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CalSTAT Califormnia Services for Technical Assistance and Training - Learning Center

 

Overview: Ranchero Middle School

In an effort to meet the needs of every student, Ranchero Middle school utilizes the ExCEL model to develop and advance the skills of every learner toward the mastery of California State Content Standards. Through the implementation of this model, RMS is committed to engaging and teaching all students at their instruction level from remedial to advanced. While meeting the requirements of No Child Left Behind, RMS uses a framework of strategies that builds upon the philosophy that all students can learn.

Teachers use a hybrid of research-based best practices that have been proven effective with students at all academic levels, including those students who are deficient. Students are placed in one of five levels based on assessments. The scaffolded classes are made up of a homogenous mixture of students where a variety of methodologies are used to develop students' goals and strategies as they progress toward grade level mastery.

The purpose of Ranchero Middle School's model is to provide all students with instruction at their developmental level while ensuring the teaching of grade level standards. Mastery of grade level standards is the goal for all students. In order to achieve the purpose and goal that RMS has set, teachers use differentiated instructional stragtegies to meet student needs. Other key elements include:

  • Effective communication
  • Academic training for parents
  • Professional development opportunities for staff
  • Efficacious resources
  • Student assessment to determine placement

To verify accomplishments, several modes of assessment are used. Ranchero evaluates and uses test data from year to year, including STAR testing and Degrees of Reading Power. Parent/family and community relationships are a daily and ongoing priority. Ranchero Middle School created a Parent Resource Center where parents will find tools to help their children be successful. By providing parents with hands on materials and classes in a welcoming environment, we believe that parent and community involvement will help Ranchero students and their pursuit of excellence.

The task of meeting the varied needs of a diverse student population is a concern of both parents and educators. Research suggests that student growth can be attained through positive interactions and high classroom engagement. The Parent Resource Center will allow families and teachers to interact about effective teaching strategies that infuses schoolwide objectives and illustrates positive behavioral supports, family and school partnerships, and collaboration. The continuing goal will be to demonstrate a variety of research-based practices that have proven to produce sustained results at the middle school level.

Through an array of visual and hands on activities, parents will have tangible means to easily incorporate these methodologies for their children at home to support their learning in the classroom.