TEXAS. SCHOOL A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

Transcription

1 TEXAS SCHOOL A Parent s Roadmap to Success GUIDE in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools published 2014

2 TEXAS SCHOOL GUIDE A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools EDITED BY Robert Sanborn, Ed.D. Jaime Hanks Meyers Jessica Noel Dawn Lew, J.D. Beth Van Horne, M.P.H. Caroline Neary, M.Ed. PUBLISHED BY With special thanks to BC Workshop, our community partners, and the parents who contributed to and made this publication possible. published 2014 To provide feedback on this project please visit TexasSchoolGuide.org or contact CHILDREN AT RISK directly at: CHILDREN AT RISK 3625 N. Hall Street Suite 760 Dallas, TX (214) TexasSchoolGuide@childrenatrisk.org Graphic Design by Squidz Ink Design

3 Table of Contents Disclaimer...3 Message to Parents Introduction: How to Use This Guide Parent Action Guides... 7 What Are My School Choice Options?... 7 How Can I Get Involved at My Child s School? Early Childhood Education (Ages 0-5) Preparing for Post-Secondary Education (High School Students) School Profiles Map and Zone Definitions Zone 1: Northwest & North Dallas Map »» Elementary Schools »» Middle Schools... 65»» High Schools Zone 2: West Dallas & North Oak Cliff Map »» Elementary Schools »» Middle Schools »» High Schools Zone 3: South Dallas/Fair Park & East Dallas Map »» Elementary Schools »» Middle Schools »» High Schools Zone 4: South Oak Cliff Map »» Elementary Schools »» Middle Schools »» High Schools Zone 5: Southeast Dallas Map »» Elementary Schools »» Middle Schools »» High Schools Methodology Glossary of Terms Appendix [Schools Listed Alphabetically] CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

4 Disclaimer CHILDREN AT RISK is a nonprofit organization that drives change for children through research, education and influencing public policy. Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools has been developed independently, and is not endorsed by the Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD). The school level information that appears in this guide has been gathered from the Texas Education Agency, the Dallas ISD website, or individual schools. The information in this guide is subject to change at any time and it is important that parents, community members, educators, and all others contact their schools directly to obtain the most current and accurate information. See page 226 for a more detailed description of our methodology. Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 3

5 Message to Parents CHILDREN AT RISK is pleased to share the Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools with you. We hope that this resource will serve as an important tool as you and your child navigate the public school system in the Dallas ISD area. Because education is one of the most important influences in setting your child on the right path for future success, it is important to find the school that is the best fit for your child. That may look different for different students, and can include certain athletic programs, course offerings, learning styles or a variety of other factors. At CHILDREN AT RISK, we know that there are many quality options for public education available from neighborhood schools, charter schools, and schools with magnet programs. Dallas is proud to claim the number one high school in the state, but two Dallas high schools also landed in the bottom ten schools across the state. Therefore, it can be difficult to understand the true quality of your student s school, and what you can do to ensure your child receives the best education possible. We hope that Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools will provide you with the information you need to make the best school decision for your child. We look forward to providing this resource annually and welcome your feedback to help us make this resource as helpful to parents as possible. Sincerely, Jaime Hanks Meyers Managing Director, North Texas CHILDREN AT RISK Robert Sanborn, Ed.D. President & CEO CHILDREN AT RISK Please visit TexasSchoolGuide.org to access this resource online. 4 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

6 Introduction: How to Use This Guide Parents today are faced with a myriad of choices in public education, including traditional public schools, magnet schools and programs, and charter schools. Each option comes with its own system to navigate, and some also involve a complex application process. CHILDREN AT RISK has developed Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools to serve as a one-stop-shop for parents as they navigate these systems. Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools has three main goals. We hope to empower parents to: 1. Understand How Local Schools are Performing 2. Become Aware of their School Options 3. Become Advocates for High Quality Public Schools The Parent Action Guides contain helpful information and tips on early childhood education, higher education, school choice, and parent advocacy to help parents navigate the decision-making process. The school profiles included in this guide provide detailed demographic, performance and school asset data, when available, on the public schools in Dallas ISD, as well as information on independent charter schools that fall within the district zip codes. In the school profile section you will see a letter grade associated with each school that will read: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F or Not Available (NA) You will also see school rankings that indicate how well the school is performing in comparison to other schools in the state. Each school s profile will include their ranking out of the total number of schools ranked for that grade level in Texas. State Ranking: Individual School Ranking / Total Schools Ranked for that Grade Level across the State If you find that your school is not ranked or graded highly, we encourage you to visit the Parent Action Guides to understand your options and what steps you might take. In some cases, you may find a charter school that better meets your needs, or you might find that you are eligible for a within-district transfer. You might also decide that changing schools is not the best option for you and your child. Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 5

