1.A.1 Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum

• Ensure a high standard of learning for every student by delivering rigorous and content-standard-aligned instruction across all grade levels and content areas.

1.A.2 Tiered Instruction

• Assess individual student learning needs and respond with targeted instruction emphasizing English Language Arts and mathematics.

1.A.3 Student Engagement

• Support daily classroom instructional design that engages students in relevant and active learning activities.

1.A.4 Data Response/Assessment

• Utilize benchmark and formative assessment data to inform instruction based on building, grade level, and classroom student learning trends.

1.A.5 Eliminating Opportunity Gaps

• Identify district and building population achievement trends and focus specialized instructional programming toward target students who are disadvantaged and underachieving compared to their peers.

1.B.1 Career Awareness

• Accelerate opportunities for career exploration by providing regular embedded career pathway exposure throughout a student’s K-12 experience.

• Engage families and students at all levels in understanding post-secondary options for careers.

1.B.2 Job Shadow Experiences

• Create opportunities for students at all levels to engage in meaningful job shadow experiences that showcase varied future pathways.

1.B.3 College Credit and Certification Opportunities

• Leverage current partnerships and expand new opportunities to increase access for students to earn valuable certifications and college credits while in grades 6-12.

1.B.4 Employability Skills

• Ensure all students strengthen the necessary skills to enter the workforce and adulthood in ways that support success, including leadership, initiative, social skills, problem-solving, and growth mindset.

1.C.1 Social-Emotional Wellness

• Integrate and support a district-wide social-emotional curriculum to establish articulated grade-level expectations and strengthen skill development for every student.

1.C.2 Embedded Inquiry Learning Opportunities

• Incorporate inquiry-driven and problem-based learning activities across all grade levels and subjects to encourage innovation and critical thinking among students.

1.C.3 Evaluating Information

• Embed information literacy skills and the leveraging of digital tools to teach students how to critically assess the credibility of information and sources.

1.C.4 Effective Communication

• Engage students in collaborative classroom learning activities to develop their abilities to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

1.D.1 Enriching Experiences

• Extend student learning opportunities by creating community and school-based opportunities for students in all grade levels to engage in meaningful experiences during and after school hours.

1.D.2 Innovative Programming

• Expand and enroll students in innovative programs supporting a balanced and well-rounded education. Examples include multilingual programs, Science Technology, Engineering Arts Mathematics (STEAM), outdoor education, coding, robotics, academically advanced programs, fine arts, and others.

1.D.3 Co-Curricular Offerings

• Improve opportunities for students at all levels to engage in co-curricular activities, including student interest clubs, philanthropic and volunteer activities, arts programming, career awareness clubs, civic engagement clubs, and competitive and non-competitive athletic programs.

2.A.1 Whole Child Growth Opportunities

• Provide comprehensive mental health screening of all students.
• Create and maintain mentorship programs that strengthen interpersonal relationships with students.
• Establish a team of support personnel in each learning community to provide
• student wellness services.

2.A.2 Tiered Systems of Support

• Develop a district-wide, social-emotional, tiered system of support.
• Ensure vertical alignment of DK-12 social-emotional curriculum.
• Promote school-wide absence prevention and intervention practices.

2.A.3 Healthy Relationships

• Establish restorative practices to respond to student behaviors.
• Provide addiction support and education.

2.A.4 Physical and Mental Health Support

• Elevate school nutrition with healthier options for snacks and meals.
• Promote an active lifestyle through expanded physical education opportunities.
• Provide mindfulness training for all students integrated into instruction.
• Increase engagement and productivity through the student experience with new
• classroom furniture.

2.A.5 Special Programming

• Integrate students with disabilities within the building culture in meaningful ways.
• Provide social work support for all students and staff in each building.
• Expand peer-to-peer programs for equitable access across all buildings.

2.B.1 Curricular/Grade Level Expectations

• Connect classroom activities with “real world” relevance to promote student interest and skill development.
• Establish partnerships with local businesses.
• Increase students’ knowledge about fiscally responsible decision making.

2.B.2 Strong Emotional Skills

• Participate in productive struggle activities to work through difficult situations.
• Use problem-based learning opportunities to focus on resilience and solution-based outcomes.

2.B.3 Goal Setting

• Use growth mindset education to allow students to set academic and personal wellness goals.

2.B.4 Self-Assessment and Reflection

• Provide student assessment and reflection opportunities around achievement or performance to strengthen ownership and resiliency.

2.C.1 District Response Team

• Strengthen the district Crisis Management Team through relevant training and procedural practices.
• Review and update the district Crisis Communication Plan.
• Continue to emphasize training for all populations with our district’s emergency response procedures.
• Refine the district critical risk management protocols to support high needs situations.

2.C.2 Safe District Learning Environments

• Provide secure and updated indoor learning spaces for student collaboration accessible to all students.
• Ensure outdoor play-based learning areas are accessible to all students.
• Identify and renovate existing spaces for parity and student safety across the district.
• Educate students and staff on emergency response procedures.

2.C.3 Evaluate and Upgrade Physical Safety Measures Throughout the District

• Educate staff and students on safety protocols, including local and national trends in school safety and security.
• Evaluate physical security and safety measures at all district sites and make necessary upgrades.

3.A.1 School-to-School Partnerships

• Provide opportunities for students to engage in virtual international collaborations, exchange programs, or global learning initiatives.

