2008 Bond Program Changes the Landscape in Dallas ISD

Dallas Weekly  March 18-24, 2010

Dallas ISD Trustee Carla Ranger, District 6

The 2008 Bond Program will provide the school children of Dallas facilities that meet the needs of a 21st century education. Many of the district’s schools are more than 50 years old and do not meet today’s educational needs. This extensive project is well under way; architects and program management firms have many design projects nearing completion and a substantial amount of the land has been acquired.

The target for completing Phase I of the program is August 2011, before classes begin. It includes the construction of five new schools. Other schools are being substantially renovated and expanded. The former Wilmer-Hutchins High School facility and athletic stadium, located in District 6, will undergo a true transformation. Phase I also includes additions or expansions to six schools and renovations at an additional 73 schools.

The renovated Wilmer-Hutchins High School and Wilmer-Hutchins Stadium

Phase II is expected to be complete by the summer of 2012. This phase includes the construction of six new schools, additions or expansions at four schools and renovations at an additional 75 schools. Phase III, due to begin in early 2011, will include three new schools, additions or expansions at five schools, and renovations at an additional 56 schools. 

On completion, the 2008 Bond Program will provide 14 new schools, including eight elementary schools, four middle schools and two high schools.

The Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School

Twelve existing schools will receive additions to provide 177 new classrooms. Five of those schools are in District 6: T.L. Marsalis, Clinton P. Russell, L.A. Stemmons and Daniel Webster elementary schools and L.V. Stockard Middle School, each of which will receive a new wing. More than 200 schools will be renovated, including 19 science labs at six existing secondary schools, kitchen renovations at 16 schools and expansion of lunchrooms at 22 campuses.

The program includes updating classroom and lab computers, campus supporting infrastructure and interactive student technology, as well as classroom presentation devices. The district’s regional sports complexes also will be refurbished as part of the program.

The Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy

Plans have been made for Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy and Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School, with groundbreakings for these District 6 facilities to be held this spring. Groundbreaking for Zan Wesley Holmes Jr. Middle School (also to be located in District 6) is expected sometime this summer.

The Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Middle School

In other news, Dallas ISD students recently donated more than $49,000 to 24 charity and nonprofit organizations during the annual Common Cents campaign. Students from 40 Dallas ISD schools participated in the campaign, a student-led coin collection effort designed to raise money for charity and non-profit organizations while encouraging good citizenship and social responsibility in students. Several of the charity and non-profit organizations which will receive a donation include the American Red Cross, Children’s Medical Center and the Lymphoma Society.

Other news in District 6:

Readers are leaders, and it was my pleasure to visit Daniel Webster and T.G. Terry elementary schools last month for delightful reading celebrations with first-, second-, and fourth-grade students. Regularly reading out loud to children will produce significant gains in reading comprehension and vocabulary. If you would like to read to or with students, check with your neighborhood school for information about how to volunteer.

Debate is a formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams support and oppose a given proposition. Students competing in debate must have both knowledge and quick-thinking skills to prevail. The University Interscholastic League had its beginnings as the Debating League of Texas High Schools and is about to celebrate with its centennial debate tournament. At last month’s UIL Cross Examination Debate competition, David W. Carter High School took first place in the 4A-11 division. Congratulations to Carter Cowboys’ debate team and coach Paula Jones, and good luck at the state meet in Austin later this month.

Trustee textbook decision

Recent reports indicate there was an uproar sparked at the Dallas ISD Board meeting on last Thursday, March 25, 2010.

Dallas ISD trustees' textbook decision sparks uproar

The "uproar" was caused because the 5-4 vote approved a Spanish reading textbook that was stated to be "riddled with errors."  It was reported that this angered Latino Board members Edwin Flores and Jerome Garza.

Trustee Flores requested in Spanish that those who "voted for - and against - Spanish-speaking school children" be identified.

Trustee Nancy Bingham stated that she hoped "every Hispanic parent in this city .. gets up in arms because they have a right to."

The textbook in question was a sample provided by the publisher and is on the Texas State Board of Education  list of approved textbooks.  Normally, errors are corrected before entering into the final state contract.

Voting for the K-5 textbook selected:

• Blackburn
• Medrano
• Nutall
• Parrott
• Ranger

Voting No:

• Bingham
• Flores
• Garza
• Lowe

It was stated that the debate "ignited passions and racial tensions."

Yet, the very same K-5 global textbook publisher that Dallas ISD selected was also selected by the overwhelmingly Hispanic San Antonio ISD on February 15, 2010.

Here's the link to that San Antonio ISD decision.

San Antonio Textbook Selection Committee - February 15, 2010
http://www.boardbook.org/apps/bbv2/temp/B3390E63-BC44-5B62-43C0B882AA5003DC.pdf
Page 3

Student Demographics - San Antonio ISD
Hispanic - 89.5%

African American - 7.4%

White (not Hispanic) - 2.7%

The San Antonio ISD is 90% Hispanic.  The very same K-5 textbook publisher was selected for their children.

Still, in San Antonio, there were no irresponsible and inappropriate Trustee calls for "every Hispanic parent in this city" to  "get up in arms."

Dallas ISD can do better.  

