NORFOLK, Neb. -- Norfolk Public Schools has adopted a new plan to improve student success and support them along the way. 

The plans were introduced to the board of education Monday night by the Director of Student Safety and Services Erik Wilson and Beth Nelson the director of teaching and learning at NPS.

Originally the plans for student achievement and student support systems were separate. However, the team behind the project found that the two plans worked better together.

Wilson said that by tackling issues with student health, students will have academic improvements.

This would also work in the opposite way as improving academics, could lead to positive changes in a student's well being.

"The implementation of these two goals, we believe that we can benefit all of our students," Nelson said. "Supports will assist in meeting student learning needs, an eye on data will better drive our decision making and problem solving, and our communication and collaboration with families is necessary for supporting student's success in all of those areas." 

The plan has set goals for the school district. 

By 2026, the district also wants to exceed the state average on student achievement. By 2027, NPS hopes to have a system for behavior, mental health and academic systems of support for all students.

The district said the plan would work on a tier system based on the Nebraska's Multi-tiered system of support.

The goal would have all students at tier one, but change to tiers two and three if they are having academic or behavioral issues.

Based on what tier a student is in would determine what level of support is given to the student, to help them get back to tier one.

These would be based on grade spans in the district.

On the side of mental well being, the district already has a number of resources students can utilize.

The plan focuses on making sure those resources are known by teachers, so they can get students the assistance they need.

While the plans would be an investment of time and commitment, Nelson said it would not require additional funding. 

The plans were approved in a unanimous 6-0 vote.