Author: News and Information

Input from all corners of the Dallas Independent School District has played a key role in the proposed 2015 – 2016 school year calendar that will be considered by the Board of Trustees on Thursday, Dec. 18. In November, Dallas ISD posted an online survey about the proposed calendar to get input from staff, parents and community members. Of the feedback, there was significant support to extend Thanksgiving week the full five days, instead of the current partial week. On other topics such as the use of half-days and start times, there was no clear consensus. The proposed calendar to…

This fall, Dallas ISD has been implementing the Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI), Dallas ISD’s new teacher evaluation system. TEI provides a way to evaluate, support, and compensate Dallas ISD teachers that is accurate and rigorous and helps ensure that each child has a highly effective teacher every day. As TEI has been implemented, parents and guardians have had questions about the system and how it impacts the classroom. Read answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions parents and families have had here.

Students attending a voluntary, school district-led summer learning program Dallas ISD entered school in the fall with stronger mathematics skills than their peers who did not attend the program, according to a new RAND Corporation study. Among the students studied in Dallas, students attending at least 22 days of the summer program or receiving at least 39 hours of reading also entered school in the fall with a meaningful advantage in reading. While this impact cannot be generalized to students across the study, the study did identify key factors linked to reading achievement. The near-term findings did not indicate significant…

With the large population of deaf persons in Dallas, Dallas ISD students are preparing themselves by learning American Sign Language.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Dallas Independent School District is implementing guidelines that will ensure district stakeholders will be screened if they have been in situations that put them at-risk for contracting Ebola. Dallas ISD begins its two-week Winter Break on Dec. 19, and many students, staff members, vendors and other constituents may travel or may have contact with others outside their usual circle during that time. The district must remain vigilant in order to ensure the safety of Dallas ISD students, staff and community members. According to a notice sent to stakeholders Dec. 15, any person who can answer…

Editor’s note: The video above is courtesy of the Health and Wellness Alliance for Children. Tis the season not only to be jolly, but to be especially vigilant regarding influenza, according to health experts. Health officials are reporting an increase in influenza cases throughout Dallas County. The flu is easily spread, so practicing good hygiene is crucial. Dallas ISD has relaunched a special website dedicated to providing great tips and resources for avoiding the flu. District health professionals also encourage you to do the following: Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your upper sleeve Put your used tissue in…

The Budget Services division of the Dallas Independent School District has been awarded the Meritorious Budget Award for its 2014-2015 budget from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). To earn the award, the district followed rigorous guidelines for effective budget presentation, including meeting stringent criteria and adhering to the principles and standards of the organization. “Our Budget Services team continues to do excellent work.” said Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles. “This award is further evidence that the district’s financial operations team is soundly managing our resources and directing dollars to where they are needed most—the classroom.” ASBO’s Meritorious…

Dallas ISD has been fortunate, so far, that flu season has not had much of an impact on student attendance, or any planned activities. We’ve taken a series of proactive steps to reduce any potential impact as well. As a standard practice, our schools are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Additionally, we work hard to continue educating students and staff regarding proactive preventative hygiene and care, including proper hand washing, cough etiquette, limited exposure to ill individuals, and obtaining a flu vaccine shot.   Click the link below on a report from WFAA-TV Ch. 8, on who the district is handling this…

Skyline High School braces for its semi-final game against Allen High School this weekend. All eyes are on the 14-0 team, as they have a chance to bring home a state title, the first time since Sunset’s 1950 win, if they can advance past Allen. Senior defensive linemen Zach Abercrumbia spoke with WFAA-TV Ch. 8 about his plans after the gridiron, and why he has committed to a university with high academic standards over powerhouse athletic programs. LINK: http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/education/2014/12/09/skyline-football-player-says-hard-work-is-priority-in-the-classroom/20164513/ ABOUT THE GAME Skyline, Dallas ISD’s only team in the playoffs, will host Allen High School at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec.…

Dallas ISD’s new teacher evaluation system, known as the Teacher Excellence Initiative, is in its first year of implementation. Under TEI, highly effective teachers can make up to 90 thousand dollars a year. In order to do so, teachers must meet certain criteria and undergo a Distinguished Teacher Review- a review of the quality of instruction, leadership, lifelong learning and contributions to the profession. Veteran teacher Marquie Williams has taught eighth grade science at T J. Rusk Middle school for 10 years. She says this process of identifying and strategically compensating effective teachers has never been done before, but it’s…