


  • Performance Objective
    Within each strategic objective area, these goals must be met in order to achieve the needed results.
  • Plan for Continuous Improvement (PCI)
    Aligned and integrated collection of school and system Action Plans which is published for stakeholders each fall to highlight the work that will be undertaken in the system. The PCI makes the work of the system transparent to elicit trust confidence and support.
  • S.M.A.R.T. Objectives
    Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound objectives for performance targets aligned with one of the 5 Strategic Focus Areas and 17 related Goals.
  • Strategic Focus Areas
    Five key performance areas identified by the BOE, stakeholders, and leadership that are essential to success within the context of our Vision, Mission & Beliefs.
  • Strategic Planning
    The 3-5 year improvement planning for the organization.
  • Vision
    The desired long-term state of the organization, which determines its strategic themes.
  • Core Belief
    Beliefs that guide the actions and decisions of an organization; held by leaders, developed in members.
  • Balanced Scorecard (BSC)
    Performance Management, Strategic Management and Communications tool used by Camden County.
  • Action Plan
    A planning and reporting tool used to identify, track and make public the Critical Issues, S.M.A.R.T. Objectives and strategies adopted by schools and departments.