7 You can view all of this information online at TexasSchoolGuide.org and search for schools based on various characteristics: school type, grade level, school assets or programs, and distance. It is important to remember that many factors contribute to making a school a good fit for your child. Only you can decide what is most important when making that decision. Regardless of your choice, we hope that Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools can provide the resources and data you need along your journey! 6 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

8 PARENT ACTION GUIDES What Are My School Choice Options?

9 What Are My School Choice Options? What Is School Choice? School choice is choosing a school for your child based on the qualities of the school and your child s needs, rather than on your home address. While school choice options vary from district to district, parents do have alternatives to the traditional neighborhood school the district assigns your child to attend. When considering other public school options for your child, you may consider charter schools as well as magnet schools and programs. No type of school is inherently superior, and to determine which school is right for your child, you must research the individual schools. CHILDREN AT RISK gives a letter grade of A, B, C, D, or F to schools throughout the state of Texas, with schools with an A letter grade being the highest performing. For the purpose of Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools, the schools letter grades have been further differentiated with pluses or minuses to give parents a more in depth look at school quality. Schools with letter grades in the A, B, or C range are considered acceptable options for student success. CHILDREN AT RISK considers D and F schools to be of lower quality and underperforming in some areas. If your child is attending a traditional neighborhood school that is lower performing, you may want to consider what other options you have. Options include transferring your child to a different school within the district, applying to a magnet program, opting for a charter school, or improving the quality of your child s current school from within. These options are described in greater detail in this section: Visiting a School: Questions to Ask and Things to Look For Understanding Your Options: What are Neighborhood Schools, Charter Schools, Magnet Schools, and Private Schools? Transfer Options within Dallas ISD Charter School Options and the Application Process Magnet Schools / Options and the Application Process Career Academies and Pathways at Dallas ISD High Schools Visiting a School Parents do have alternatives to the traditional neighborhood school the district assigns your child to attend If you choose to send your child to another school, you should visit the individual campuses and consider what matters most to you and your family. Here is a list of questions to ask, as well as important things to look for when visiting a school: 8 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

10 Questions to Ask When Visiting a School What is the school s mission? The mission statement is usually a summary statement of the school s values and purpose. What is the school s approach to safety and discipline? How does the school monitor student progress? What strategies do teachers use to teach students with limited English proficiency? How do students get to school? Is bus transportation available? Are free or reduced-price meals offered? What extracurricular opportunities are available for students? How do fine arts fit into the curriculum? What rules and systems are most important in classrooms? Are there opportunities for parents to get involved? What systems are in place for students that are struggling? What is the typical class size? What is the maximum class size? If a child is excelling academically, are there advanced courses or enrichment programs? How is technology used to support teaching and learning? What are the school s greatest accomplishments? What are the school s greatest challenges? How do teachers communicate with parents? Are parent-teacher conferences scheduled regularly throughout the year? What is the student attrition rate? The student attrition rate represents the numbers of students dropping out. What is the teacher attrition rate? The teacher attrition rate represents the number of teachers leaving the school. Things to Look For When Visiting a School Do teachers interact with their students in a positive manner? Do classrooms look cheerful? Are the students well-behaved as they transition in the hallways and play outside? Do the school s administrators interact positively with students, teachers, and parents? Are the classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and outside areas of the school clean and well maintained? Are students adequately supervised by school personnel? Do students engage with each other in a positive way? Are the teachers keeping students engaged and thinking critically? Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 9

