Rockport committee unanimously adopts new Strategy for District Improvement, prioritizing data, SEL screening and "Win blocks"

The Rockport School Committee unanimously approved the district's Strategy for District Improvement (SDI), a multi-domain plan the leadership team presented as the district's baseline for measured growth.

Jody, a member of the leadership team, said the SDI focuses on "consistency, systemic programming for the whole district" and highlighted four priority areas: (1) growth and achievement using MTSS protocols and the district's analytic view system; (2) adopting a social-emotional learning screener this fall; (3) impactful professional practice using the new DESE model teacher rubric and specialized rubrics for instructional support personnel; and (4) revised programming such as Win blocks and MyFlex Learning in grades 9–12.

The presentation included program details: the elementary school will continue a 30-minute Win block each week (alternating math and literacy), grades 6–8 will have assigned Win groups, and grades 9–12 can self-schedule using MyFlex Learning for most days. The leadership team also signaled a planned data-driven review after the year to determine whether programmatic adjustments are required.

During discussion, the committee pressed for clear evidence links between SDI goals and expected outcomes; leadership said presentations going forward will attach SDI and SOA goal mappings so the committee can see which outcomes a given presentation supports. The SDI adoption motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

The SDI also references an intensive learning program at the elementary school (four students currently enrolled) and a therapeutic learning space (formerly RISE) being redesigned to meet current student needs. Leadership said a full update on the special-education program review will be presented to the committee in the coming months.