PACT Academy highlights literacy and PBIS initiatives to enhance student engagement

Critical media literacy took center stage at the Natomas Charter District's Board of Directors meeting on April 14, 2025, as educators emphasized its importance for eighth-grade students. The discussion highlighted innovative projects, including a C-SPAN initiative aimed at helping students understand social issues that affect their lives.

The meeting showcased the district's commitment to engaging students through interactive learning and innovative teaching methods. A new cell phone policy, which faced initial challenges, has since been successfully implemented, allowing for a more focused learning environment. Library staff played a key role in this transition by showcasing old-school technology to encourage students to disconnect from their devices.

The board also celebrated the success of recent family engagement events, such as Math Night, where parents learned how to support their children's learning at home. The district's focus on rigorous literacy instruction aims to improve both English Language Arts (ELA) and math scores across all grades. This year, a new intervention program identified 15 students who required additional phonics instruction, resulting in significant academic growth for many.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) were also a major topic, with the district implementing a system to promote a safe and supportive school environment. The PBIS framework encourages recognizing positive behaviors, aiming for a five-to-one ratio of positive to corrective feedback. This initiative is designed to foster a culture of responsibility, ownership, collaboration, and kindness among students.

As the school year progresses, the district is set to continue refining its instructional strategies and behavior support systems, with plans for further training and community involvement. The board's discussions reflect a strong commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and fostering a positive school culture for all students.