In search of a collaborative solution, a mix of 22 principals, teachers and parents opened a discussion on improving the Assessment of Course Performance, or ACP, exams during an initial meeting on Jan. 28. With support from Superintendent Mike Miles, the ACP Task Force is charged with exploring ways to improve the testing process for so-called specials courses (art, music and physical education) for students in grades 3-5. The task force includes a principal and a specials teacher from each academic division as well as special education teachers who provide instruction in specials, community members and parents. The collective is due…

The idea of celebrating one’s birthday by giving a gift to someone else is unusual, but makes perfect sense for an organization that’s committed to impacting the community. When leaders of The Real Estate Council, an association of commercial real estate businesses and professionals in North Texas, looked at ways to commemorate their 25th anniversary, they knew they wanted to honor the organization’s tradition of service. Eventually, they decided that establishing a $25,000 scholarship fund for Dallas ISD students was the perfect choice. The scholarship fund, which will be administered by ScholarShot, will benefit several students over time. The group…

Candidates planning to run for election to the Dallas Independent School District School Board of Trustees have until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, to submit their filing packets to secure a place on the ballot. Three seats are up for election: District 1, Northwest Dallas, currently represented by Elizabeth Jones District 3, Northeast Dallas, currently represented by Dan Micciche District 9, South Dallas and parts of Downtown Dallas, Pleasant Grove, Deep Ellum, Uptown, and East Dallas, currently represented by Bernadette Nutall Candidates may pick up filing packets at the Office of Board Services, located at the Administration Building, 3700 Ross…

The Budget Services Department has earned the latest in a series of financial reporting honors for the Dallas Independent School District. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to the Dallas ISD Budget Services for its 2014 budget. According to GFOA, the award reflects a commitment to the governing body and staff of an organization to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To earn the honor, an entity must satisfy national guidelines for effective presentation, including the development of a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide…