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Taunton Public Schools

Academic excellence for every student, in every classroom, in every school

District Goals and Priorities

2026-2027 District Goals & Priorities

This school year, Taunton Public Schools is focusing on three goals: strong reading skills by the end of first grade, career exploration in middle school, and keeping college within reach for every senior. We are also strengthening teaching and learning support across grades.

Our Strategic Plan guides our long-term work. These goals and priorities identify our focus for 2026–2027.

 

View Our Strategic Plan

First Grade Promise

Our Goal: Every student reads at grade level by the end of first grade.

A dark blue icon depicts a person reading an open book.

How We’re Working Toward This Goal

Strong reading skills help students succeed in every subject. All first graders completed brief reading assessments, called DIBELS, within the first three weeks of school. The results help teachers understand each student’s strengths, plan instruction, and identify students who need additional help.

Ignite Reading provides extra support through daily, 15-minute, one-on-one online tutoring during the school day. First graders whose assessments show they are below grade-level reading benchmarks receive priority for tutoring.

Tutoring began September 28 and adds to the reading instruction students receive in their classrooms. Teachers continue to monitor students’ progress and adjust instruction to meet their needs.

Middle School Career Exploration (MyCAP)

Our Goal: Help every middle school student explore their interests and learn about future career options.

A simple dark blue icon of a traditional briefcase with a top handle.

How We’re Working Toward This Goal

Students do not need to know what career they want yet. Middle school is a time to discover strengths, explore interests, and learn about the possibilities ahead.

Martin, Parker, and Friedman middle schools are introducing My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) for students in grades 6–8. Through MyCAP, students will:

  • Identify their strengths, interests, and talents.

  • Learn about careers and skills used in the workplace.

  • Set goals, learn about managing money, and prepare for high school.

Students will use an online tool called SchooLinks to keep a “future folder” of their interests, career discoveries, goals, and accomplishments. This record can grow with them over time.

We are also working with Junior Achievement to develop career exploration activities and opportunities to connect with community professionals.

Keeping College Within Reach

Our Goal: Every senior applies to college so attending remains an option after graduation.

A dark blue graduation cap icon against a black background.

How We’re Working Toward This Goal

Applying to college keeps an option open. It does not commit a student to enrolling. Students can explore college while also considering employment, career training, military service, or other plans.

School counselors help students explore colleges, complete applications and essays, and understand financial aid.

Taunton High School also brings college representatives to students through college and career fairs during the school day. Students can ask questions, explore programs, and learn about opportunities after graduation without needing to arrange a campus visit.

Massachusetts offers free tuition and fees at public community colleges for eligible students. Visit the state’s Free Community College webpage to learn about eligibility and how to apply.

Supporting Learning Across Grades

We are strengthening instruction and expanding learning support through these additional initiatives:

A dark blue icon shows a person standing in front of a presentation board or screen.

  • Expanding access to prekindergarten (PreK): TPS now offers free full-day PreK, removing a financial barrier to early learning. Over the past two years, we have added a PreK classroom, and we continue to look for opportunities to open additional classrooms. Enrollment is managed through the district’s PreK lottery.
  • Reading tutoring beyond first grade: Remaining Ignite Reading seats may serve students in kindergarten through third grade after eligible first graders receive priority. Beginning in January, an additional 30 second graders will have access to tutoring through a state pilot program.
  • Literacy coaching in grades four and five: A three-year grant will provide teacher training and support from a literacy coach. The coach will help teachers use student assessment results to guide instruction and strengthen reading instruction across both grades.
  • Mathematics instruction and support: Providing teacher training and small-group help based on students’ learning needs. 

Sharing Our Progress

The Superintendent will provide regular updates to the School Committee and the public throughout the school year. These updates will share how the initiatives are being put into practice and the progress students are making toward our goals.