Curriculum and Instruction

This month, participants learned from Assistant Superintendent Dr. Penny Reddell how the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Services (CIAS) Department blends state and national standards into a 21st Century learning curriculum, challenging traditional methods of teaching.

Under Reddell's leadership, the district's curriculum has made great leaps and bounds to take the district to its second consecutive "Recognized" rating by the Texas Education Agency. However, Reddell acknowledged there is still work to be done and she is passionate about helping every student reach their full potential.

"We will never stop striving to be a better district," said Reddell. "We are always looking for new and innovative methods to authentically engage students."

After Reddell's presentation, participants met with numerous departments that were represented in a trade show-type setting. Departments included bilingual education, library media services, curriculum and instruction, dual credit, advanced academic, gifted and talented, technology and Night High School.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Penny Reddell

• Curriculum and Instruction (pdf)
• Dual Language (slideshow)
• Advance Placement (slideshow)
• Gifted and Talented (slideshow)
• Bilingual and English as a Second Language (pptx)
• ESL Information (pdf)

Board of Trustees

During today's session, the Board of Trustees shared how the Board operates ranging from the areas of governance to balancing public and private life. This thought-provoking session allowed participants to meet with each Board member in a roundtable setting to learn about various Board committees including audit/finance, communication, construction and policy.

LISD Board Member Tom Ferguson explained the roles of a school district's superintendent versus the roles of board members.

LISD Board Vice President Vernell Gregg, along with other LISD Board Members, explained their responsibilities as part of various committees throughout the district to INSIDE LISD participants.

Presentation: Board of Trustees (pdf)

In January, the participants will get a snap shot of how the curriculum is developed as well as an overview of the various programs and opportunities available for students.

History of Texas School Finance

Yesterday, the Leadership Class met at the district's new Career Center East and toured this 21st Century learning facility that houses high-tech programs including broadcasting, animation and engineering programs. After the tour, the class discussed the history of Texas School Finance. Some of the conversations included how could LISD residents educate our local representatives and senators about the needs of LISD; how can we (residents) advocate to fund public schools adequately; how can we (residents) ensure our school district benefits from growth in property values?

• School Finance presentation (37MB)
• Dr. Roy's testimony
• Dr. Roy's article on school finance

Architecture students at Career Center East work on a class project while Principal Adrian Moreno talks about the outstanding program.

Career Center East Architecture teacher Jeff Wagley discusses what the students are currently learning with the Inside LISD participants.

Inside LISD participants tour the architecture program and learn model construction, artistic presentation renderings and various construction techniques.

Career Center East Principal Adrian Moreno talks to Inside LISD participants about the state of the art technology in the Automotive Technology classroom.

Students in the Practicum in Health Science II class, also know as the Pharmacy Tech program, at Career Center East incorporate chemistry and algebra into lessons and have the chance to earn a Pharmacy Technician Certification.

Public Information Officer Karen Permetti discusses the ins and outs of school finance to the Inside LISD participants.

Next month, December, the Leadership Class will meet the Board of Trustees, learn about how their job as a Board member as well as how the Board operates as a team.

About LISD

We kicked-off our leadership program on October 14. During this session, we focused on introductions and LISD demographics. Also, the participants divided into four teams to discuss their perceptions of the district. After their discussions, each team selected a spokesperson to brief the entire group on items they discussed. To see more about what the group learned, you will find two attachments:

• The Agenda
• Dr. Roy's presentation (37MB)