Introduction
The Chariho Regional School District embarked on a five year strategic planning process in the fall of 2008. Through a community wide process and self study, the strategic planning committee reviewed and revised the Mission, Vision, and Beliefs of the District. During the process, rigorous and relevant goals, strategies, and action items were developed.
The strategic planning committee, consisting of more than 30 school personnel, community members, parents, students, and School Committee members, reviewed the previous strategic plan, analyzed district data, gathered information from the School Committee, and reviewed information from resources such as, but not limited to:
- Tough Choices, Tough Times
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills; Transition Brief: Policy Recommendations on Preparing Americans for the Global Skills Race
- Change Leadership: A practical Guide to Transforming Our Schools.
The strategic planning committee also reviewed accomplishments from the previous district strategic plan, which included:
- the implementation of Personal Literacy Plans for students reading below grade level,
- the development of a standards based report card,
- the development of a comprehensive guidance program throughout the district,
- supported leadership development and a comprehensive leadership evaluation system, and
- the creation and implementation of proficiency based graduation requirements.
Especially noteworthy during this time was passage of Campus 2010, which will allow for much needed facility upgrades on the main campus and throughout the District.
All schools throughout the district will utilize the district strategic plan as the basis for the development of their school improvement plans. District planning and implementation of curriculum, programs, and activities will ensure equity and adequacy of resources including staff, materials, and financial support.
Mission
The Chariho Regional School District ensures that all students meet high academic standards and are prepared for lifelong learning and productive global citizenship.
Vision
With a commitment to continuous improvement, the District’s highly-qualified staff engages with students in state-of-the-art facilities to master challenging content, to promote creativity, and to foster critical thinking. The District is recognized by the community as its greatest asset.
Beliefs
We believe that high academic standards and research informed decision making are critical…
All students can learn and meet or exceed rigorous standards.
All students at every level must be engaged in rigorous and challenging academic experiences.
Rigorous academic standards are the foundation of this school district.
Instructional and program decisions must be data-informed and research-based.
Learning is a continuous lifelong process.
Schools must prepare students to be creative and critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators.
The physical, social, and emotional wellness of every child is necessary for optimum learning.
We believe that the larger community must be fully engaged in the learning process…
Education is a shared responsibility of students, parents, staff, and the community.
Students thrive when supported, nurtured, and engaged by the community.
In an environment that emphasizes school safety, everyone must be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.
Schools must prepare students to be team members and leaders, community contributors, and productive citizens in a global society.
Goals
- All students will acquire the knowledge to meet the increasing demands of a globally influenced world.
- All schools will meet adequate yearly progress (AYP) and all targets as identified by federal and state law.
- All families and the community will demonstrate respect for and value of education.
- All schools will be ranked in the top 20% among schools in the SORICO region and in the top 10% of those that are demographically similar in the state. The District will be ranked among the top five in the state.
Strategies and Actions
Strategy #1: Assessment
Develop and implement a comprehensive pre-kindergarten through grade twelve student assessment and monitoring system.
Develop formative and summative assessments aligned to standards, GLEs and GSEs. (Goals 2 & 4)
Analyze and use assessment data to improve instruction and meet individual needs of students. (Goals 2 & 4)
Use data to assess and refine instructional programs. (Goals 2 & 4)
Strategy #2: Communication
Create a district wide communication plan that keeps parents and the larger community informed and engaged in the educational process.
Design and implement a comprehensive pre-kindergarten through grade twelve communication plan. (Goals 1, 2, 3 & 4)
Create meaningful opportunities for parents and community members to interact with the schools. (Goal 3)
Develop a public relations campaign to raise awareness of the importance of a quality education. (Goal 3)
Strategy #3: Technological Resources
Provide increased resources for the technological tools that will significantly and positively impact on the quality of the educational program.
Ensure that our students and teachers have access to state-of-the-art technology tools. (Goals 1, 3, & 4)
Develop policy and a structure that supports virtual learning across all grades. (Goals 1, 3 & 4)
Develop and implement a user-friendly technology plan that specifically addresses (1) the human aspect, (2) 21st century skills, (3) engaging and training of staff, and (4) teaching and learning. (Goals 1, 3, & 4)
Extend Power School access for parents to access student grades at the elementary level. (Goal 3)
Strategy #4: Safe Schools and Student Supports
Implement a system of supports to meet the academic needs of all students.
Provide a structure to identify and serve highly capable students. Design systems of programmatic and instructional options for those students who have demonstrated proficiency. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Develop and refine a comprehensive system of supports for students not making adequate progress. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Provide all students performing below standard with targeted and explicit instruction that is monitored frequently and adjusted accordingly. (Goals 2 & 4)
Develop a technologically-based, comprehensive Individual Learning Plan that includes a personal wellness component for students beginning in grade six. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Implement a Response to Intervention system in each school. (Goals 2 & 4)
Continue implementation of responsive classroom strategies at the elementary level and investigate extension of these strategies at the middle level. (Goals 1, 2, 3, & 4)
Evaluate the effectiveness of student behavior and attendance policies and practices and revise if necessary. (Goals 1, 2, 3, & 4)
Strategy #5: 21st Century Skills
Enhance the curriculum by developing a world language program, by expanding opportunities in mathematics and science, and by focusing on the application of problem-solving, critical thinking, and workplace skills.
Design curricula to maximize opportunities for the application of math, science, and the use of technology at all levels. (Goals 1, 3, & 4)
Provide structures and resources that encourage staff to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills through the use of applied learning opportunities. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Expand the advisory network through further engagement of leaders in business, industry and higher education. (Goal 1, 2, & 4)
Ensure that students learn and apply skills appropriate for the work environment, such as teamwork, punctuality, personal responsibility, and pride in work. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Develop a K-12 world languages program and curriculum. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Implement Personal Literacy Plans for all students who are reading below grade level. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Examine reading practices at all grade levels to be sure that there is alignment with the Regents reading policy. (Goals 1, 2, & 4)
Strategy #6: Educator Quality
Ensure the quality of all individuals engaged in the teaching and learning process.
Recruit, hire and retain highly qualified administrators, teachers, and support staff. Acknowledge excellence. (Goals 1, 2, 3, & 4)
Develop a research-based professional development program in multiple formats that both supports the growth of individuals and leads to the attainment of Vision 2013. (Goals 1, 2 & 4)
Continue to improve the teacher mentoring program; explore options for an expanded induction experience. (Goals 1, 2, 3, & 4)