11 WHAT ARE MY SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS? cont. Understanding Your Options What Are Neighborhood Schools? A neighborhood school is the school that a child is assigned to based on their home address, and according to the district s boundaries and attendance zones. Dallas ISD provides a resource that allows you to enter your home address and identify your neighborhood school: These boundaries change frequently, so you should call your school to confirm which neighborhood school your child has been assigned to before enrolling. What Are Charter Schools? Charter schools are public schools that operate independently of local school districts. They are tuition-free and publicly funded by local, state, and federal dollars. In addition, charter schools also receive private donations. Charter schools are open to any student within a specified region that wishes to apply. Because applications exceed the space available at charter schools, many charter schools use a lottery system to determine enrollment. Although charter schools are subject to the same rules and regulations as traditional public schools, they generally enjoy greater flexibility. For example, some charter schools have a longer school day and school year than traditional schools. What Are Magnet Schools / s? Magnet schools are public schools of choice that are either run by a school district or a group of school districts. These schools are named magnet schools because they tend to draw students from different attendance zone boundaries. The curriculum of a magnet school or program is aligned to a particular focus area, such as Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM), performing arts, leadership, or certain career paths. These programs require an application, and some are selective while others use a lottery system. Because magnet schools and programs are specialized, they are able to offer a more intensive education in their focus area than traditional public schools. Some magnet programs are housed within traditional public schools, while others are housed on their own campus. In some cases, several magnet programs are housed together on one campus. What Are Private Schools? Private schools are schools that are not supported by the government, but rather receive their funding from individuals or a private organization. Private schools usually require students to pay tuition. The application process is similar to the college application process and includes applications, admission tests, interviews, financial aid applications, etc. Private schools can have a religious affiliation or be independent. Although this guide does not profile private schools, they are one of the available options for parents in the Dallas area. 10 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

12 Transfer Options within Dallas ISD While students in Dallas ISD are zoned to a particular school, they may apply for transfers to other schools that better match their interests or needs if they meet the eligibility requirements listed below. However, all transfers are subject to approval and space availability. It is also important to note that if a student transfers away from his or her assigned school, the district does not provide transportation. The three main ways for students to transfer include: 1. Student Transfers: Initiated because of student/family needs 2. Public Education Grant (PEG) Transfers: Initiated because of the school s performance 3. Out-of-District Transfers: Initiated because an out-of-district student wants to attend a Dallas ISD school There are application deadlines associated with each of these transfer options so be sure to check the most current deadlines by visiting the Dallas ISD website or by contacting your school or the district directly. Student Transfers The first type of transfer is defined as a Student Transfer. A student may submit a transfer request to attend the nearest Dallas ISD school that offers a program or course that the neighborhood school does not offer, or to attend another Dallas ISD school if the student cannot attend the neighborhood school due to personal or family circumstances. For example, if the student is interested in a program like the ROTC, but the neighborhood school does not offer that program, the student may apply for a transfer to another district school that offers a ROTC program. Another example is a hardship transfer. A hardship might be if a parent works far away from their child s neighborhood school, and would find it difficult to get back to that school quickly in case of an emergency. The typical transfer window for this type of transfer is early January to early March, and the transfer application will need to be repeated every year if the child wishes to remain at the school. The process for this transfer includes: A parent needs to first contact the new school s principal to obtain an approval for a transfer. If the principal accepts the transfer, he or she will sign the transfer request application. Once the principal of the new school approves the transfer, the transfer application needs to be signed by the principal of the student s neighborhood school. Finally, submit the transfer application for approval to the Student Transfer Office at Dallas ISD (see contact information below). Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 11

13 WHAT ARE MY SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS? cont. If the Student Transfer Office denies the application, the parent may file an appeal and present his or her case to a committee. The appeal will usually take place towards the end of the school year. In order to file an appeal, contact the Student Transfer Office directly. Student Transfer Office 2617 North Henderson Ave. Portable 1 Dallas, Texas Office: (972) Fax: (972) PEG Transfers The second type of transfer is related to school performance. Students attending Public Education Grant (PEG) designated schools are eligible to transfer to a different school. PEG schools are low-performing schools where 50% or more of the students did not pass any of the TAKS/STAAR subjects in two of the preceding three years, or schools that were recently rated Academically Unacceptable by the Texas Education Agency. Every year, districts must notify the parents of a student in a PEG-designated school of the school s PEG status by February 1st. If your child is zoned to a PEG school they can transfer to a select number of public schools. A list of current PEGdesignated schools can be downloaded at This list is updated annually, so it is important to visit the website to see the most recent list of eligible schools. Out-of-District Transfers The third type of transfer is an out-of-district transfer. Students who live outside of the district, but want to attend a district school may be eligible for an out of district transfer. You can download the Out-of-District Form from the district s website at www. dallasisd.org/page/100. Charter School Options and the Application Process Any student residing in Dallas ISD is eligible to apply to the charter schools listed below, though this list is not exhaustive. Some charter schools also allow for students outside of the district to apply, but priority may be given to those residing within the district. Most charter schools operate on a lottery system. This means that the school uses a random selection process to pick its students. If your child is on a charter schools waiting list, it may help to follow up with the school to let the school know that you are interested in getting off the waiting list if space becomes available. While many applications can be submitted online, the process depends on the school. In addition, some schools require supplemental documents or an interview/audition. Visit the school s website to learn more about the current deadlines and application procedures. 12 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

