More than 1,300 families—and about 4,000 total people—took a big step toward finding their dream school at the Discover Dallas ISD school shopping experience held Nov. 3 in Downtown Dallas. Discover Dallas ISD featured representatives from 60 district schools that offer specialty programs such as magnets, Montessori, single-gender and collegiate academies. The district designed the user-friendly, customer-service rich experience with parents in mind. “I appreciate how Discover puts all these different schools with outstanding programs conveniently under one roof,” said Rachel Castillo, a mother of a young child who will attend first-grade next year. “This is a very worthwhile way…

Dallas ISD officials briefed trustees Thursday on a proposal that sets strategic facility goals to modernize facilities and create greater efficiencies. District officials said the proposal is a work in progress and is expected to continue to evolve. Dallas ISD Deputy Superintendent Scott Layne emphasized that any of the actions proposed in the Strategic Facilities Plan—such as consolidating, closing or building new schools—are just considerations at this point, and each would have to be approved by trustees and incorporate community feedback. Layne said an approved future bond program—the earliest possibility being in 2021—would also be necessary to turn the proposed…

The Dallas ISD Fall Preview Nights kick off Nov. 1 and will provide opportunities for families to learn about the exciting learning opportunities offered in district schools. From neighborhood schools to STEM/STEAM, performing arts, Montessori and magnets, to two-way dual language, single-gender and collegiate academies, families are invited to see what Dallas ISD has to offer. Campuses will hold the Fall Preview Nights from Nov. 1–Dec. 19. For a complete list of Fall Preview Nights and dates, go here.

Dallas ISD’s George W. Truett Elementary is one of 13 campuses to get off the Improvement Required list, which is based on ratings from the state. There are several reasons Truett is a school where great things are happening. One factor has been retaining much of the administration and staff the past several years, which has allowed them to focus on developing sustainable systems for helping to ensure student achievement. “Our staff has a commitment to build a collaborative community that focuses on research-based strategies to ensure the success of all students,” said Principal Terre Evans. “Through this collaboration, our school…