Dallas ISD Budget Hearing

I have requested a budget hearing for District 6.  Details will be completed after staff returns from Spring Break.

Last year during budget discussions I clearly supported the importance of having budget hearings - as I had done before.

Years ago budget hearings were an important part of the budget development process.

Budget hearings are not solely dependent upon an individual Trustee.

The administration can have budget hearings without Trustee involvement.

Any Trustee can also have a budget hearing without the administration's participation in helping to promote it.

In any case during election season,  every effort must be made by elected Trustees who are campaigning to avoid using district resources in a way that might violate the Texas Education Code rules against "electioneering."

I hope to have a District 6 budget hearing at Thurgood Marshall Recreation Center in Oak Cliff as soon as the arrangements can be made.  All will be welcome.

Board luncheon today with Dallas Citizens Council and Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Hinojosa will be joining a luncheon today with the Dallas Citizens Council and the Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at 11:30 A.M.

The regularly scheduled monthly Board Briefing is being delayed from 11:30 until 12:30 P.M.

The  Board Briefing public notice for today reads:

Upcoming Events

Name	Date
Board Briefing - 3/11/2010	March 11, 2010 - 12:30 PM	Agenda

This listing of today's Board events does not show the reason for the delay of the regularly scheduled public Board Briefing.

I believe in open government, and this troubles me.

I will not be in attendance at the luncheon.

3rd Annual Hispanic Food Festival

Justin F. Kimball High School students celebrated at the 3rd Annual Hispanic Food Festival today.

Wearing colorful native dress and t-shirts bearing the name of their homelands, students and parents served delicious dishes and desserts, many of which were prepared by students.

Parents, faculty and staff enjoyed learning about and tasting many different cultures.

The Food Festival was a culinary and conversational delight.

Thanks to teacher Ms. Carmen Carrillo and Interim Principal Earl Jones.

McNair Elementary celebrates African-American History Month with a miniature museum

The Miniature Museum of African American Firsts opened last week at Ronald E. McNair Elementary School in celebration of African American Heritage Month. More than 300 individuals and 350 items are featured in the exhibit created by media specialist Pamela Brown. The items show positive contributions African Americans have made to make life easier, more fulfilling, and more comfortable. Visitors are welcome to view the display in the school's media center during the school day through March 12. Parents also may view during parent conferences on Thursday, March 11. The school is located at 3150 Bainbridge Ave.


See Dallas ISD website:  http://www.dallasisd.org/

2010 Education Summit - TCBSBM

I was pleased to attend the Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members (TCBSBM)  2010 Education Summit on Friday afternoon and Saturday March 5-6, 2010 in Houston, Texas.

There were a number of informative work sessions and discussions:

• The Difference Between the High School Completion and Dropout Rate
• College and Career Readiness that affects the public schools you govern
• Longview ISD Bullying Intervention Plan
• Keynote Address - Opportunity Lost:  The Dropout Crisis in Black America
• Take This Job and Love It
• Bonds and Investments 101: Things A Board Member Needs To Know
• Dropout Prevention:  Employing Effective Student Discipline and Intervention Techniques - The Legal Requirements
• Understanding Your School District's Risk Management Program
• Gifted African American College Students
• Board Governance

The TCBSBM awarded $1,000 scholarships to five deserving seniors and paid tribute to dedicated teachers throughout the state who help our students learn.

A showcase of the gifts, talent and creative artistry of several middle and high school students was a highlight of the Education Summit.

They reminded us of why we serve. 

Board Meeting Policy - BE (Local) - separate votes and public discussion

Last Thursday, February 25, 2010, the Dallas ISD Board considered two proposals to revise the official Board meeting policy - BE (Local).

I submitted the proposed changes shown in the document labeled Version B for Board consideration.

Version B would have accomplished several changes and restored flexibility to the Trustees in discussing agenda items - the same flexibility that had existed before changes were made on September 11, 2008 (Special Called Board Meeting) and November 20, 2008.  Trustee Nancy Bingham had previously indicated that the restriction on pulling an item from the agenda was requested at that time by Trustees Price and Blackburn.

Version B attempted to:

• restore the right of any Trustee to pull an item for a separate vote
• return the deadline for pulling an item to Wednesday (as it had been previously), the day before the Board meeting, instead of Tuesday
• require the approval of the Board President before changes can be made to an Agenda between a Board Briefing and the Board Meeting date
• make a minor clarifying language revision

However, Version B was defeated primarily because of the proposed deadline change from Tuesday back to Wednesday.

The defeat of Version B moved ahead despite staff confirmation that the current electronic system would allow an item to be pulled (and voted on separately) even at the Board meeting.

Voting for policy Version B:

• Medrano 
• Nutall
• Parrott
• Ranger

Voting against version B:

• Bingham
• Blackburn
• Flores
• Garza
• Lowe

There have been numerous times when it was necessary to pull items from the consent agenda which otherwise would not have been discussed at a Board meeting.  Yet, many of those same items, once pulled,  generated important Board discussion.

Even the decision to extend terms and cancel Board elections was going to be passed on the consent agenda with no public discussion.  I pulled these items at the last minute in order to have public discussion of such an important Board action and to oppose it.