14 Grade Level Application Period A.W. Brown Fellowship Charter School Admissions Model Application Process Website PK - 08 January 7 - June 1 Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; Contact school for details A+ Academy PK - 12 Contact school for details Contact school for details Contact school for details Focus Learning Academy PK - 12 January Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; parents and students are interviewed; submit student records; Contact school for details Gateway Charter Academy Contact school for details Contact school for details Submit application; student records; achievement test scores; proof of residency; Contact school for details Golden Rule Charter School Varies by campus Contact school for details Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; student records; proof of residency; Contact school for details Inspired Vision Academy Varies by Campus Contact school for details Contact school for details Contact school for details KIPP Schools Varies by campus Begins November 1 Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; Contact school for details La Academia de Estrellas PK - 06 February 1 - May 15 Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; Contact school for details org Legacy Preparatory K - 12 Contact school for details Open enrollment/ lottery Contact school for details Life Schools Varies by campus Begins March 1 Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; student records; proof of residency; Contact school for details Lindsley Park Community School PK - 03 January 7 - February 21 Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; student records; proof of residency; Contact school for details Nova Academy Varies by campus Contact school for details Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; student records; Contact school for details Prime Prep Academy March 1 - May 4 Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; Contact school for details Reconciliation Academy PK - 04 April 15 - June 15 Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; Contact School for details Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 13

15 WHAT ARE MY SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS? cont. Grade Level Application Period Admissions Model Application Process Website St. Anthony School Contact school for details Contact school for details Contact school for details Trinity Basin Preparatory PK - 08 Contact school for details Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; student records; Contact school for details Uplift Education Varies by Campus Contact school for details Open enrollment/ lottery Submit application; student records; test scores; teacher recommendations; essay; Contact school for details Magnet Schools / s and the Application Process Magnet schools and programs in Dallas ISD provide career-oriented or specialized curriculum in addition to academic subjects. Examples of magnet programs include math, science, communications, and law enforcement. The Dallas ISD magnet school system is made up of: 1. Vanguards for elementary schools 2. Academies for middle schools 3. Magnets for high schools All magnet programs and schools require some type of application for admittance. According to the Dallas ISD website; applications will be available during the application period at: Any Dallas ISD school The Magnet s Office (contact information below) Online MAGNETS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center 1201 East Eighth Street Suite 237A Dallas, Texas Keisha Crowder-Davis Magnet Coordinator Phone: (972) Magnetschools@dallasisd.org Note that Dallas ISD provides transportation for DISD students residing more than two miles from the magnet schools, but out-of-district students will be responsible for their own transportation. 14 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

