Goal+1++School+Improvement

The goal of TISD is to improve students' academic achievement and to better prepare students for transition into college and careers.
>> // Resource :// TEA-hosted site **Texas College and Career Readiness Program** has resources for teachers and students. As of 6/13/2011, these were predominately in the Writing area, but more are being developed and should be available soon. >> // Resource :// The **T[|exas Higher Education Coordinating Board]** has the standards downloadable. The booklet contains the standards and performance expectations, with performance indicators listed in the Appendix.
 * We will encourage __all__students to actively explore different academic opportunities that appeal to their interests, talents and futures.

(Changes in practices and behaviors) ||
 * ~ Objective ||  ||~ Actions ||~ Achievement Milestones
 * ~ Objective ||  ||~ Actions ||~ Achievement Milestones
 * Obj. 1: Improve students' academic achievement || Year 1-5 || * modify teaching strategies in classroom to increase student active participation || Teachers will:
 * increase use of hands-on activities
 * increase use of small group activities
 * explore the use of game-type activities
 * reduce dependence on "read the book, answer the questions"
 * provide homework assignments at beginning of class so it can be worked on in down time ||
 * || 1-5 || * increase student responsibility for grades || Administration will encourage:
 * increased support from parents and admin for well-thought out "zero tolerance for zeros" policies
 * provide additional time for extended absences
 * more positive, caring attitude from teachers
 * strive to modify bus schedules so all busses arrive by 7:30 a.m. so students can attend tutorials ||
 * || 1-5 || * increase emphasis on learning so that it equals or exceeds the emphasis on grades || Teachers will:
 * increase student engagement in the classroom to include all students
 * increase "wait time" for students to provide anwers
 * use student feedback as a method to determine the usefulness student engagement techniques ||
 * Obj. 2: Improve student preparation for transition to college and career || Year 1-5 || * incorporate discussion of careers and college in core courses (Middle through High School) || Teachers will:
 * research careers related to their disciplines and incorporate those into the classroom discussions
 * encourage students to research careers through various assignments and projects
 * encourage students to research academic requirements for various careers ||
 * || Year 1-5 || * provide and encourage enrollment in career clusters || * introduce concept of career clusters at 8th grade level to parents and students
 * encourage enrollment into career cluster at 9th grade level
 * facilitate opportunities for movement between career clusters ||
 * || Year 1-5 || * incorporate availabilty of CTE courses that lead to certifications at or after graduation || * explore the cost and practicality of certification courses in various CTE disciplines
 * encourage faculty to pursue education necessary to teach certification courses
 * assess facilities for adequacy related to offering of certification-enhanced courses ||
 * || Year 1-5 || * provide opportunities for certifications in various career fields || * assess current faculty for qualifications to teach certification courses
 * survey students to determine interest in certification areas available
 * survey parents to determine their commitment to fiscal responsibility related to certification courses ||
 * || Year 1-5 || * encourage all students to consider college opportunites || * encourage all students to follow Recommended or Distinguished Plan for graduation
 * provide opportunites for all students to look beyond their current environment for college and career possibilities
 * introduce students to global career possibilites and the education required to attain them ||