District's Schools in Fort Worth demonstrate improvement in ratings, yet specific campuses fall short, potentially facing educational oversight.
Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) has made encouraging progress, as shown by maintaining a C grade overall in the academic accountability ratings released on August 15. This improvement can be attributed to several key factors, including a strategic focus on literacy and math, close monitoring of student progress, optimized instruction time, the deployment of administrators, revamped lessons and instructional practices, and a student-centered approach.
Strategic Focus on Literacy and Math
Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar emphasized the strategic focus on literacy and math, recognizing these subjects as foundational to long-term student success.
Close Monitoring of Student Progress
Educators in Fort Worth ISD are monitoring student progress more closely and frequently than in previous years, which has helped in identifying areas where students need extra support.
Optimized Instruction Time
Teachers in the district are maximizing instruction time to ensure that no classroom time is wasted, potentially leading to better learning outcomes.
Deployment of Administrators
Administrators have been deployed from the District Service Center to schools, where they work directly with small groups of students to provide targeted support. This approach has been expanded in the current year.
Revamped Lessons and Instructional Practices
The district has revamped its lessons with new materials and guidelines. Additionally, demonstration teachers are supporting colleagues by showcasing best instructional practices.
Student-Centered Approach
The district's commitment to a student-centered approach has been highlighted as a crucial element in driving improvements.
These strategies have collectively contributed to significant gains, such as a reduction in the number of "F" rated schools and an increase in "A" rated schools. Seven additional A schools were added to Fort Worth ISD's academic accountability ratings.
New Initiatives to Turn Around Struggling Schools
FWISD is rolling out new initiatives to turn around three middle schools that have received their fourth consecutive F grade. These initiatives include new management and an extended school year. The academic progress of Fort Worth ISD could be life-changing for the 10,000 students who no longer attend an F school.
However, bumps will occur as new lessons and instruction guidelines are rolled out, but Molinar emphasizes that students deserve the best, and these changes are necessary for improvement.
Potential Takeover and Future Plans
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath's decision regarding a potential takeover of Fort Worth ISD is expected this fall. Superintendent Karen Molinar hopes Morath will visit Fort Worth schools and continues to put students first, regardless of a potential takeover.
District leaders moved management of Leonard Middle School over to Texas Wesleyan University in the spring, and the district and Texas Wesleyan University operate a partnership that pauses some accountability interventions for two years. An extended school calendar will apply to 15 campuses, with students remaining in class for an additional month following Memorial Day.
Molinar requires administrators to work with a small group of students three to four times a week throughout the spring, and this practice is being doubled down on this year. "Practice makes perfect," Molinar said, emphasizing the importance of practice for improvement.
[1] Tarrant County's NRH2O Dive-In Theatre to Reopen in June [2] Fort Worth ISD to Reopen Schools in August [3] Fort Worth ISD to Implement New Safety Measures for the 2021-2022 School Year [4] Fort Worth ISD's Academic Improvement Plan [5] Fort Worth ISD's Budget for the 2021-2022 School Year
News of Fort Worth Independent School District's (FWISD) educational initiatives and self-development strategies have been making headlines, with a sharp focus on literacy and math being instrumental to their academic improvement. The strategic deployment of administrators and revamped lessons are aimed at targeting support for struggling students, while close monitoring of progress ensures that no student is left behind. Furthermore, a student-centered approach and optimized instruction time are critical elements in the district's plan to drive further education advancements and achieve better learning outcomes.
With the implementation of new initiatives for struggling schools, there's hope that Fort Worth ISD's academic accountability ratings will continue to improve, potentially impacting the lives of 10,000 students who no longer have to attend failing schools. Amid the ongoing changes, Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar reiterates the importance of practice for improvement, with a strong emphasis on laying the groundwork for long-term student success.
