Strategic Priority 2
Engaged Education: Highly Effective Teaching Strategies & Student Ownership of Education
| Strategic Priority Two | Engaged Education:Highly Effective Teaching Strategies & Student Ownership of Education Evidence of Priority 2 |
|---|---|
| Why is this important? | Feedback from teachers, students, and families during the school site review indicated a need to continue strengthening the use of highly effective teaching strategies in all classrooms. Additionally, feedback highlighted the importance of fostering student ownership of learning, empowering students to take an active role in setting goals, monitoring their progress, and reflecting on their growth. By aligning instructional practices, and enhancing teacher collaboration, the district seeks to create an engaging and student-centered learning environment where every learner thrives. |
| Action steps related to the priority | Student Ownership and Career Pathways (Grades 6–12) – Encouraged middle and high school students to take ownership of academic and career goals through structured Student Success (middle school) and Advisory (high school) classes. – Guided students in exploring career interests and understanding how academic choices connect to future pathways. – Utilized School Links, a digital platform that helps students identify career interests, set academic goals, and track progress toward college and career readiness. – Supported students in making informed academic decisions aligned with personal aspirations and potential career directions. – Provided parents of high school students with a monthly “RAMp Up Report” on college and career readiness, goal setting, and self-management. – Sent a “Senior Scoop” newsletter to seniors and their parents to keep them informed of opportunities and events during the senior year. Elementary Curriculum Enhancements – Identified a need to strengthen foundational literacy and handwriting skills in elementary grades through academic data and staff reflection. – Developed a data-driven, comprehensive literacy goal to focus efforts and increase family engagement. – Purchased and implemented a new handwriting curriculum across elementary grades in fall 2025 to ensure consistency and build strong writing habits. – Emphasized intentional small-group instruction to support student learning. – Reviewed math data and feedback from parents and teachers to address learning gaps, leading to the adoption of a new, student-centric elementary math curriculum through teacher collaboration and planning. – Added a part-time elementary music teacher to provide daily fine arts instruction through music and art rotations, ensuring all students have regular opportunities for creative engagement. Professional Development – Continued investing in professional learning focused on high-impact teaching strategies, data interpretation, and developing a shared instructional framework. – Provided teachers and administration opportunities to give input on BOCES in-service days and the menu of training offered. – Partnered with BOCES to offer high-quality professional training that may not otherwise be accessible. – Scheduled three full professional development days annually, covering topics such as Kagan Cooperative Learning, AI, Boys Town, Exceptional Learners, and Multi-Language Learners. – Invested in NWEA training to help staff understand the platform and interpret student data. – Offered multiple elementary-focused training opportunities on Amplify, DIBELS data, and literacy improvement through support from a literacy specialist. Professional Learning Communities – Implemented Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to enhance educational practices. – Facilitated teacher collaboration through PLCs to analyze student data, share effective strategies, and align instruction across grade levels. – Strengthened a cohesive teaching culture focused on student engagement, equity, and continuous improvement. |
| Evidence of Implementation | The district has strengthened instructional systems and student support by implementing structured Student Success and Advisory programs that use School Links to guide students in academic and career planning. Elementary instruction has been enhanced through a new handwriting curriculum, a data-driven literacy goal, intentional small-group instruction, and the adoption of a more student-centered math curriculum, along with expanded fine arts access through the addition of a part-time music teacher. Professional development has been prioritized through partnerships with BOCES, offering high-quality trainings. NWEA and Amplify trainings have assisted the district in being more intentional regarding data driven dialogues. The district also implemented Professional Learning Communities, allowing teachers to collaborate regularly, analyze student data, align instructional strategies, and build a cohesive culture focused on engagement and continuous improvement. |
| Evidence of Impact | These initiatives have led to increased student ownership of learning, with high school students making more informed academic and career decisions through regular goal setting and use of School Links. Elementary students are demonstrating stronger foundational literacy skills. |