3.A.2 Interacting with Diversity

• Implement regular training sessions on cultural competence, implicit bias, and inclusive practices.

3.A.3 Promoting Perspective-Taking and Understanding

• Implement activities that encourage students to explore and appreciate diverse perspectives and opinions.

3.A.4 Diverse Cultural Celebrations

• Organize multicultural events, celebrations, or cultural exchange programs to expose students to different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

3.A.5 Digital Citizenship

• Offer digital literacy lessons, workshops, and seminars that address issues of online safety, digital footprint, and digital etiquette.

3.B.1 Cultural Responsiveness

• Embed lessons on the world’s cultures into various subject areas, including history, social studies, and literature.

3.B.2 Inclusive Participation in Community Events

• Provide equal access for all students to extracurricular activities, enriching experiences, and educational opportunities regardless of financial circumstances.

3.B.3 Eliminating Barriers and Enhancing Student Engagement

• Ensure that policy and practice promote inclusivity
• and access to programming for all students.

3.C.1 Local Experiences

• Engage in community-based experiences (field trips, internships, job shadows, etc.) that allow students to experience the benefits of local organizations.

3.C.2 Strong Partnerships

• Build and fortify district partnerships with local, state, and national organizations to support and enhance education in Rockford and across the state.

3.C.3 Preparation for Global Interaction

• Facilitate experiences to prepare students for active participation in a worldwide community through international learning experiences and global service learning projects.

3.C.4 Community Service

• Provide pathways for local philanthropic projects and engagement between schools and the greater community.

4.A.1 Professional Learning

• Collaborate with leadership of all staff groups to understand growth areas and embed professional learning into the yearly district calendar.

4.A.2 Staff Wellness

• Survey staff needs and explore wellness programs to promote mental and physical wellness.

4.A.3 Competitive Staff Compensation Schedule

• Gather data about other school districts’ staff compensation schedules and prioritize decision-making to pay our staff competitively.

4.A.4 Opportunity for Advancement

• Develop new pathways for staff to obtain additional certifications, advanced degrees, or leadership roles.

4.B.1 Consistent Communication

• Enhance and streamline the district website, social media, and communication entities to improve access to school information.
• Engage in timely and relevant communication with community stakeholders.

4.B.2 Enhanced Family Relationships

• Develop resources to promote family engagement in school and community events.
• Provide staff professional development opportunities to build capacity with family engagement.

4.B.3 Leadership Influence

• Grow and foster community partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and institutes of higher education.
• Engage in regular conversation with parents, students, staff, and local leaders to strengthen understanding and action around community values.
• Build partnerships with professional organizations at the local, state, and national levels to advance innovative thought and stay current in the field of education.

4.B.4 Robust Community Engagement

• Encourage and support the use of school volunteers and family participation in school district events.
• Expand community partner engagement in district initiatives.

4.C.1 Welcoming Environments

• Build the capacity of all staff to implement affirming and welcoming language for all.
• Train staff in trauma-informed practices.
• Provide safe and culturally responsive environments that value and celebrate the diversity of our community.

4.C.2 Supporting All Learners

• Increase staff awareness and capacity to support students from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.
• Devote professional learning to understanding how to meet the needs of diverse populations.

4.C.3 Honoring Perspectives

• Engage students in regular, inclusive events that highlight global perspectives and represent diversity in our school community.
• Increase the percentage of students and parents responding to district surveys.

5.A.1 Organizational Wellness

• Build capacity in all staff to understand and implement the tenets of fiscal responsibility using district resources.
• Establish and communicate clear policies and procedures to all levels of district leadership.
• Manage resources with a student-centered decision-making lens.
• Collaborate on best practices and procedures to optimize efficiency and the utilization of resources.

5.A.2 System Monitoring and Improvement

• Develop protocols and methods for efficiency and cost-saving measures.
• Increase collaboration among district departments using common data systems to drive continuous improvement.
• Build capacity in district staff to utilize data to drive improvement and effectively plan for future needs.
• Ensure district financial health through proactive budget planning, ongoing monitoring, and sound fiscal management practices.

5.B.1 Updated Communication Platforms

• Review and update the district website to add features that increase informational effectiveness.
• Provide ongoing and accessible communication that meets the needs of all in our school community.
• Develop technology pathways that streamline the end-user experience and facilitate effective communication.
• Enhance district payment experiences through clarity and consolidation.

5.B.2 Stakeholder Feedback

• Develop a method to monitor and communicate progress on the implementation of RAMS XII.
• Enhance feedback channels with students, families, and RPS community members to drive future district priorities.

5.C.1 Planning for the Future

• Gather stakeholder input to identify current strengths and anticipated future needs.
• Prioritize current and future district needs for school bond consideration.

5.C.2 Modernizing Infrastructure

• Enhance student learning experiences through facility renovation and construction.
• Ensure the district facilities meet the changing needs of the community and student population.
• Provide student opportunities in modern, comfortable spaces across all district learning environments.
• Leverage district technology infrastructure to enhance organizational effectiveness and transparency.
• Maintain and upgrade district facilities to maximize student learning, prioritized by identified district needs.

5.C.3 Facility Access

• Enhance district scheduling procedures to maximize the use of facility use outside of the school day.
• Ensure district facilities and programs are accessible to all in our school community.
• Maintain rigorous security measures to prioritize student safety in all district facilities and events.