Inside Dallas ISD

At the age of 14, Luis Juarez never imagined he would be a teacher in the United States. Having just arrived to the country, learning a new language and entering a new school, Juarez admits, “the odds were against me.”   Throughout the years, Juarez found his momentum. With the support of dedicated teachers graduated from W.T. White High School, went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin and now teaches bilingual math and science at William Lipscomb Elementary. Juarez’s story, while particular to him, is not all that different from many Dallas ISD alumni who find themselves…

Construction is beginning at the first of 47 schools set to receive $143.3 million in science lab expansions and heating system improvements funded by the district’s sale of Qualified School Construction Bonds. The $26.2 million in science lab upgrades will benefit 26 of 37 district middle schools, bringing them into compliance with TEA science instruction requirements, and enabling more students to engage in hands-on science experiments and lab projects. The sale of Qualified School Construction Bonds is allowed under federal and state law for improvements to existing school district facilities. Essentially a loan of federal funds which must be repaid…

Imagine 2020 is the district’s strategic feeder pattern initiative to accelerate student achievement. The goal is to promote college- and career-readiness for every student. This year, the South Oak Cliff High School feeder pattern joined the original 21 schools from the Lincoln, James Madison and L.G. Pinkston feeder patterns as part of Imagine 2020, an important element of Destination 2020. Community engagement is a key component of the initiative, and recently principals and staff from the 12 schools in the SOC feeder pattern devoted part of their weekend to participate in a community resources fair conducted in connection with the…

Dallas ISD’s drive to recruit 5,000 volunteer literacy tutors to improve student reading skills will culminate in a Volunteer Signing Day event at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, Wed., Oct. 29, in the Underground Room at South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar St. The search is on for civic-minded citizens from all walks of life willing to devote one hour per week to tutor struggling readers in district elementary schools. The need exists in all geographic areas of the city, so chances are no matter where you live or work, a nearby school has students who need your help. Research shows…