'Visualize 2015' is the strategic plan to guide Rockford public schools. The district has five goals to get there.

The first is enhancing the learning process with more intense curriculum and standards and developing personalized academic plans. By doing that, the strategy outlines all children will be proficient in math and reading by 3rd grade. It also focuses on helping kids identify a post grad plan and expand college prep classes.

"We want our children to graduate from high school ready to do college work. Right now many of our children have to do rememdial classes and what we know is if you're stuck in remedial classes, chances are you won't move on to college work," Supt. Dr. LaVonne Sheffield said.

In the last five years, district leaders said the gaps in standardized test results between racial and other subgroups have widened. The strategy aims to close them and prepare students for a global market, essential to Rockford's future.

"College is where we all want our kids to eventually go to, and now not even just college. You have to go get your masters, you know, going even further," District 205 parent, Aprilyn Hilton said.

The second goal is getting parents involved. The strategy outlines a need for more parent academies.

"There is unquestionably a connection between parents, family structure, family income, family education and student acheivement, yes that's a huge problem," District 205 parent, Paul Baits said.

It also requires local leaders and businesses to become more involved and be held accountable, which is another goal. This will help the district's success.

"As we develop a strategic plan, we also have to make sure we have a system of issuing our own peer supported, peer-analyzed score card," Mayor Larry Morrissey said.

Providing safe schools and running an efficient business operation are also goals. But there are challenges, like cuts from the state budget that may hamper these efforts. The state already owes the district $12 million. To help, the district has been working on getting the Race to the Top grant, which they are a finalist.

Additional changes include technological upgrades to classrooms, student uniforms, and more professional development for teachers to better relate to students. It also aims re-engage truant kids.

After a brief overview of District 205's "Visualize 2015" strategy presentation, small groups of 20 broke off to brainstorm what they could add.

Group sessions had a mix of teachers, administrators, parents and grandparents with comments and concerns.

In one group, many agreed one of the biggest challenges affecting the classroom is poverty.

75% of next-year Kindergärtners are in early childhood programs, the group noted. And with state budget cuts looming, many parents and teachers expressed concerns about the fate these programs and others throughout the district.

Langauge barriers between non-English speaking parents and teachers resources also came up in discussion.

Others comments generated positive support for increasing arts programs and year-round schedules.

Overall, from all the small groups sessions, there were several ideas that got a lot of positive feedback. Those include the individualized learning plans, college and career planning, more emphasis on community zones that wrap around schools, high expectations for students and staff, and making sure all schools are high performing.

The district will review all the ideas and add where it feels necessary. A final draft will be completed in June. If you would like to add an idea, visit the district's Web site.