Inside Dallas ISD

As the daughter of a Black father and Irish mother, Jessica Brevard growing up did not see book characters that represented her. Now as a second-grade teacher at Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School, Brevard is committed to sharing diverse literature with her young readers to ensure they feel represented. Ever since school buildings unexpectedly closed in March, Brevard has used her Instagram account to share diverse book recommendations with her young readers and their families. She now has more than 4,000 followers. “Diverse literature is a stepping stone to creating lifelong readers and lifelong learners. If you can see yourself…

You may have heard during September, students are being asked to come in-person to their school one day for about three hours. But why? To help Dallas ISD teachers better understand where each student is academically this year, a beginning-of-the-year-assessment will be administered. The test helps inform us exactly where students are to best tailor the supports they’ll need. Students are encouraged to take the in-person assessment as scheduled by their campus between Sept. 9 to Sept. 30. Here’s how the process works if your student is in grades K to 11: Families will be informed by their campus of…

A change to regulation announced Aug. 27 will allow the children of classroom teachers and campus staff to accompany their parents to campuses during the period of districtwide distance learning for all. Children must be at least 4 years of age and no older than 15 and can be enrolled in any school district to qualify. All campus staff must request and receive permission in writing from the principal before they bring their children to work with them. Approval can be revoked by the principal or district at any time during the districtwide distance learning period. The change will avoid…

When she was a teenager, Dr. Tiffany Clark’s high school counselor made a huge impact on her life by serving as a mentor and helping her navigate the university system. Clark realized she wanted to follow in her mentor’s footsteps and become a high school counselor herself. After working in the classroom as a middle school teacher and serving as a high school counselor, Clark is excited to join the “Wolf Pack” counseling team at E.D. Walker Middle School. “I want to see students become successful just like my high school counselor helped me become successful,” Clark said. Dallas ISD…