Author: The Hub

Overall, results for Dallas ISD students on the 2015 STAAR test administered in grades 3-8 show improvement. The results indicate progress and stability in most of the exams compared with the previous year. The gains shown in Dallas ISD STAAR results compared to a year ago include: A higher percentage of fourth- and fifth-graders passed the Reading test; A higher percentage of seventh-graders passed the Writing test; A higher percentage of eighth-graders passed the Science test; A higher percentage of eighth-graders passed the Social Studies test. The Social Studies test was only given to students in the eighth grade. While…

Jumping jacks, running and pushups—the old standbys of physical education—are getting an assist from fitness software and devices such as iPads, pedometers, fitness trackers, and interactive heart rate monitors in district PE classes. Working out still requires determination and perspiration, but for a generation raised on technology, it seems these devices are making the pursuit of fitness a lot more fun. The Health and Physical Education Department supplied schools with a variety of tech devices this year to enliven PE classes. Schools that incorporated the technology demonstrated the workout aids at the department’s year-end showcase, Tech Fest. For example, students…

“Too many of our schools are what I describe as under-appreciated,” said Louisa Meyer, a parent and community member involved with Dallas ISD, after the recent Thomas Jefferson Feeder Pattern Bus Tour. To properly appreciate the district’s schools is why Tim Hise, Division 1 executive director for the Thomas Jefferson feeder pattern, decided to organize the bus tour. He aimed to engage the community and shine a light on the positive things happening in the schools. “We call ourselves the T.J. Revolution because we’re changing, drastically, the way we prepare our students for college and the workforce,” Hise said. “We have…

This week, The Hub is recognizing district staff who are instrumental in supporting the educational experiences of Dallas ISD students. Like their counterparts across the nation, Dallas ISD staff play an essential role in student success. During Staff Appreciation Week, we invite the community to join us in recognizing the dedicated employees who wholeheartedly commit themselves to providing an exceptional educational experience for all children. Each day this week, we will recognize three of the hundreds of exemplary Dallas ISD staff across the district. As we highlight their experiences, we salute the role every staff member plays in making our schools, communities…

Dallas ISD will fund tuition for 150 district teachers to attend a three-week long professional development at the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education at Southern Methodist University this summer. The teacher professional development training will support novice, progressing and distinguished level teachers with the goal of helping them advance within the Teacher Excellence Initiative’s evaluation spectrum. For more information about the academies with the SMU Simmons School of Education, click here. Are you a Dallas ISD teacher? Visit the professional development online catalog to access more opportunities.

Dallas ISD students recently got a head start on world issues and civic engagement. Sixth graders from across the district gathered at Ellis Davis Fieldhouse to participate in the Model U.N., which is a simulation of the United Nations. Students at the event explored different cultures and learned about the political issues that confront countries around the world. Through research, debate, and re-enactment, these future leaders are preparing to change the world in their own backyard.

Educators attending the National Center for Urban School Transformation symposium quietly strolled the halls of Dallas ISD elementary schools considered to be among the nation’s highest performing schools. Student leaders proudly guided their special visitors to give them a sneak peek at excellence in motion. The group composed of principals, assistant principals, teachers, and instructional coaches from across the country took the opportunity to “see first-hand what our award-winning schools look like,” Shirley Peterson, NCUST executive coach said. To have four schools in the same district receive this prestigious designation in the same year “is quite an honor,” Peterson added.…

Students at the seven campuses that will receive additional support under the Accelerating Campus Excellence plan received pledges this week that state expectations for them and their parent or guardian next school year. The ACE plan, which district leaders announced in February, injects seven underperforming schools with strong leadership, effective teachers and high expectations. The pledge is a part of the district’s effort to create high expectations at the ACE campuses. “As Dallas ISD seeks to prepare all students for college and career, we are committed to providing every student with a quality education,” the pledge states. “Parents and students…

For the 17th year, Dallas ISD students learned about the power of change –in the form of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters – to benefit their community. On Wednesday, students who participated in the annual Common Cents “Pennies from the Heart” campaign presented the funds they raised during the 2015 change drive to charities and organizations of their choosing. A goal of the program is not simply to raise money, but is also designed to instill a love of philanthropy in students. This year, the 20 Dallas ISD schools in the program raised nearly $25,000 and chose to distribute the…

Dallas ISD will host a series of town hall meetings to discuss the proposed 2015-2016 budget. Parents and other community members are encouraged to attend and learn how the district’s budget is developed, ask questions and provide input. The meetings dates, times and locations are: Tuesday, May 26, 2015 • 6–7 p.m. Leonides G. Cigarroa Elementary School 9990 Webb Chapel Road Dallas, TX 75220 Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • 6–7 p.m. John Q. Adams Elementary School 8239 Lake June Road Dallas, TX 75217 Monday, June 1, 2015 • 6–7 p.m. Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School 2959 S. Hampton Road Dallas,…