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Educational Programming
RTC offers a wide range of educational opportunities for residential clients as well as community youth at both our Fort Dodge and Marshalltown Campuses. Our on-campus school settings are at the core of our educational continuum. The Fort Dodge setting is an extension of the Manson Northwest Webster Community School District and has been in operation since the 2000-01school year. Our classrooms are staffed by certified teachers. All teachers are either certified in special education or in their core content area of instruction. Both educational facilities are fully accredited by the Iowa Department of Education through their corresponding school districts. RTC works closely with the regional Area Education Agencies, to make sure the Special Education needs are met for our students.
Most of our student body is made up of our residential clients but our school also serves youth who are in non-residential day programs (at RTC for school and treatment then home at night) as well non-residential youth who are referred through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) because their needs cannot be met at their home school setting or they need a higher degree of structure and support.
We are proud of our focus on academics and catching kids up on credits. In a number of cases, we have had several full cap and gown graduations for our students. Key to our student's success is our formal structure and focus on our boy's behavioral needs and challenges. Our teachers utilize a cognitive approach, paralleling the clinical model in our treatment programs.
All students are expected to meet our high standards including our rules and uniforms. We believe we can make a positive difference in a student's life, but to do this effectively we must have and maintain high academic and behavioral expectations. We utilize cognitive restructuring /corrective thinking interventions and counseling to teach students coping skills, anger-management skills, and problem solving skills. The cognitive approach helps students examine their thinking, their behaviors, and consequences associated with their actions. Once a student recognizes their irresponsible thinking patterns and replaces them with responsible/positive choices, their chance of success in school and life dramatically climbs.
In addition to our on-campus school settings, we offer a full continuum of other educational opportunities including: public school settings, alternative learning centers, vocational programs, college credit (at local community college), a suspension center and a G.E.D. testing and certification, and credit recovery programs.
What is PBIS?
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) are an emphasis on school-wide systems of support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviors to create positive school environments. Research has shown that the implementation of punishment, especially when it is used inconsistently and in the absence of other positive strategies, is ineffective. Introducing, modeling, and reinforcing positive social behavior is an important step of a student's educational experience. Teaching behavioral expectations and rewarding students for following them is a much more positive approach than waiting for misbehavior to occur before responding. The purpose of school-wide PBIS is to establish a climate in which appropriate behavior is the norm. (© www.pbis.org)
Our logo for PBIS is Shooting for the STARS. There are school-wide expectations for both clients and staff. It is vital for the staff to follow the expectations just as much as the clients to create the most positive and successful outcomes. There are expectations for the classrooms, hallway/transition times, the lunchroom, gym or outdoor activities, and for large group or assemblies. Below is a brief description of our posters. If you would like to see the full version, feel free to contact us.
Saftey First
Staff are required to keep our clients safe at all times. It is necessary to closely monitor the students. It is also very important to know and enforce policies and procedures. Clients need to follow directions, and respect themselves and others.
Teamwork
To demonstrate teamwork, staff are expected to maintain professional communication with other staff and clients, as well as recognize client effort. Clients are expected to work cooperatively with others and keep interactions appropriate.
Act Responsible
Staff should be prepared to do their designated job and be consistent when addressing behaviors. Clients must stay on-task and be prepared for class.
Remember Our Goals
Teamwork must be established to accomplish goals. Staff are also encouraged to find clients' strengths and build off of these. It is essential for clients to participate in class and complete daily tasks.
Show Respect
It is crucial to acknowledge positive client behaviors and share your knowledge. It is important for clients to speak kindly to others and be a team player.