School Improvement Plan 2020-21

  • Download the plan here (PDF)

    Introduction

    Since 1968, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School (RVTHS) has been a leader in preparing students for both career and college readiness. Serving the students of Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport, Diman provides both secondary and post‐secondary opportunities. As an educational philosophy, Diman faculty and staff believe that world‐class education comingles experiential learning with rigorous academia. As such, Diman educators aim to graduate socially conscious, critically engaged participants of a global community. Diman alumni are then expected to utilize their educational experiences to advance change in a fluid and technologically savvy world.

    At Diman RVTHS, students are held to the highest educational standards. The results of these expectations have historically led to varied and measured successes, as well as a state determined level one status.

    Diman also offers many extracurricular activities and encourages all students to participate in community service activities during their high school careers. The Diman RVTHS belief is that learning does not conclude with the end of the school day. Rather, a Diman education affords students the opportunities for lifelong learning and the skills to improve their communities at large.

    Vision

    Diman RVTHS graduates will be occupationally skilled workers whose academic, vocational/technical, and workplace competencies will make them responsive to socioeconomic, technological, and environmental challenges in a complex and changing society.

    Mission

    The mission of Diman RVTHS is to develop the unique potential of each learner by enabling students to acquire knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are needed to achieve personal, academic, vocational/technical, and civic goals.

    Objectives

    1. To ensure that every student is given opportunity to develop his/her potential without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, disability, or homelessness.
    2. To provide state‐of‐the‐art, integrated academic and vocational/technical programs which optimize the potential of each student and prepare them to meet the state's performance standards.
    3. To provide opportunities for students to acquire contemporary workplace skills such as communicating, organizing and analyzing information, solving problems, using technology, initiating and completing assignments, acting ethically and professionally, interacting with others, understanding the structure and dynamics of organizations, and taking responsibility for career and life choices.
    4. To provide all grade 9 students with an opportunity to explore their interests in a wide array of trade/career options.
    5. To provide counseling and assistance to students concerning social issues, employment and educational opportunities, and vocational orientation.
    6. To provide programs and activities which contribute to health and well‐being, a safe environment, a sense of belonging, and respect for self and others.
    7. To use student assessment results to review and improve curricula, courses, programs, and instructional practices.
    8. To encourage students to pursue professional improvement leading to certification/licensure in their trade areas and post‐secondary education.
    9. To provide continuing adult education with a focus on developing technical skills.
    10. To continuously seek, with the guidance of active Advisory Boards, new areas of training required for community and industrial development.
    11. To provide personnel with the resources and the support needed to grow and develop professionally toward a goal of raising student achievement.
    12. To promote cultural understanding within a diverse population.
    13. To develop partnerships with business, industry, government, and the community.

     

    Goal One: Improve access and program knowledge of special populations in Diman’s sending communities.
    District Goal Alignment: Goal 3 ‐ Expand access of enrollment and application process to sending schools, students, and parents.
    Objective: Diman will increase enrollment and application numbers of special populations due to increased knowledge of programs and the school.

    Action Strategies

    Intended Outcomes

    Timeline

    Person/People Responsible

    Resources

    Create ELL nights with translators on site to ensure access to families whose first language is not English.

    Reach parents of identified sub‐groups to increase communication regarding application process and programs available. Fall/Winter
    2020
    Principal, Administrators, Students, Guidance, ELL instructor Time, event set‐up,
    volunteers, resources
    for distribution
    Expand SPED/504 promotions and information to identify all student support services provided by Diman Regional. Reach parents of identified sub‐groups to increase communication regarding application process and programs available. Fall/Winter 2020 Principal, Administrators, Students, Guidance, ELL instructor Time, event set‐up, volunteers, resources for distribution

    Work with sending districts to acquire student information in grade 6 to offer time and resources for improving acceptance percentages.

    Parents and students will better understand the admissions criteria leading to better application scores. Fall 2020 Superintendent, Principal, Guidance Director, Sending communities Time

     

    Goal Two: Strategically improve the socio‐emotional well‐being of the Diman community
    District Goal Alignment: Goal 1 ‐ Implement district‐wide practices, procedures, and processes supporting maximum growth for all students academically, technically, socially and emotionally.
    Objective: Diman will strengthen and enhance the socio‐emotional learning initiatives resulting in a positive
    transformation to the well‐being of all community members (students, families, and teachers).

    Action Strategies

    Intended Outcomes

    Timeline

    Person/People Responsible

    Resources

    Provide staff professional development on SEL, including mental health, stress management, and self-care Provide supportive resources and tools to strengthen personal wellness and professional outlook. Strengthen staff SEL knowledge, competency, and skills. AY 2021 Principal, Administration, Guidance staff, SEL Committee Time, Dates, Locations, Grant fund utilization, presenters
    Review all school health curriculum with regards to developmentally appropriate SEL and mental health skills Ensure that appropriate and necessary SEL and mental health concerns are being addressed throughout all four years of health Fall 2020 Principal, Administration, Health Dept. members, SEL Committee Time and money for printing or mailing (if necessary).
    Provide SEL‐related parent presentations on relevant topics, including mental health Strengthen parent/family SEL knowledge, competency, and skills AY 2021 Principal, Administration, Parent Liaison, SEL Committee Time, Dates, Locations, Presenters

     

    Goal Three: Address access to technology for Diman students.
    District Goal Alignment: Goal 2 ‐ Expand 1:1 technology program to all enrolled students
    Objective: Diman will increase technological access to students resulting in a nearly 1 to 1 device to student ratio.

    Action Strategies

    Intended Outcomes

    Timeline

    Person/People Responsible

    Resources

    Alternative Structured Learning Day Program Align Diman’s practice of school cancelations to the newer state model regarding students and staff working from home. School year 2021 and beyond District level administration, school level administration, parents, teachers, unions. Online access and devices for students and staff.
    Professional development opportunities for staff Increased effectiveness in digital lesson planning, assessments, communication and
    continuity of technology‐driven instruction
    AY 2021 District level administration, school level administration,
    department heads, teachers
    Peer tutorials, presentations, and resources to access.
    One to One Chromebook digital convergence for YOG 2024 Digital convergence program allowing incoming grade 9 students from YOG 2024 to have a 1 to 1 Chromebook they can use/purchase during their four year career at Diman. Summer 2020 Technology staff, district administration, school administration. Resources necessary to purchase 400 devices.