On December 17, the AISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved four Annual Academic and Facilities Recommendations, or AAFRs. Two additional AAFRs, a proposed School for Young Men and Garcia and Pearce Middle Schools Program Design, District 1, are scheduled for Board discussion at the January 7, 2013 Board Dialogue Meeting and possible action at the January 28, 2013 Regular Board Meeting. Here is more information about the AAFRs that the Board approved.
Dual Language Program Expansion and Extension
Two-way Spanish/English dual language programs, currently at nine elementary schools, will expand to areas of the district that demonstrate high need and readiness for implementation. The one-way model in Vietnamese will expand to include additional grade levels at Summitt Elementary School.
Implementation of a one-way Mandarin dual language immersion program for non-native speakers at Doss Elementary School will be scheduled for implementation during the fall of 2013.
The dual language program (both one-way and two-way) will extend to middle schools throughout the district based on need.
Responsive Education Solutions Continued at Lanier and Travis High Schools
Responsive Education Solutions fulfills the mission of the Graduation Pathways program by delivering individual students a prescribed course of study. Using both direct teach and computer-based instruction, students recover credits, accelerate credit accrual and receive high dosage tutoring in math and other areas of need.
Responsive Education Solutions will be open to serving students from other high schools, as space is available.
A contract with Responsive Education Solutions, first approved in December, 2011, to operate in in-district charter at Lanier and Travis High Schools, will continue through the 2013-14 school year.
Campus-Initiated In-District Charter at Travis Heights Elementary School
Travis Heights Elementary School will transition to an in-district charter school during 2013-14, essentially becoming an autonomous school model with flexibility in such areas like program design, innovation, budget allocation, scheduling, professional development and curriculum.
The recommended educational model will be a student-centered learning community with a standards-based, rigorous core instructional program applying three interwoven, research-based models including, dual language enrichment, service learning and blended learning. The implementation of this AAFR is subject to the availability of funding and appropriation in the fiscal year 2014 budget and subsequent years.
Fine Arts Program - Any Given Child Creative Learning Initiative
The Any Given Child Creative Learning Initiative will bring access and balance to each child's education using a learning model that combines the resources of the school district, the City of Austin, local artists, businesses and philanthropic organizations.
This partnership model will affect student achievement by aligning the experiences students receive in and out of school and working with teachers in schools and artists in the community.
During January, the district will begin working with schools and communities to plan for and implement the recommendations for the 2013-14 school year. The implementation of this AAFR is subject to the availability of funding and appropriation in the fiscal year 2014 budget and subsequent years.