Part one of two

As the new school year unfolds, the administrators of RSU 21 are working hard to ensure that all students have the tools they need to have a productive and successful year. Dr. Terri Cooper, superintendent of RSU 21, highlights some of the new and enhanced systems and services the district provides to students to generate that atmosphere of success.

“I’m very enthusiastic about our visual and performing arts program. I’m so pleased to report that every building in our district has art and music,” said Dr. Cooper. “In the past, not every school had all the visual and performing arts offerings, and many of those teaching positions were part time. This upgrade represents a response to the communities’ requests that we value the arts, and I’m proud of the rich array of expanded arts curriculum we are now providing.”

Cooper underscores the critical relationship between enhanced social and emotional support and healthy, happy, successful students. Each school across the district now has at least one counselor and one social worker, with additional social work staff across the district. This enhanced capacity is essential so that the schools can attend to students in acute circumstances quickly and efficiently and effectively bridge the gap as they seek services in the community. Additionally, the district partners with Spurwink to provide resources and services to students. “Not all school districts have the ability to offer this safety net,” Cooper said.

Curriculum is also at the forefront of this year’s changes. “We operate our general education services based on a multi-tiered system. Tier 1 includes the classroom instruction that all students get,” said Anita Bernhardt, assistant superintendent. “Tier 2 is directed toward students who need a little extra support. This is usually provided in the classroom. An example of Tier 2 support in literacy are our guided reading groups.

“Tier 3 services are usually 1:1 and are designed to provide highly focused accelerated learning. Students who do not make progress after receiving Tier 3 services are often considered for specially designed instruction provided through the IEP process.”

RSU 21 has used this tiered approach for math, literacy, and behavior for several years. This year, the administration continues to refine the system.

“I think everyone would agree that curriculum and instruction are the most important elements of school,” Cooper said. “This year, we are taking a hard look at math programming to be sure it supports students as they develop math skills for today’s jobs. A similar review for grade 6-12 social studies has begun in the district.”

A standing curriculum committee was added to the school board last spring to help ensure that the curriculum meets the expectations of the community and puts the school board in a position to help maintain the education goals of the district.

“We offer a variety of pathways and offerings to students that includes AP courses, alternative education, vocational programs and additional coursework students can access through community colleges and universities,” Cooper said.

Students at RSU 21 have access to a broad range of co-curricular, extracurricular and athletic programming. “We are proud of the accomplishments of our students in these areas,” said Cooper. “Whether in athletics championships, robotics, musical ensembles, or community engagement, our students have access to and demonstrate their passion and prowess beyond the classroom. We are committed to consistently improving the education we provide our students. We have made significant enhancements that I believe help us accomplish that goal.”

Ann Ewing is a copy writer, media relations specialist for KDK Consulting Group. She can be reached at 615-419-3753.

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