Inside Dallas ISD

Bob Moore has been appointed as Dallas ISD’s chief technology officer. Moore is currently the chief executive officer of RJM Strategies LLC, an education technology and leadership consulting practice serving education and business clients. In Dallas ISD, he will report directly to Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and lead the district’s technology efforts. “Bob will bring a fresh perspective and outlook as we continue to move forward in our vision of becoming a premier urban school district and will tremendously support students to help them become college and career ready,” Hinojosa said. In Sept 2012, Moore founded RJM Strategies. The firm assesses…

Thanks to Martin Weiss Elementary School’s first project-based learning (PBL) showcase, the school’s gym is filled with students debating the pros and cons of a dress code, an exhibit on a student-led news program, and much, much more. Teachers, family, and community members walk around the gym, enjoying the fruits of the hard work the students put in during the first six weeks of school. The event showcases Weiss Elementary’s increased focused on PBL, which combines the teaching of standard skills with tangible hands-on projects. “Students are engaged most when they have a hands-on learning experience that is rigorous, relevant,…

W.H. Adamson Athletic Coordinator Josh Ragsdale said he wanted one young man from every high school athletic program in Dallas to take the pledge against domestic violence. By the end of the project’s first year, his players asked, “Why just Dallas, why not more?” “This isn’t just an ‘athlete’ problem we have in regards to domestic violence,” Ragsdale said. “People everywhere love sports. They love watching sports. And we that compete in a sport have a platform we can utilize to spread such an important message that could potentially save a life.” Football programs across the district embraced the efforts, posting…

Almost everyone who knows Preston Hollow Elementary teacher Leanne Woods says she has a gift for teaching students with Down syndrome. Principal Tom Brandt describes her as a teacher of boundless energy who applies tough love to get her special needs students to grow when other teachers might give up. “Ms. Woods’ ability to connect with and address each student’s unique talents and specific needs is absolutely incredible,” he said. Parents echo the sentiment. Celina Abeyta-Barry, whose son is one of Woods’ students, says the veteran special education teacher is “kind and loving yet firm and determined.” Woods also takes…