16 Application Process You may apply for up to two programs based on interests, talents, and aptitude. However, a student may only apply for one program per school. For example, you may apply to a fine arts magnet program at one school and a culinary arts program at another school, but not to two programs housed on one campus. You only need to complete one magnet program application even if applying to two programs. On the application you are able to indicate your first and second choice programs. You should submit the application to your first choice school. If you submit more than one application, the student will be disqualified from the selection process. Include a current report card, test scores, and proof of parent/guardian residence. Complete magnet assessment based on your program of interest. Information about the magnet assessment is provided after you submit your application. Timeline December: Applications become available; Magnet Fair and Open House held January: Applications accepted through January 31st January - February: Magnet assessment days Early March: First choice notification letters mailed Early April: Second choice notification letters mailed Call or visit the District s website at to learn more about the most current application deadlines and procedures. Below is a list of vanguard, academy and magnet programs in Dallas ISD. Please note that the CHILDREN AT RISK Letter Grade is associated with the entire school, not specifically the magnet program. Grade Level Magnet Area of Focus Alex W. Spence Talented and Gifted Academy Advanced academic program in all curricula Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy Math; Science; Student Wellness and Leadership Skills Required Assessments On-site essay and critical thinking assessment On-site math assessment and essay Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual s Page Number/s C@R School Letter Grade 66 C 180, 190 Not Available Performing and Visual s On-site interview and audition 74 A- Dallas Environmental Science Academy Environmental Science and Mathematics Environmental Science Magnet at Seagoville Environmental Studies Franklin D. Roosevelt Health Magnet Administrative Medical Assistant; Culinary s; and Physical Therapy On-site math assessment; essay and interview On-site interview; presentation on a current environmental issue On-site essay; interview and career choice inventory 104 A- 223 D 112 F Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 15

17 WHAT ARE MY SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS? cont. Grade Level Magnet Area of Focus Required Assessments George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Vanguard and International Academy PK Montessori Harry Stone Montessori Vanguard and Academy PK Montessori Henry W. Longfellow Career Exploration Academy On-site assessment/observation; portfolio of work samples; teacher survey On-site assessment/observation; portfolio of work samples; teacher survey Page Number/s 48, , 183 C@R School Letter Grade A (Montessori) A- (International Academy) A- (Montessori) B+ (Academy) Education, Hospitality, & Health Science; Professional Communications; Principles of Business, Marketing, & Finance; Lifetime Nutrition & Wellness; STEM/IT; Touch System Data Entry On-site essay; portfolio of graded work samples 69 A- Irma L. Rangel Young Women s Leadership School Math; Science; Technology; Student Wellness and Leadership Skills J. P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard On-site math assessment and essay 145, 151 A (06 08) A+ (09 12) PK - 05 Mathematics; Science and Technology On-site math assessment; essay and interview 91 C+ Judge Barefoot Sanders Magnet Center for Public Service Government; Law and Law Enforcement Justin F. Kimball Math & Science Mathematics; Science and Computer Science K. B. Polk Talented and Gifted Vanguard On-site essay and interview; portfolio of graded work samples On-site math assessment; essay and interview 112 A 193 D EE -05 Advanced academic program in all curricula On-site essay and critical thinking assessment 53 B L.G. Pinkston Law Magnet Government; Law and Law Enforcement Lincoln Humanities/Communications Literature, Philosophy,, and Languages; Radio, Television and Newspaper Production Mark Twain Leadership Vanguard EE - 05 Leadership Skills On-site essay and interview; portfolio of graded work samples On-site essay/skills assessment and interview On-site essay and interview; portfolio of graded work samples Oliver Wendell Holmes Humanities/Communications Academy ; Literature; ; Philosophy; and Government On-site essay; portfolio of graded work samples 113 F 153 F 171 D 106 F 16 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

18 Grade Level Magnet Area of Focus Required Assessments Rosie M. Collins Sorrells School of Education and Social Services Social Services; Education; and Child Related Professions School for the Talented and Gifted Advanced academic program in all curricula School of Business and Management Page Number/s School Letter Grade On-site essay and interview 114 A- On-site essay; resume and project from school or outside school 114 A Business Management; Marketing and Technology Contact School 115 A- School of Health Professions Health; Dental Careers; Medical Careers and Veterinary Careers On-site essay; interview and career choice inventory 115 A School of Science and Engineering STEM Seagoville Environmental Science Magnet Environmental Studies Sidney Lanier Expressive s Vanguard On-site math and critical thinking assessments; essay and interview On-site interview; Three minute presentation on a current environmental issue 116 A+ 223 D EE - 05 Performing and Visual s Skyline Career Development Center Math; Design; Social Sciences; Technology; Horticulture; Mechanics/Transportation W. E. Greiner Exploratory s Academy On-site interview and short answer writing sample On-site interview; additional requirements vary by cluster Performing and Visual s Audition/portfolio 109 William B. Travis Talented and Gifted Vanguard and Academy 99 B- 153 C B Advanced academic program in all curricula William Hawley Atwell Law Academy Law and Law Enforcement On-site essay and critical thinking assessment On-site essay and interview; portfolio of graded work samples 62, 72 Not Available (Vanguard) A (Academy) 187 C Note that the International Language Preparatory Middle School located on Rosemont Elementary School s campus is not currently a part of the middle school academy program, but it is an option for students in Dallas ISD. A separate application is required for admittance, and applications are typically sent to the schools in that feeder pattern. If you are not a part of that feeder pattern but wish to apply, you can contact the school to obtain an application. Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 17

