Superintendent identifies educational improvement needs

Superintendent identifies educational improvement needs

Written by Mandy Hobby Friday, 07 July 2006

Tests scores and parental support indicate that Round Rock schools are performing well. However, new Round Rock ISD Superintendent Dr. Jesus Chavez has identified three areas that he feels can be improved: math and science scores, closing the economic gap in performance and growing the high school academies.

“Right now we do fairly well in math and science,” Chavez said. “We are identifying the effective practices, making sure they get carried out in the classroom.”

With 300 new teachers starting this fall, Chavez said the challenge lies in the communication between the campus principals and teachers. Every school also has integration specialists that work with the teachers to carry out curriculum with instruction in the classroom.

Chavez said that reading goes hand in hand with math and science word problems students face on the TAKS test.

“A math problem is a reading problem, as well,” Chavez said. “These are now higher level problem solving math problems. Reading is a part of math and science.”

Along with excelling in math and science, the district also will work on narrowing the gaps between the economically disadvantaged and their corresponding achievement.

“Statistics show that the economically disadvantaged don’t do as well and don’t come to school with fluency,” Chavez said. “It’s not race, its economy.”

The district will also continue to enhance the high school academies by working with more companies in the area. Chavez said the schools want local businesses to come to the high schools and teach classes, provide internships, host projects and competitions, provide scholarships and mentor.

“We are working on strengthening the business partnerships we already have and adding more,” Chavez said. “We want to provide that richer, hands-on work experience in the high school years.”

McNeil High School will add a Health Science academy this fall to bring the total number of academies to seven. Last year, 14 percent of Round Rock students participated in the academies established by the district three years ago.

High School Academies

Round Rock High School: Business and Finance Academy

Students interested in the business, financial and technological world. Courses address business management, finance and information technology. Students may earn college credit and/or state licensing/accreditation. For more information, call Peggy Mica at 464-6065.

McNeil High School: Engineering Academy

Instruction focuses on problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary to solve real-world technical problems. Courses include computer design, computer animation, architectural drafting, advanced mathematics, technical writing, engineering design, scientific research and design, agricultural engineering and biotechnology. For more information, call Lisa Windolph at 464-6338.

McNeil High School: Health Science Technology Academy

Four-year coherent sequence of health science technology courses, classes provide exploration and certifications in specific areas of interest. For more information, call Jackie Uselton at 464-6592.

Westwood High School: Fine Arts Academy

Specialized courses include advanced studio art, graphic arts, ballet, modern dance, theater dancing, stage makeup, costume and set design, musical theater performance, composition, piano, jazz improvisation and chamber music ensembles. For more information, call Marvin Schmidt at 464-4008.

Westwood High School: International Baccalaureate Academy

Provides students with the intellectual, social and critical perspective necessary for the adult world. IB diploma candidates are required throughout all four years to engage in the study of languages, science, mathematics and humanities. IB is recognized at overseas universities. For more information, call Kathy Fleming at 464-4087.

Stony Point High School: Science and Medicine Academy

Research and design courses offered for advanced students in chemistry, physics, biology and environmental systems. The Health Science strand offers students a range of health care study through the Health Science Technology program. For more information, call Jennifer Yarbrough at 428-7095.

Stony Point High School: Information Technology Academy

Offers digital media, network design and administration, programming/software engineering, technical support, technical writing and web development and administration. For more information, call Judy Pluenneke at 428-7139.

Community Partnerships support educational excellence

Who Are Partners in Education?

Partners are parents, businesses, community organizations, grandparents, civic organizations community members who dedicate their valuable time, talent and/or treasure to improving students’ achievement and helping students prepare to be contributing members of the community.

For additional information or to request a Partnership Opportunities form, call 464.5093.

How Can I Make a Difference?

Individuals and all types of groups (business and civic) are welcome as volunteers in RRISD schools.

Partnership opportunities include: mentor a student one hour a week, serve as event judge, supply incentives for student/teacher recognition, provide real-world experiences through internships or job shadowing, speak to students about your career field. Additional partnership opportunities are available to work with our academies.