District presents academic‑rigor plan and proficiency data as part of school improvement effort

The Rome City School District’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction presented the district’s priority on “academic rigor and excellence” at the Nov. 18 board meeting, laying out a multi‑year approach to increase proficiency and monitor growth.

The office will post building School Improvement Plans (SIPs) online before Thanksgiving. Staff will use a shortened walkthrough form focused on four priority questions tied to district goals plus two wellness/equity questions. The district is partnering with BOCES and vendors (Imagine Learning, Renaissance) for curriculum alignment, coaching and virtual office hours. The assistant superintendent said full implementation and visible districtwide results from a major curriculum change typically take up to three years.

He reported preliminary figures from the district profile: an unofficial graduation rate near 74%, districtwide ELA proficiency across grades 3–8 at about 19% and math at about 29%. He also described student growth percentile (SGP) tracking through Renaissance and noted some positive gains in select cohorts and special education groups. To avoid state identification (TSI/CSI), he urged families to support high test participation and regular attendance.

Board members asked about translating small‑group instruction to crowded classrooms; the assistant superintendent said elementary rooms are already configured for centers, while secondary schools will receive targeted professional development and classroom visits through BOCES.