Why would such important issues be placed on the consent agenda?

Another example - last week I pulled for separate vote the agenda item calling for the May 8, 2010 Trustee Election.  I did so in order to speak against using Dallas ISD resources to send out thousands of full color newsletters and other communications during the election that would unfairly benefit the Trustees already in office - in potential violation of the state law against "electioneering.".  I had made the same comment before the previously delayed election.

Trustees Blackburn and Bingham were not pleased.

Another Trustee - Jerome Garza, who indicated he will not be running for re-election in May - also voted against calling for the May 8, 2010 election for an entirely different reason.  While that was not expected, there would have been no discussion at all and no opportunity for Trustee Garza's vote against calling the election had this item been left on the consent agenda.

Yes, I believe in public discussion of important public matters.

The vote last Thursday indicates there are Trustees who still want to make that more difficult.

Destroying public education and leaving democracy behind

Who will defend public education?

Decades ago economist Milton Friedman openly advocated the systematic destruction of public education.

Today, use of the word "reform" has become the easiest way to hide agendas that have little to do with improving public education and everything to do with undermining public education on the road to increasing privatization by placing public money under private control.

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) has become a red flag because it covers up what is sometimes an ideologically driven effort to weaken public support of public education.

The new book "The Death and Life of the Great American School System - How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education" by education historian Diane Ravitch attempts to explain that a train going in the wrong direction on the wrong track is not a good thing and great damage will be done.

I share this concern.  Count me as a public school advocate and supporter.

I believe in democracy and the crucial role education plays in maintaining it. The worst lesson we could possibly teach our students is to embrace dictatorial methods as an educational model and solution within a democratic society.

I  support public school education for all citizens who take advantage of it - the good, the bad and the ugly. I support public democracy.  I support public control of public education.  I support human freedom that recognizes no limit on human possibility.

Dictator education - mean-spirited education - test and punish education - corporate education - money driven education - is a threat to it all public education.

Full Scholarships for African American Men and Women Interested in Studying Architecture

Syracuse University has 10 Full Rides/Scholarships for African American Men and Women Interested in Studying Architecture. 

Mark Robbins, Dean of  Syracuse University 's School of Architecture is desperately seeking young men and women of color interested in pursuing a five year professional degree in Architecture. He says he's deeply committed to bringing diversity to his field and has scholarship money set aside to fully cover education costs for 10 students. He says that Hispanic enrollment in the school has increased substantially.  But it's been harder to attract Blacks. 

Syracuse University School of Architecture has a great reputation and this seems like an excellent opportunity. Please pass this on to everyone you know.

Contact: Mark Robbins, Dean, School of Architecture - (315) 443-2256 

http://soa.syr/. edu/index. php ( http://soa.syr. edu/index. php )
http://soa.syr/. edu/index. php ( http://soa.syr. edu/index. php )>

School of Architecture
Syracuse University
201 Slocum Hall
Syracuse , NY 13244-1250

(315) 443-2256 

Texas Offers $2,000 Scholarship to High School Seniors in Top 10 Percent

If you’re a Texas high school senior ranked in the top 10 percent of your graduating class and can demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for a $2,000 scholarship to attend a Texas public college or university (which includes the colleges of DCCCD) — but you have to act fast! The deadline to apply is Monday, March 1. Who Is Eligible? To qualify for this scholarship, you must: Be a Texas resident Demonstrate financial need (the financial aid office at the college or university you apply to will determine whether you qualify) Complete a 2010-2011 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) (for students who are ineligible for the FAFSA) Complete the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement high school curriculum Rank in the top 10 percent of your high school class Graduate from an accredited high school in Texas Enroll full-time in a Texas public two-year or four-year college or university in fall 2010 How Do I Apply? To apply, all you need to do is fill out the 2010-2011 FAFSA or TASFA (see links above) and submit it by March 1. The college or university you apply to will notify you whether you qualified for the Top 10 Percent scholarship in your financial aid award notification. For more information: Visit http://www.collegeforalltexans.com Call the Texas Financial Aid Information Center at 888-311-8881

Schools invited to participate in African-American Read-In on Feb. 26

Dallas ISD News

In celebration of African-American History Month, the English Language Arts Department invites all schools to participate in the 20th National African-American Read-In.

To participate, campuses should select works of fiction and nonfiction written by African Americans and plan to read them in classrooms beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 26.  After the event, schools will be asked to record the titles they read and the number of participants.

For more information, contact the Dallas ISD English Language Arts Department at (972)794-7960.

DCCCD: Helping High School Juniors and Seniors Cross the Bridge to College (Free Program)

For immediate release

(DALLAS) — Time is running out for high school juniors and seniors who are making plans for college and want to apply for financial aid. 

In the middle of school, exams and plans for the future, many are trying to decide which colleges they should apply to, and they are wondering whether they can afford the cost of tuition and books. They — and their parents — are concerned about applications, financial aid forms, and what they should study; the students simply want to know how to navigate the waters of higher education. They are confused, excited and sometimes a little bit frightened to cross the bridge from high school to college.

