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CalSTAT Califormnia Services for Technical Assistance and Training - Learning Center

 

Strategies: Ranchero Middle School

For Ranchero Middle School to be successful, teachers, staff, parents, administrators, and district personnel are trained in strategies through continual in-services provided for professional development.

The ExCEL model, a mainstreamed, all-inclusive program within the classroom supported by special education case carriers, is used to support the needs of all students. RMS implements coaching and management training through mentor and buddy teachers, department chairpersons, administration, and new teacher academies. Success is continually measured by teachers setting yearly goals and objectives, observations by administration, collection of student work samples, team collaboration, and visitations from other schools.

RMS uses a variety of instructional strategies that are research-based. Strategies used across the curriculum include:

  • Thinking Maps
  • SDAIE
  • Mnemonic Strategies
  • Step-Up to Writing
  • AVID
  • Reading Apprenticeship
  • Kaplan Test-Taking Strategies
  • Marzano Strategies
  • Standards Plus
  • CLAD
  • GLAD
  • Be a Better Reader
  • SRA Corrective Reading
  • Accelerated Math/STAR Math
  • State Frameworks
  • Taking Center Stage ACT II
  • Frameworks for Understanding Poverty
  • REWARDS
  • High Point
  • Sharpen UP!
  • Prentice Hall
  • McDougal Littell
  • Cornell Notes | Avid Methodologies
  • District Pacing Plans
  • Words Their Way
  • Accelerated Reading/STAR Reader
  • Building Effective Schools Together Practices

Using the District's Pacing Plan, which incorporates the California State Standards, RMS is committed to every learner. A school site plan and ExCEL model plan are created to support all members of RMS's community of stakeholders. Administrators support the schools' programs through intrinsic motivation by encouraging staff and providing immediate feedback during walk-throughs and observations.

In addition, staff receives monetary compensation for CLINIC after school tutoring. Professional development opportunities are provided within and outside of the district through workshops and conferences.

Students are rewarded with their participation in the Renaissance program, assemblies, quarterly team awards, field trips, and field days. Other incentives to continue to pursue greatness include family skate nights, service organizations, recognition from visiting schools, Friday activities, thank you letters, and the continuance of sustained growth in STAR testing and schoolwide API growth.