A newly created position at 10 schools will leverage data, partnerships, trainings and support to ensure all students–and especially Black students–have equitable access to services, representation and a great education at the campus. The 10 new Culture and Climate Facilitator positions are part of a larger effort to ensure racial equity across Dallas ISD. District leaders are currently examining the data to determine the 10 campuses where they should place the facilitators during the fall semester. “We want to provide our highest need campuses with the resources they need to succeed,” said Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership Leslie Stephens. The Culture…

Dallas ISD is committed to provide every student with the technology and Internet access they need to successfully learn from anywhere, including from home. Thanks to the district’s Long-Range Master Plan for Technology and 2015 bond program, the district provided a Chromebook or laptop to many secondary students before schools unexpectedly closed in late March. Meanwhile, technology deployments for elementary schools are wrapping up on August 31. All Dallas ISD schools are scheduling makeup events during the week of Aug. 31–Sept. 4 for any elementary and secondary students who have not yet received a computing device.  Families may contact the…

While remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year starts Sept. 8, at this time, a select number of students who receive special education service–specifically students in specialized self-contained classrooms–will have the choice to either continue distance learning or return to full-time on-campus learning starting Sept. 17. Students with more severe disabilities who are usually in specialized self-contained classrooms represent approximately 25% of the 15,000 students who receive special education services in Dallas ISD. The return to full-time on-campus learning for these students will allow them to receive their accommodations, modifications, and related services as outlined in their individualized education plan…

Internet connectivity is a critical resource during the pandemic and the Internet For All coalition aims to ensure every family has access. The Internet For All coalition is made up of more than 40 community leaders including Chief Technology Officers from 9 Dallas County school districts, The Dallas Regional Chamber, City of Dallas, the Dallas Innovation Alliance and the Federal Reserve Bank. The coalition has been meeting since May to pursue short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies to ensure all students have a reliable internet connection. The “Get Connected” campaign, sponsored by Senator Royce West, will encourage students and families to…