The Dallas County Community College District and the Dallas Independent School District will eliminate some of those fears and confusion by providing a fact-filled and useful day of information to those students and their parents through the Keys to Success (Las Llaves del Éxito) program on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010. The free event, which is geared toward all high school juniors, seniors and parents, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at North Lake College in Irving (directions to North Lake).

Las Llaves is sponsored by DCCCD, the Dallas Independent School District and the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with area colleges, universities and nonprofit groups.

The program includes hands-on workshops that will teach students how to fill out applications for admission to DCCCD and area colleges and universities, as well as paperwork for financial aid and scholarships — including DCCCD’s Rising Star program. Bilingual volunteers will be available to assist participants.

Interested seniors will receive assistance with filling out and submitting their college admissions and financial aid forms. Those students should bring the following documents: a copy of their parents’ 2009 income tax return; valid student picture ID; and W-2 forms or any other records of money earned. Students who have all of the essential forms will receive assistance completing the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).

College representatives, admissions specialists and financial aid advisors will talk to families about the steps they need to take to be considered for admission and financial aid. Other sessions will explore paying for college, SAT/ACT test preparation and more. Breakfast and snacks will be provided.

Keys to Success was started several years ago by a committee of community members who wanted to encourage high school students to graduate and continue their education.

For more information in English, call DCCCD at (214) 378-1771; for details in Spanish, call (214) 378-1713; or visit http://www.dcccd.edu/keystosuccess or http://www.dcccd.edu/llavesdelexito.

or see:
Keys to Success (Las Llaves del Exito): Fast Facts — Spring 2010
FAFSA Checklist (English) (PDF - 123KB)
FAFSA Checklist (Spanish) (PDF - 124KB)

# # #

Walking with Wilson: The Journey of a People

Booker T. Washington High School For The Performing and Visual Arts invites you to Walking with Wilson: The Journey of a People, directed by Vickie Washington, Thursday, February 18-19, 2010. This multi-media event will be held at 7:30 p.m., at Booker T. Washington High School PVA Montgomery Arts Theater, 2501 Flora St., Dallas, Texas 75201
          
Journey through the 20th century with jazz, blues, dance, and the deeply touching and very funny language of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, August Wilson. For more than 25 years, Booker T. Washington HSPVA has observed Black History Month with students represented from all four Art Departments. Come join the celebration and be a part of the tradition!

Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for students. 

Parent conferences scheduled for March 8, 9, and 11

Parent conferences scheduled for March 8, 9, and 11.

District schools are hosting spring parent-teacher conferences the week of March 8.

The conferences are an opportunity for parents and guardians to talk with their child's teacher about their child's education and progress.

The conferences are scheduled for each school level as follows:

• High Schools, 4-8 p.m., Monday, March 8
• Middle Schools, 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 9
• Elementary Schools, 4-8 p.m., Thursday, March 11

'A Mighty Long Way' With Carlotta Walls LaNier

Friday, Feb. 19, 2010
11:15 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Performance Hall

Mountain View College
                                                                                                    

Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957, will speak about her experiences. Her appearance is sponsored by the Office of Student Life. 

LaNier, author of A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School, will sign her book after her talk. A Student Discussion Luncheon will follow; RSVP for the luncheon at 214-860-8685.

African American Male Academic Bowl students aim for the stars

Seventeen teams of 4 - 7th grade males were on their mark last Saturday.  Showing how eager they were to participate in this event leading into Black History month, these students were ready contestants in the "Aiming for the Stars" African American Male Academic Bowl held at the Bill Priest Institute.

Contestants and teams represented ISDs, churches and community organizations throughout the Metroplex.  How proud we were to see several Dallas ISD students participating.     

After numerous rounds of two-team competitions throughout the day, four finalists emerged by late afternoon. These young males revealed their knowledge, memory and courage in front of an admiring audience of parents, educators and community volunteers. The boys would probably add that it took a bit of dexterity as well to be first to press the buzzer to give answers and get points.

4-5th Grade Finalists
Jerry Junkins Elementary Team Voyager
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Team Joshua

6-7th Grade Finalists
Mentoring Brother2Brother Team II
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Team Isaiah

Championship Teams
Jerry Junkins Elementary Team Voyager
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Team Isaiah

Congratulations to all contestants and teams!  Keep aiming for the stars!

Championship Moderators:  Bob Ray Sanders and W.G. Garland

The steering committee was headed by David Robinson, Jr. and many volunteers.

The African American Male Academic Bowl was facilitated by the Dallas County Community College District with the generous support of several sponsors and community partners.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater North Texas offers scholarships

• The Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarship program deadline is February 16, 2010. 
• The local scholarships are offered through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater North Texas. 
RMHC of Greater North Texas offers four different scholarship programs. Here is a link for the scholarship applications:

• 
  
  
  http://rmhc.org/what-we-do/rmhc-u-s-scholarships/
  
  Students can apply online or download the application from the above link.

Seventh Annual High School Chess Championship

The Seventh Annual High School Chess Championship, sponsored by The University of Texas at Dallas, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 at David W. Carter High School.

The winner receives a four-year Academic Distinction Scholarship to The University of Texas at Dallas.

Which Colleges Actually Graduate Their Students?