19 WHAT ARE MY SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS? cont. Career Academies and Pathways Career Academies and Pathways, which serve to prepare students for college and careers, are specialized programs that are offered at comprehensive Dallas ISD high schools. A Career Academy is run on a school within a school model and comprised of approximately students. The Academies offer a personalized learning environment where students have the same core and career themed teachers. The programs also include relationships with local business, community and higher education organizations to enhance the applied aspect of the Career Academy. A Career Pathway is a program that allows students to take a series of elective courses that are focused around a pathway career theme. These targeted programs provide students extensive knowledge and skills which lead to a certificate, degree, and/or career. These programs are open to all students, but in order to enroll in a program outside of one s feeder pattern the student must be approved by the receiving school principal. To find out what feeder pattern your school is located in please visit the District s website Applications are available from the school counselor, the website, or the Academy and Pathway Showcase which is typically held in December. For a list of updated deadlines visit the district s website at or contact the district directly. Here is a list of Career Academies and Pathways programs by school: HIGH SCHOOL Bryan Adams David W. Carter Emmett J. Conrad H. Grady Spruce Hillcrest James Madison Justin F. Kimball L.G. Pinkston Lincoln Molina New Tech High School at A. Maceo Smith North Dallas Roosevelt Seagoville South Oak Cliff CAREER ACADEMY OR PATHWAY Sports and Entertainment Marketing; Law Enforcement; Business Management & Administration Business; Visual and Performing s Finance; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; IT; Engineering; Culinary s Engineering; Finance; Transportation; Distribution; and Logistics; IT; Business Engineering; IT IT & Robotics; Public Safety Engineering; Hospitality & Tourism; STEM magnet Law; Automotive Technology; Architecture & Design Humanities/Communication; Engineering; Culinary s/entrepreneurial, Animation & A/V Production; Culinary s; Architecture & Design IT IT; Finance; Engineering Health Sciences Environmental Studies IT; Education & Training; Forensic Studies; Finance 18 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

20 HIGH SCHOOL Sunset Thomas Jefferson W. H. Adamson W. T. White W. W. Samuell Wilmer-Hutchins Woodrow Wilson Source: CAREER ACADEMY OR PATHWAY Business, Marketing, & Entrepreneur; Education & Training; Information Technology; Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice World Languages; and Design; Business; Finance; Hospitality & Tourism Academy of Finance; Business; Education & Training; Automotive Technology Engineering; Visual and Performing s; Business & Marketing; Human Services Marketing; Multimedia & Gaming; Architecture & Construction; Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice; Early College Automotive Tech & Logistics; Business; Culinary s; Architecture & Construction STEM; Creative & Performing s; Business Entrepreneur & Finance; IB; Hospitality & Tourism Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 19

21 Notes: 20 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

22 PARENT ACTION GUIDES How Can I Get Involved at My Child s School?

23 How Can I Get Involved at My Child s School? Parent involvement is a leading factor in student success and outcomes. Students with involved parents are more likely than their peers with uninvolved parents to earn better grades, attend school regularly, have positive attitudes about school, and be better behaved. As a result, parents can help their children succeed by becoming an education advocate. Taking the time to be involved in your child s education not only allows you to ensure your child is receiving the quality education he or she deserves, but also shows your student how important their academic success is to your family. Advocating for your child s education means making sure that your child is getting the very best education possible. In this section you can learn how to: Build relationships with people at your child s school. Join parent organizations on campus. Get involved with decision making at your child s school. Find your School Board Representative. Access services provided by community organizations. Building Relationships The first step to becoming an advocate for your child s education is to form relationships with teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators at your child s school. Forming these relationships early in your child s time at school will make you feel comfortable going to these people when problems or questions come up. If you have felt frustrated and do not understand the school process, or just have not had the opportunity to form these relationships, here are some great ways to get started: Attend school events when you are able, such as open houses, performances or award ceremonies. The first step to becoming an advocate for your child s education is to form relationships Join district groups, such as the School Health Advisory Council that focuses on health and nutrition policies within the district. Join parent groups or organizations at your child s school. Get involved in after school programs that your child is involved in. Get involved with the Site Based Decision Making Committee at your child s school. Volunteer with the school or in your child s classroom. Vote in the School Board of Trustees election. Request a conference with your child s teacher, counselor, or school administrator. If you work during the school day, you can request a conference at a time that works for you. 22 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

