Inside Dallas ISD

Raising the quality of instruction in each classroom requires having effective teachers. Destination 2020, Dallas ISD’s strategic plan for college and career readiness, places a strong emphasis on identifying, supporting and rewarding effective teaching.” Tonight, teachers from around the district, known as TEI Experts, met at meetings like this one to discuss and provide feedback for the Teacher Excellence Initiative, the district’s new evaluation system that measures teacher effectiveness. They provide guidance and input on TEI. “The things that we do at these meetings help me to understand this evaluation system a little better because we see the PowerPoints every…

According to the NCAA, each year half a million boys across the U.S. participate in high school basketball. Of those, 3.3 percent will go on to compete to at the college level. Two student-athletes in the Dallas ISD have joined that elite group thanks to persistent academic efforts that have placed them at the top of their graduating class. South Oak Cliff High School senior basketball players Olando King Jr. and Frank Byers Jr. are like most teenage hoopsters—they dream of state championships (a real possibility for a highly successful program such as the one at SOC) and what collegiate…

Wooden rocking horses, reindeer, and airplanes are just part of how students at Dallas ISD’s Multiple Careers Magnet give back to the community in the spirit of the holidays. Terry Stott’s wood working classes produce these colorful and fun creations to donate to charity.  This year saw the donations going to Ronald McDonald House in Dallas. Stotts praised his students for working hared, but the effort is worth it to them.  “it’s kids helping kids.  It doesn’t get better than that,” he said, adding that he also looks forward to the project each year.  “I’m so blessed to have into…

In William Cabell Elementary, philanthropist Serena Simmons Connelly saw an opportunity to impact the families in her community. Inspired to visit the school after hearing about the Personalized Learning Initiative, Connelly spoke with Principal Dr. Jo Anne Hughes about how engaging neighborhood residents can make a difference in their local school. “The school has a good amount of land but they never had much playground equipment,” Connelly said, adding that this was a project the neighborhood could get behind. “Kids need a place to play. They need some brightness and beauty in their surroundings.” Hughes knows how important such a…