6/3/2009 - USA Today

More than 1.2 million freshman entered college in fall 2001, but fewer than 60% graduated from a four-year college within six years, says Diplomas and Dropouts: Which Colleges Actually Graduate Their Students (and Which Don't). The report, based on data reported by schools to the education department, cautions against comparing schools with different missions, but encourages families and guidance counselors to consider an institution's six-year graduation rate as they make decisions about where to apply and enroll.

Click on the headings to sort data by state, school, graduation rate or cost.

FULL STORY: Four-year colleges graduate 53%

Carter High School band recognized by Dallas City Council

David W. Carter High School Marching Band was honored today by the Dallas City Council.

In a special ceremony, Councilmember Vonciel Jones Hill recognized the Carter High School Marching Band for national participation in the recent New York City Veterans Day Parade.   Carter is located in City Council District 5 served by Councilmember Hill.

Carter band members, majorettes and flag squad raised funds for the three day stay in New York City.

Wearing their trademark Columbia Blue and Red, the Carter Cowboys stepped so high they were invited to return next year.

Congratulations to our Dallas ISD District 6 Carter Cowboys.

Principal - Gail David Dupree
Counselor/Majorette and Flag Sponsor - Vicki Dawson.

Thanks and Goodbye to the African American Read-In and friends of my soul

My thanks to the Dallas African American Read-In (AARI) for allowing me the privilege of serving you for the last ten years.

Suddenly last summer, my time with the Read-In was ended. The Read-In was removed from my supervision.  I do not really know why.  Months later I was invited by the new head of the Read-In to lead a committee for the event I had successfully started and directed for ten years previously. I appreciated the invitation but I respectfully declined the reduced role.

I do not expect to be in attendance this year. My great hope is that the African American Read-In will go on to greater success with staff, resources and support.

Over ten years ago my dream was to implement a major Read-In or literacy event on behalf of Dallas County Community College District.  It was not easy to hold on to the dream.

At the national level the African American Read-in Chain was established by Dr. Jerri Cobb Scott and the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English.  Thank you Jerri for your support over the years.

In the beginning, the city-wide Dallas African American Read-In was nothing more that a dream. There was no staff, no budget -no path to follow - just a dream. I believed it was possible and started working to make it a successful reality.  I worked for years to make it come true.

Early on, I was encouraged by the first link in the developing Dallas Read-in Chain -- book publisher (Holt, Rinehart, Winston, now) Holt McDougal.  Later joined by Random House and Scholastic, that first year they helped us provide books for all to read or learn to read. Quickly realizing that giving books was important  to me, Holt became a ten-year literacy friend and partner.  Thank you Holt McDougal.

 

Since there were no funds from DCCCD, the African American Read-In had to begin with other outside funding. I had to raise money and find resources.

I will always be thankful to (GTE, now) Verizon Communications - our first major Read-In sponsor. With the help of Sherrye, a co-worker at DCCCD in the Foundation office, we made a presentation to (GTE, now) Verizon Communications. They became the title sponsor and remained so for the first three years of the AARI  journey.

Thank you Verizon Communications. Without your generous financial support, the African American Read-In might have remained a dream without fulfillment.

Thank you Sherrye.  We talked to Verizon together.  They said, "Yes."

Others joined in to help - Tammy stepped up first.  Thanks Tammy.  Thanks to everyone.

That first year many did not believe we would be successful.  After all, there was nothing to suggest that the public would come out in large numbers on a week-end in February to support a reading and literacy program. Yet, that very first year the Majestic Theater was packed, and hundreds were turned away.

For ten straight years the theater was full, with many outside unable to get in and participate. Nonetheless, they also received books and were encouraged to read.  Everyone got instructions to host their own read-in with family, friends and co-workers.

The AARI became a regular kick-off event for African American history month. It also became the largest community event sponsored by Dallas County Community College District and the largest and most successful Read-In event in the nation.

After a few years, the Majestic Theater began to feel like home for the Read-In. Thank you for making it so.

Thank you Allison. You contributed much over many years.  I will remember you always.

Thanks to Monique and Anyika  for your committed service over the years in preparing the annual program.

Thanks to all of our many outstanding volunteers, readers, cast, performers, sponsors and partners in this dream.

Thanks to Kathy, Public Information and numerous DCCCD staff members who volunteered, worked and supported the Read-in.

Thanks to Chancellors Bill Wenrich, Jess Carreon, and Wright Lassiter, Jr. for their support of the Read-In.

Thanks to all the friends of my soul who made the African American Read-In such an overwhelming success.  I cannot name all of you.

Finally community, thanks for the many precious memories of this dream that came true because of you.

Joy comes in the morning.

Does the No Child Left Behind Act Help or Hinder K-12 Education?

"The best teachers don't like the effects of the No Child Left Behind act, saying it hampers creativity in the classroom and makes it harder to teach students to love learning, a University of California Riverside study has found.

In the study, "Does the No Child Left Behind Act Help or Hinder K-12 Education?" published by UCR today in Policy Matters, the authors surveyed 740 national board certified teachers in California. They found that 84 percent reported overall unfavorable attitudes about the act."