24 Outside of attending events and direct contact with the school, you can advocate for your child by communicating the importance of education. You can do this by: Making sure your child attends school regularly. Making sure your child does their homework. Making sure your child gets to school on time. Regularly checking your child s progress through Parent Portal to identify any problems early. Regularly checking your child s progress through Parent Portal to identify any problems early. On Parent Portal you have access to many school related indicators, including your student s grades, homework assignments, and teacher contact information. Learn more about Parent Portal at Dallas ISD by visiting dallasisd.org/parentportal. Parent Groups and Organizations Parent Teacher Associations (PTA s), Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSA s), and Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO s) engage and empower parents to become advocates for their children. Although these organizations have similar missions, the PTA is connected to a local, state, or national association, while the PTO is specific to an individual school campus. Many parent organizations keep parents involved and informed about what is going on at school. This might include organizing a school fundraiser, working with teachers or providing parent trainings on how to get involved at school. If you are interested in getting involved in these organizations, contact your school s office about how to join. If your school does not currently have a PTA, PTSA or a PTO, you can start one. Organizing a Parent Teacher Association: Any school official, parent or interested person can organize a PTA. First, gain the support of your school principal or superintendent, and multiple teachers. For more information about organizing a new local PTA, contact the Director of Member Services, Mary Jo Burgess, mjburgess@txpta.org or TALK-PTA or visit their website at Organizing a Parent Teacher Organization: To start a PTO, organize a group of interested people, agree on a common goal, and start working together to make it happen. Examples include running an ice cream social for parents, students and teachers to get to know one another, or a school fundraiser to raise money. Because every PTO is an independent organization, bylaws vary by organization. Learn more about organizing a PTO at www. ptotoday.com. Note that some PTA s and PTO s have small membership fees. Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 23

25 HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AT MY CHILD S SCHOOL? cont. Site Based Decision Making Committee If you are interested in getting involved in the decision making that goes on at your child s campus, you might consider joining your school s Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) Committee. SBDM Committees are school based meetings that include teachers, administrators, community leaders and parents and are open to the public. Even if parents are not part of the committee, attending a SBDM meeting is a good way to meet school officials and learn about the latest updates at your child s school. Contact your school directly to learn more about SBDM. Dallas ISD Board of Trustees The Dallas School Board includes nine trustees that are elected by residents of the individual districts and serve for a three-year term. Trustees have a variety of responsibilities including establishing school operational policies, hiring the Superintendent of Schools, allocating financial and human resources, and evaluating school performance. You can learn more about the Dallas ISD s board policy online at Home/Index/361. To find out which district your school is located in, visit dallasisd.org/domain/447. Below is a list of the current board representatives. District 1: Elizabeth Jones (Term Expires 2015) District 2: Mike Morath (Term Expires 2014) District 3: Dan Micciche (Term Expires 2015) District 4: Nancy Bingham (Term Expires 2016) District 5: Lew Blackburn (Term Expires 2016) District 6: Carla Ranger (Term Expires 2014) District 7: Eric Cowan (Term Expires 2016) District 8: Miguel Solis (Term Expires 2014) District 9: Bernadette Nutall (Term Expires 2015) If you have concerns about your child s school, first contact the school s principal. If you are unable to resolve your concerns with the principal, you may contact the Board Services Department. Parents can also file a formal appeal against the decision of a principal. If you would like to file a formal appeal, use the following form, located under Policy FNG (Exhibit) on the online Board Policy server at Policy/Download/361?filename=FNG(XHIBIT).pdf. Community Organizations Local community centers, churches, and nonprofit organizations are important resources for parent involvement. Some organizations offer parent trainings that can help you learn how to request and have successful conferences with teachers, counselors and school administrators. Here is a brief list of organizations that are working with students and parents in the community: 24 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

