First-grade students from across the district attended a book launch event for the book Porter the Hoarder at Central High...
Read MoreStories Behind the Goal

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.
Goal Priorities
- Effective core reading instruction that focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension
- A system of early identification (PreK-3) and intervention
- Professional development in effective core reading instruction and interventions
- Kindergarten readiness and early learning
Benchmarks & Information
Percent of Students Achieving Proficiency
This data shows the percentage of Rapid City Area Schools 3rd grade students who are achieving proficient and advanced levels in ELA on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
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Percent of Students Achieving Proficiency - Acadience
Acadience Reading is a universal screening and progress monitoring assessment that measures the acquisition of early literacy skills. The assessment is comprised of six brief measures that function as indicators of the essential skills that every child must master to become a proficient reader. These measures are used to regularly monitor the development of early literacy skills in order to provide timely instructional support and prevent the occurrence of later reading difficulties.
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Stories Behind the Goal
Learn more about what STEAM2 looks like in action by watching this video! Saving the World Through Science, From Garden...
Read More21st 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
Goal Priorities
- Innovation for rigorous, relevant, and engaging teaching and learning
- Growth mindset and self-directed learning
- 21st century skills and expertise
- Personalized learning aligned to student goals
- Facilities for 21st century learning
- Steam2 Blueprint for K-12
- Technology integration to enhance learning
Benchmarks & Information
SBAC ELA Assessments
This data shows the percent of all Rapid City Area Schools students who are achieving proficient and advanced levels in ELA on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
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SBAC Mathematics Assessments
This data shows the percent of all Rapid City Area Schools students who are achieving proficient and advanced levels in Math on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
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SBAC Science Assessments
This data shows the percent of all Rapid City Area Schools students who are achieving proficient and advanced levels in Science on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
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Stories Behind the Goal

Rapid City High School students are earning industry standard Microsoft certifications. The program, now offered in all three Rapid City...
Read MoreCollege, 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.
Goal Priorities
- Graduation expectations aligned with higher education and workforce development needs
- College and career ready culture of high expectations and equitable exposure to rigorous programming and supports
- Multiple pathways and opportunities for all students
Benchmarks & Information
Two Year College Application Rate
In 2018, the district began to track how many students are applying to two-year colleges.
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Four Year College Application Rate
In 2018, the district began to track how many students are applying to four-year colleges.
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Percent of High School Graduates Attending 2 & 4 Year Institutions
In 2018, the district began to track how many students are attending two and four year institutions.
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Dual Credit Participation
This data shows how many students participate in dual credit opportunities.
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CTE Participation
This data shows how many students took Career and Technical Education courses.
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Graduation Rate
This data shows the percentage of Rapid City Area Schools students who graduated in four years.
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ACT Composite Scores
This display shows the average ACT score achieved by Rapid City Area Schools students.
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5 Year Completion Rate
This data shows the percentage of Rapid City Area Schools students who graduated in five years.
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11th Grade SBAC Proficient/Advanced
This data shows the percent of 11th grade Rapid City Area Schools students who are achieving proficient and advanced levels in Math on the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
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Stories Behind the Goal

A team of district leaders, under the leadership of Dr. Robin Gillespie, Director of Federal Programs and Grants, has developed...
Read MoreTeaching 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.
Goal Priorities
- Culture that fosters innovation, risk taking, and continuous improvement
- Professional development for leaders, staff, and School Board focused on research-based practices that positively impact student learning
- Accountability process to support evidence-based best practices and results
- Strong teams through shared governance and shared leadership
- Positive school climate
- Technology competence for successful use and integration
Benchmarks & Information
Attendance Rate
This data shows the percentage of students who met the State’s goal of attending 90 percent or more of enrolled days. For the 2017-18 school year, the SD Department of Education changed the way they record attendance data. The 2017-18 (2018) percentage is baseline data.
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District Discipline
This data breaks down the District discipline incidents. The first chart shows the percentage of students with a discipline offense versus those without a discipline offense. The table breaks out the suspension details for the last two normal school years. *School Year 2020-2021 was not included due no school on Fridays and extensive E-learning.
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Stories Behind the Goal
The Rapid City Area Schools believes students grow academically and emotionally when they interact regularly with senior citizens. In fact,...
Read MoreSchool 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.
Goal Priorities
- Student leadership and investment in the community
- Community engagement for the future of our district
- District-wide volunteer program
- System of mutually beneficial business and community partnerships based on strategic plan priorities and areas of need
Benchmarks & Information
Community Partners
During the 2018-19 school year, the Rapid City Area Schools began to track the number of community businesses and organizations that partnered with the district.
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Community Volunteers
During the 2018-19 school year, the Rapid City Area Schools began to track the number of community volunteers in the district.
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Student Internship Participation
During the 2018-19 school year, the Rapid City Area Schools began to track the number of students who participated in student internship opportunities.
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Donations to RCAS
This data tracks the amount of donations given to the Rapid City Area Schools in the last three years.