More Click Here

Education Secretary Arne Duncan Speaks at Dr. King's Church on 81st Birthday of the Legendary Civil Rights Leader

Vows to Reinvigorate Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education
FOR RELEASE:

January 15, 2010

Contact: (202) 401-1576 or press@ed.gov

To a full house of more than 1000 elementary, high school and college students who gathered to celebrate the 81st birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan challenged America to realize King's vision through education.

Calling education the "civil rights issue of our generation," Duncan said, "Freedom is the ability to think and to pursue your own path—and only education can give you that freedom."

"If Dr. King were here today, he would call on a new generation of leaders to build on his work by doing the most important thing each of you can do: get an education, learn to think, learn to compete, and learn to win" Duncan said.

The event at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Dr. King and his father served as pastors, was sponsored by the National Action Network. Reverend Al Sharpton joined Duncan along with students from area public schools, Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, and Clark-Atlanta University.

Duncan also highlighted the work of the Office of Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education, which enforces civil rights laws on behalf of school children with disabilities, and protects against gender and racial discrimination. The Office also provides technical assistance to school districts seeking to promote educational equity.

"In recent years, this office has not been as aggressive as it should be. But that's about to change," Duncan said. This year, for example, the Office of Civil Rights will broaden its data collection process to highlight inequity around issues such as student discipline, distribution of effective teachers, and access to rigorous curriculum. This information will help shape the administration's education equity agenda.

In his remarks, Duncan referenced King's urgent appeal from a jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama, saying, "We can't wait five or 10 more years to transform struggling schools. We need to act now and we need to act together. Dr. King showed us the path—and he gave us the vision. Now it's our job to make it real."

###

Tamia Gaines wins Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition

Tamia Gaines, fifth grade student at John Neely Bryan Elementary School, is the 2010 winner of the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory competition held at the Majestic Theater..

The oratory competition is sponsored by the law firm Gardere Wynn Sewell LLP in partnership with Dallas ISD.

Second place winner - Courtnie Ivey, fifth grade student at R. L. Thornton Elementary.

Third place winner - Alexis Van Zandt, fifth grader at Clara Oliver Elementary.

Other 2010 finalists:

• Jasmine Cox - S.S. Conner Elementary
• Nina Davis - Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary
• Elijah English - Jerry Junkins Elementary
• Ny Jasmine Johnson - J.P. Starks Elementary
• Angelica Renteria - Urban Park Elementary

Congratulations to Tamia and all the other outstanding contestants.

You are champions!

Stephen Good, Managing Partner, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP welcomed the finalists and audience.

Clarice Tinsley, Anchor Fox 4 News, served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Students Compete in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition Finals

Eight district students will compete in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition finals at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, at The Majestic Theatre.

The event will feature the fourth-and fifth-grade winners of the semifinal competition reciting their original essays on the topic, "What will I be able to achieve in my life because of what Dr. King achieved in his?"

The competition is sponsored by the Dallas law firm Gardere Wynne Sewell in cooperation with Dallas ISD.

Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture presents Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture invites you to the Fifth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, the author of 16 books, including “April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America,” will serve as the keynote speaker and special guest.

Tickets are $10 for students and teachers and $20 for adult general admission.

For ticket information, visit the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture Web site at www.dallasinstitute.org or the AT&T Performing Arts Center's Web site at www.attpac.org.

Teaching For Joy and Justice

"Teaching is like life, filled with daily routines—laundry, cooking, cleaning the bathtub—and then moments of brilliance. We get up intending to create the classroom of our imagination and ideals. Sometimes we reach that place, but often we're doing the spade work that makes those brilliant moments possible: mining student lives for stories, building a community where risk-taking can happen, teaching historical background in preparation for insights and connections, or revising drafts—again and again. Those moments of empowerment and illumination are built on the foundation of hard work that often doesn't look either shining or glorious.

Teaching, really teaching, in a classroom with too many students—the engaged and the unengaged—is both difficult and rewarding. Teachers don't make enough money; we're treated as intellectually inferior, in need of external "accountability" programs and "training." We don't have adequate time or authority to plan our curriculum, engage in conversations with our colleagues, go to the bathroom, or digest our lunch. But the joy of watching a student write a brilliant essay that sends chills up and down my spine or a narrative that brings the class to tears or a poem that makes us laugh out loud or the pride as a student teaches a class about the abolition movement at the elementary school across the street—that's the life I choose—again and again.

Teaching for joy and justice. It's what our students need. But it's also what we need."

Excerpt from "Teaching for Joy and Justice" by Linda Christensen

Paid Internships for High School Students

Do you know youth looking for paid internships? Do they want to make $2,100 AND make a difference this summer? Apply today to be part of the ExxonMobil Green Team. The deadline for all applications HAS BEEN EXTENDED to Friday, January 22!

ExxonMobil Green Team is an eight-week summer youth initiative, administered by the Volunteer Center of North Texas, that provides paid internships for high school juniors and seniors. In Dallas, up to 50 Ambassador positions are available and students work in teams of three to five to develop environmentally-focused projects for local nonprofit organizations with the goal of increasing awareness of conservation and environmentalism. Throughout the summer, Green Team Ambassadors also attend classes at Southern Methodist University and participate in reflection sessions on leadership, financial aid for college, social responsibility, diversity and teamwork.

