Inside Dallas ISD

Students in Michelle Hodges’ kindergarten class at J.P. Starks Math Science and Technology Vanguard went above and beyond on an assignment considering “If I Were the Teacher.” The writing prompt encouraged them to write their own book on the subject, writing all the words and creating the accompanying artwork. “The students were looking forward to becoming authors and doing something they’ve never done before,” Hodges said. “All of the children are looking forward to writing their own story. Who knows? We might have one of the next famous authors and it started right here at J. P. Starks.”

The proposed 2017-2018 student calendar presented to trustees Thursday features summer professional development for teachers in August with the first day of classes set for Monday, Aug. 28. School Leadership has recommended adding 10 minutes to the school day during breakfast in the classroom. With the expanded day, the district would reach the state-mandated total minutes of instruction by June 1, the last day of classes. Other features: 171 days of instruction for students starting Monday, Aug. 28 10 teacher professional development/planning days, five preparation/work days and one day’s credit for teachers who attend both parent conference nights Two fair…

Following a series of renovations at the Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA), 30 students are helping researchers discover how environmental changes impact their learning experience. IDEA, one of five Personalized Learning schools in the district, has transformed their building at James W. Fannin into a space that helps students adapt to the more open, collaborative environment they will find in college. “You can be yourself in the classrooms here,” said ninth-grade student Kerriyana Lawson. Now, researchers from HKS are partnering with IDEA to determine the measurable impact of personalized space by erecting a pop-up lab at the school. At first…

Sixteen campuses have advanced to the next round in the NCAA’s Read to the Final Four contest for Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) third-graders. The bracket-style reading competition is similar to the NCAA Final Four tournament schedule, with schools advancing based on how many minutes students read outside school hours. Since reading efforts began in November, Dallas ISD third-graders have read a total of 521,411 minutes. Top readers Mireya Martinez (Harry Stone Montessori Academy), Jaqueline Santamaria (Jill Stone Elementary School), Daisy Navarro (Pleasant Grove Elementary School), and James Perez (Highland Meadows Elementary School) will receive certificates in recognition of…