As we all take a well-earned break, I wanted to share some great news that each of you helped make happen. We received our STAAR scores, and like Bethany Erickson of D Magazine wrote on Monday, “This week, Dallas ISD found out that it had a lot to celebrate.”
- In 80% of the tested categories, Dallas ISD showed larger increases than the state
- The African American, Emergent Bilingual, & Economically Disadvantaged student groups outperformed their state peers in the “all subjects & grades” category, math, and social studies
These data, wrote Erickson, are “a lot to be proud and happy about,” and I couldn’t agree more. Whether you work in a classroom or at 9400 NCX, whether you drive a bus or coach a team, every single one of you had a hand in this success. Take a moment to feel this.
Let’s remember where we buried our treasure. We are a leader in pay for performance, and the data show that we retain our most effective teachers at a rate that other districts envy. Additionally, we intentionally invested in early learning and were leaders in implementing what we call high quality instructional materials and what regular people call a rigorous curriculum. I mention these things to impress upon you that our success did not happen by accident. These three strategies were instrumental in supporting your work. You made the difference because people are the program.
“Knowing that the district in your own backyard is creating data-driven, effective policies is something we can all be proud of,” wrote Erickson. Brag about this. Feel great about the job we’re doing together. Get some rest. Recharge your batteries. And in the words of the recently departed Dr. Nolan Estes,
- point to the past with pride,
- view the present with concern, and
- look to the future with hope.
Yours,
Stephanie S. Elizalde
PS – Click here if you want to read through the data deck I presented to the Board of Trustees on Thursday evening.
