This week, the Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Group held its last meeting of the school year. As usual, these teachers offered excellent feedback and advice, especially in the area of English Language Learners.
The discussion centered on how we can support ELL students after middle school to ensure success throughout high school, and the proven strategies that ensure all students demonstrate high academic achievement and develop confidence and character.
A particular thanks to Webb Middle School teacher Alicia Brown-Forbes for her extraordinary leadership and preparation that allowed us to focus at this meeting on English Language Development Academies. These academies provide immigrant youth instruction using a communicative approach to learning language and rigorous, relevant content using a world class curriculum to ensure all students demonstrate high academic achievement and develop confidence and character in high school and beyond. I look forward to exploring how to scale up this outstanding work in AISD.
This year, our conversations have focused on strengthening teaching, learning, and existing programs to benefit all students and on accomplishing the four goals delineated in the district’s strategic plan. This year, topics included discussion of the district calendar, STAAR and EOC testing, the Instructional Management System (SchoolNet), the Curriculum Navigation System, Culturally Responsive Instruction, RTI, Dual Language, and meeting the needs of English Language Learners.
These advisors are the best of the best of our Austin teaching corps, and I appreciate their commitment to our students and families, as well as their willingness to work with me--in addition to everything else they do. Following the summer break, I'm looking forward to another productive year with these top-notch teachers.
The discussion centered on how we can support ELL students after middle school to ensure success throughout high school, and the proven strategies that ensure all students demonstrate high academic achievement and develop confidence and character.
A particular thanks to Webb Middle School teacher Alicia Brown-Forbes for her extraordinary leadership and preparation that allowed us to focus at this meeting on English Language Development Academies. These academies provide immigrant youth instruction using a communicative approach to learning language and rigorous, relevant content using a world class curriculum to ensure all students demonstrate high academic achievement and develop confidence and character in high school and beyond. I look forward to exploring how to scale up this outstanding work in AISD.
This year, our conversations have focused on strengthening teaching, learning, and existing programs to benefit all students and on accomplishing the four goals delineated in the district’s strategic plan. This year, topics included discussion of the district calendar, STAAR and EOC testing, the Instructional Management System (SchoolNet), the Curriculum Navigation System, Culturally Responsive Instruction, RTI, Dual Language, and meeting the needs of English Language Learners.
 |
| Back Row (left to right): Sarah Dilly, Sloan McLain, Edith Butcher, Mary Tijerina, Lindsey Ann Pendleton, Pamela Komnick, Ruben Ramirez, Ginger Wahlers, Kevin Owens Front Row (left to right): Dixie Yoder, Alicia Brown-Forbes, Dr. Carstarphen, Lauren Fox, Chaitra McGrew, Debra Hurst |