Students interested in applying for the 2010 summer program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Enrolled as a high school junior or senior in Dallas County (as of the 2009-10 school year)
• Available to participate in the eight-week program from June 11 – August 6
• Provide/arrange daily transportation to and from all Green Team activities

Download the application at www.vcnt.org or for additional information, contact Christian Yazdanpanah toll free at 866-797-8268 ext. 299 or cyazdanpanah@vcnt.org.

All applications must be postmarked by January 22, 2010.

Community of concerned citizens, parents and staff come out for Kimball Knights

Thanks to the community of concerned citizens, parents and staff  who attended the discussion at Justin F. Kimball High School this evening.   Thank you for coming out on very short notice and showing that you care. 

Dallas ISD administrators described the proposed instructional program, which includes: 

• 9th Grade Academy
• Science,Engineering and Math
• Informational Technology
• Partner:  Texas Instruments
• (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Magnet Satellite)
  

There were numerous thoughtful questions.  The audience was both anxious and patient as they listened to answers.

Staff stressed the importance of parent and community support, involvement and volunteers --all welcome and needed in schools at any academic level.

Gratitude to Dallas ISD administration for community meeting arrangements and presentation. 

We all appreciated being greeted by the PTA and directed by the ROTC. 

Finally, our thanks to interim principal Earl Jones, teachers and staff for the kind Kimball hospitality which contributed to this successful community meeting.

Texas school accountability system creates lower graduation rates

Not long ago, the Austin Business Journal reported that a study by Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin found "that Texas' public school accountability system, the model for the national No Child Left Behind Act, directly contributes to lower graduation rates."

The study also revealed "that the higher the stakes and the longer such an accountability system governs schools, the more school personnel view students not as children to educate but as potential liabilities or assets for their school's performance indicators, their own careers or their school's funding."

In other words, the study found that children are being damaged by "test and punish" accountability systems and turned into mere pawns to be manipulated in the never-ending chess game of "school performance indicators."

The rest of the story ... Click here!

Who will graduate from high school?

Let's assume that each of the following statements is true. I have not verified them but assume they are accurate. Of course, these are national figures. Whatever the figures are, they are unacceptable.

• 70% of newly born African Americans are born into a single parent structure.
• 50% of newly born Hispanic Americans are born into a single parent structure.
• App 30% of newly born Caucasian Americans are born into a single parent structure.
• Family Structure (Source: Wall St. Journal)

Some say such inconvenient truths don't matter, but they do and always will. There are others equally negative.

Now tell me, who will graduate from high school? Or college? Of course, there are exceptions -- many of them.

Still, teachers can teach until they are all blue in the face, but this alone will not overcome the wholesale disintegration of the family structure and the absence of stable family life.

The dropout rate and all educational outcomes are greatly impacted by such realities.

Sure, blame the schools - blame the teachers.

Label schools as failures based on narrowly focused tests and dropout rates that are caused by a lack of parental responsibility.

Even when students do manage to pass tests - still label the schools as failures anyhow because of a dropout rate caused by far broader social problems that schools cannot solve alone.

This is wrongheaded reality.

What such reality accomplishes is the destruction of public education and the creation of data driven educational myths.

Kimball High School Community Meeting Tuesday

A community meeting will be held at Justin F. Kimball High School on Tuesday evening, January 12, 2010 at 6:30 P.M.

The discussion will center on the administration's proposed contingency plan for Kimball High.

Congratulations to Kimball High School for meeting 2009 academic requirements. It is an AU4 school because of the graduation rate - not academics. Kimball students successfully completed the 2009 TAKS test.

Kimball High is located at 3606 South Westmoreland Road, Dallas, TX. 75233 Tel: 972-502-2100

We hope parents, concerned community stakeholders and staff will attend.

Happy New Year!

Here's hoping the holiday break provided deserved rest and fulfillment for all to return invigorated and ready for a new semester in this New Year.

The holidays brought the wonderful gift of running into parents and grandparents, who sparkled like Christmas lights as they spoke of their children's progress and accomplishments. If students were with them, they beamed too, and most were eager to respond when prompted to talk about report cards and school activities.

A special delight was seeing Dallas ISD graduates, home for the holidays. Some told of their struggles and adjustments to college, but each of them showed determination to return or to get into a college closer to home. They showed an awareness and understanding of the importance of staying in school and being persistent. Here's hoping they will.

Chance encounters with teachers and staff was another holiday gift. Dallas ISD is lucky to have many dedicated teachers who care about our youth and love what they are privileged to do with students every day.

When you see school teachers, staff or students, remember they will need your support, which can begin with your thoughts and heartfelt wish for them to have a successful year.

Democracy Matters

Congratulations to all who participated in the 2009 Dallas ISD election that was not going to happen - candidates, citizens, taxpayers and stakeholders.

Citizens have a right to vote - even when the turnout is low. The important thing is that the rights of citizens not be arrogantly violated.

Yes, Democracy does matter - it is the only thing that makes it possible for any registered voter to select their elected representatives.

Again, congratulations to all who cared enough to participate in the election that was not going to happen.