26 ORGANIZATION NAME Avance Boys and Girls Club Catholic Charities CitySquare Communities in Schools Dallas Region Dallas Afterschool Education Opens Doors Kids U Project Transformation Readers to Leaders Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers Serve West Dallas Stand For Children The Concilio The Family Place Trinity River Mission Voice of Hope Wesley Rankin Community Center YMCA WEBSITE Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 25

27 Notes: 26 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

28 PARENT ACTION GUIDES Early Childhood Education (Ages 0-5)

29 Early Childhood Education (Ages 0-5) Deciding on a childcare or preschool program for your child can be a daunting and stressful task. There are many issues to consider including quality, location, cost, and hours of operation. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved with a quick phone call or visit to the program s website. Unfortunately, quality, the main concern for parents, requires more effort. Why is Early Childhood Education Important? The first five years of a child s life are the most important in brain development. During this time, children acquire knowledge at a more rapid rate than at any other period in their life. Children who attend high quality early education programs are more likely to: be ready for kindergarten, score better on standardized tests, go to college, and have higher paying jobs as adults. A supportive and engaging early childhood education program is important because it starts infants and toddlers on the path to success. What Should You Look For in a Childcare or Preschool? Early childhood education programs such as pre-kindergarten and academically focused childcare set children up to be successful students before they ever step into a kindergarten classroom. These programs should provide children with developmentally appropriate instruction in vocabulary, early literacy, phonemic awareness, math, and many other areas that students often struggle with during their elementary years. In addition, these programs should also help children to become more comfortable with routine and structure. Licensed childcare facilities are monitored and regulated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The state routinely inspects these facilities and enforces basic health and safety standards. Records of the state s inspections are publicly available at In addition, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredits and certifies centers. The NAEYC standards are much higher than the state s minimum standards. A list of centers accredited by NAEYC is available at search. After checking the program s accreditation status and the state s records for violations and compliance, you should visit the center to gain a better sense of both the physical and emotional environment. 28 CHILDREN AT RISK Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools

30 Visiting the Center During your visit, plan to spend minutes talking to staff and observing their morning or afternoon routines (circle time, book reads, and center time are the best times to observe). If possible, avoid visiting during meal and nap times as you will be less likely to see the quality of learning activities between the staff and children. Things to pay attention to include: During your visit, plan to spend minutes talking to staff and observing their morning or afternoon routines Physical Environment: Classrooms and areas for children should be open and visible from any other point within the classroom. This ensures that the teachers can always see your child and make sure that your child is not at risk for injury or participating in unsafe activities. Age appropriate materials such as alphabet posters, letter walls, calendars, and weather and reading charts should be at your child s eye level (not near the ceiling or at an adult s eye level). For classrooms serving children three years and older, look for evidence of: writing (both children s and teacher s), sorting, counting, as well as number, letter and word recognition. These are all good signs that the program is working on academic enrichment activities. Emotional Environment: Students should feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings in the classroom. The classroom should not be a place for unkind words, bullying, or verbal abuse, as these are detrimental to the child s well-being and social development. Ask staff specifically about their discipline policies. Also watch how staff members relate to one another and to the children both in and out of the classroom. Teacher Qualifications Ask teachers and staff about their qualifications. You are trusting your child to their program and have the right to make sure they are qualified and capable professionals. Early childhood teachers should have formal training in the field of early childhood education so that they may adequately provide the instruction and care that your child deserves. The state of Texas requires a high school diploma or GED, 24 hours of preservice training, and 24 hours of annual continuing education for early childcare professionals. Suggested teacher trainings include classes on curriculum, safety practices, first aid, and emergency preparedness. Below are the most common qualifications for early childhood instructors. Early Childhood Associates Degree / Child Development Associates Degree from an accredited program: teachers holding this degree have spent two years acquiring knowledge on how to provide the appropriate environment and curriculum to children in their classroom. Bachelor s Degree in Education (or another field) with a teaching certificate from Texas School Guide: A Parent s Roadmap to Success in Dallas ISD Area Public Schools CHILDREN AT RISK 29