Strategic Plans

Reading by Third Grade

Students will proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade.

Reading proficiently by 3rd grade is a major predictor of future academic success. Being at grade level is meaningful at any age, but third grade is the crucial year when students make the leap from learning to read to reading to learn. It is an academic hurdle that, if missed, can leave students behind their peers for the remainder of their education. Our core priority is to assure students receive the best instruction from effective teachers to assure all students meet the demand of reading proficiency by the end of third grade.

21st Century Learning

Create a learning environment that is dynamic and personalized to ensure our students have the foundation to excel in the 21st century.

One of the most important roles of RCAS is to engage students in the learning process and graduate them prepared to thrive in today’s digitally and globally interconnected world. 21st Century learning is an umbrella term that defines and illustrates the skills, knowledge, expertise, and support systems that students need to succeed in work, life and citizenship. All of these elements are critical to ensuring 21st century readiness for every student:

• Integration of 21st Century Themes in core Subjects
• Learning and Innovation Skills
• Information Media and Technology Skills
• Life and Career Skills
• 21st Century Learning Environment

College, Career, and Life Readiness

Expand opportunities for College and Career exploration and enrichment for all students.

Preparing students for success beyond high school graduation is one of the most important roles of RCAS. College, Career, and Life Ready is an umbrella term for education and workforce development programs and pathway initiatives which ensure high school graduates have the academic, employability, and technical skills necessary to be prepared for the full range of postsecondary opportunities. The focus in RCAS is to prepare students for both college and career, rather than one of the other.

College, Career, and Life Readiness is a progression of knowledge and skills leading to credentials, certificates, and/or college – whether this is a one-year, two-year, and/or four-year degree program.

Teaching and Leading

Increasing instructional quality, reducing variability, and aligning curriculum within RCAS are the cornerstones for providing 21st Century Learning opportunities for all students. Teachers are most effective when supported by skilled leaders focused on assuring that all students receive high quality instruction that is aligned within and between schools. Moving forward, RCAS teachers and leaders will work collaboratively to build and strengthen a culture of innovation for increased technology integration and competence – for students and staff. Collaborative efforts will be guided by research-based, proven , and embedded professional development. Leadership exists at multiple levels within schools, and opportunities to cultivate and share leadership will expand to strengthen teams as they share in the responsibility and accountability for student academic growth and assuring positive climates.

School and Community Partnerships

Develop a sustainable system of effective partnerships between our schools and community to enhance opportunities for students.

Business, higher education , and community partnerships play an essential role in building successful schools. Education partnerships are a critical component to building capacity, providing support, and resources to meet students and families needs that go above and beyond what the school district can provide. Effective partnerships are built on mutual interests and shared responsibility to advance outcomes. RCAS is committed to working with our powerful alliance of educators, families, and community to build reciprocal, authentic partnerships that impact student success. While these partnerships support RCAS in the present, we know the benefits to the community will continue long into the future. Together we can build tomorrow’s community, through our shared goal of empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and the supports they need to become productive caring citizens that thrive and give back to their communities.