RPSA Improvement Plan

 

MICIP Goals Document - All Schools

 

RPSA and RELC provide dozens of program options for our students and families. As part of our plans for continuous improvement, the Academy chooses certain initiatives for in-depth professional learning, monitoring, evaluation, fidelity checks and coaching supports. These initiatives are designed around the academic goals set by the State of Michigan and our charter authorizer, Bay Mills Community College. They align fully with our commitment to meeting the needs of the whole child, as supported by the Michigan Department of Education.  During 2021-2023 RPSA/RELC Focus Areas include:

 

WIN

Our daily schedule is designed so that all RPSA and RELC students receive targeted support during WIN (What I Need) time.  Teachers use student academic data to group students based on needs.  During WIN time staff may pre teach or reteach a lesson, guide students in practicing literacy or math skills and provide enrichment opportunities for students who are above grade level. The goal is to meet students where they are and ensure they are ready and able to engage in the work for their grade level or, in some cases, beyond their grade level.

See the Michigan Department of Education article Accelerated Learning to learn more about the research behind our WIN model.

 

Leader in Me/Positive Behavior Incentives and Supports

At RPSA and RELC we strive to develop each child’s leadership qualities.  Through a planned program of study, students learn and practice the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  

Habit	Principles
#1  Be Proactive	Responsibility, choice, accountability, initiative and resourcefulness
#2  Begin with the End in Mind	Vision, commitment and purpose
#3  Put First Things First	Prioritization, integrity, discipline, focus
#4  Think Win/Win	Mutual benefit, fairness and abundance
#5  Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood	Empathy, respect, mutual understanding and courage
#6  Synergize	Creativity, cooperation, diversity and humility
#7  Sharpen the Saw	Balance, renewal and continuous improvement

For additional information, see the 7 Habits At A Glance document on the Leader in Me website. 

We take a positive approach to behavior supports rather than a punitive one.  Rewards and incentives are a regular part of our school program, so that students are recognized for their leadership efforts and constructive behaviors. Our Academy uses restorative practices for students who need additional behavioral supports within the school community.  

 

New Tech Network (Grades 6 – 8)

Here at RPSA we are in the 3rd year of our partnership with New Tech Network (https://newtechnetwork.org/).  

Our shared vision for student success – college and career readiness for all students – has a very specific meaning in the Network. What we mean is that every graduate of a New Tech school leaves aware, eligible and prepared to pursue postsecondary education or training.

–New Tech Network – Helping Students Succeed

New Tech Network has supported our middle school teachers in designing project based learning activities where students engage in authentic tasks that integrate content from math, science, technology, language arts and social studies. 

NTN students were more likely than their non-NTN peers to report: being challenged in their classes, giving their maximum effort, enjoying working on tasks that require a lot of thinking, using technology to gather and communicate information, and school work making them curious to learn other things.

–New Tech Network – Impact

Learn more about the equity based principles that form the foundation of our New Tech partnership here.  

 

Culturally Inclusive ELA Curriculum (Grades K-5)

RPSA has invested in new core curriculum resources to support our diverse learners.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Reading program recognizes “engaged readers are inspired writers.” (HMH Into Reading overview) The comprehensive program offers

• An extensive library of trade books that serves as a connection to each module topic, and bridges reading and writing instruction.
• Culturally relevant and ethnically diverse text sets to build cross-disciplinary knowledge and serve as a springboard for writing and discussion.
• Scaffolding in the program to ensure students receive the initial support and practice that sets them on the best path to independence.
• Authentic literature focal texts to kick off every module of writing.
• A Writer’s Notebook that gives students the chance to learn the basics of writing conventions as they analyze writer’s craft, explore various genres, and grow in mastery.
• Anchor charts to spotlight the three key components of any story and provide students with an easily digestible, visual format for organizing their thoughts.

(HMH Into Reading overview)