Thank you, GNAT

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting with members of GNAT (Good News Available Transportation) on the occasion of their DFW GNAT Shining Star 2009 awards program.

Education is one of the priorities of GNAT, and the organization is a strong supporter of public education.  

It was a pleasure to be present for the awards event and to learn more about the outstanding community service of GNAT.

Thank you, Board Chairman Lonnie Woods, Judge Thomas G. Jones, and members for an evening of inspiration.

12-point agenda violates trustee ethics

How can a newly elected Trustee truthfully give the officer's statement below if the Trustee has made advance promises to existing Trustees in return for their political and financial support?

Trustee Jack Lowe's very specific 12-point agenda includes a commitment to vote a certain way on several very important issues which will come before Trustees at a future time. Click Here!    Tawnell Hobbs of the Dallas Morning News previously commented on this list.

This includes a specific promise to vote for Trustee Edwin Flores as Board President for the next two and a half years and to keep the current Superintendent.

The Trustee officer's statement is contained in policy BBB(Exhibit). Click Here!

OFFICER’S STATEMENT

“I, ________________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I have not directly or indirectly paid, offered, promised to pay, contributed, or promised to contribute any money or thing of value, or promised any public office or employment for the giving or withholding of a vote at the election at which I was elected or as a reward to secure my appointment or confirmation, whichever the case may be, so help me God.” Tex. Const. Art. XVI, Sec. 1(b)

The 12-point agenda appears to violate the Trustee Code of Ethics contained in policy BBF(Local-Ethics) Click Here - as well as the restrictions on public servants contained in policy BBFB(Legal-Ethics). Click Here!

Trustees must follow the guidelines contained in Board policies, state laws and the Texas Constitution.

They appear to have been violated.

Almost no election until November 2010

The action of Dallas ISD Trustees in extending Trustee terms from 3 to 4 years would have eliminated both the May 2009 Trustee election (Flores, Ellis, Price) and the May 2010 Trustee election (Bingham, Blackburn, Garza). The May 2011 election would include Lowe, Ranger, and Medrano.

You will find this mentioned in the opinion request letter of Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott sent on December 3, 2008 to the Attorney General where it is noted:

• The trustees' action has been reported to also postpone elections previously scheduled for May, 2009 to November, 2010.

This statement appears on page 2, the last sentence before the line break.

Click Here!

This points to the likelihood there would have been no Trustee election from the date of the Dallas ISD Trustee decision on November 20, 2008 until November 2010 - a full two years.

It is very important for citizens to Vote for the candidate of their choice - not a candidate who has made secret 12-point deals with current Trustees seeking to continue imposing a narrow, destructive and self-serving agenda on the district.

Remember, thousands of citizens almost lost their right to vote at all until November 2010.

Whatever your decision, use your opportunity to Vote.

Texas Association of School Boards annual convention

The 49th annual session of the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards, the TASA/TASB convention was held during the weekend in Houston, Texas at the George Brown Convention Center.

I traveled by car on Thursday to attend this annual state event and returned on Sunday evening. My scheduled attendance at this event was known weeks in advance.

The state school board convention provides many opportunities to participate in a broad range of training sessions and to network among 6,000 school trustees, administrators, decision makers, supporters and parents.  

In addition to breakout sessions and informative lectures, including one from TEA Commissioner Robert Scott, we were privileged to hear three general session presenters:

• Alan November, educator and modern web technologies educational consultant
• Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, M.D. (Dr. Q), brain surgeon and assistant professor of neurosurgery and oncology 
• Debbie Allen, choreographer/actress and U.S. Ambassador of Culture  

Selected highlights from their presentations are worth noting.

Alan November believes students must develop three essential skills: 1) the ability to access the right information at the right time; 2) the ability to work with people all around the world; and 3) the ability to be self-directed.

Dr. Q talked about lessons of determination, resilience, faith, passion, dedication, adoration and mentoring which he learned from patients and uses to help students achieve success.  

Debbie Allen told of her rich education and immense respect for teachers and public education while urging school districts to prepare students to perform on the global stage. She believes it is imperative that teachers ignite curiosity in students. If curiosity is ignited, students will seek and discover for themselves. They will become engaged in education; they will learn more.

Numerous specific workshops were attended and worthwhile training was received for Trustee course credit.

For public education, I am glad to have the opportunity to attend the Texas Association of School Boards annual conference and the many sessions on important educational topics.

I hope to attend this annual gathering of Texas school board Trustees until my school board service ends.

Soaring Eagles at Erasmo Seguin Elementary win US Gold

Deputy Under Secretary Dr. Janey Thornton (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) was in Dallas yesterday for one very good reason -- to present the HealthierUS School Gold Certification to students and staff of Erasmo Seguin Elementary School.

During a special ceremony, parents and friends heard high praise for the cafeteria team and its collaboration with faculty and staff to provide good nutrition, play and instruction to develop healthy bodies and minds.

Erasmo Seguin, the first  of 157 Dallas elementary schools to receive the HealthierUS School Gold Certification, is in a unique class.  Deputy Under Secretary Thornton said that only about 600 elementary schools in the country have ever received the Gold award.  Winning this ultimate achievement  is not easy -- it was the result of a year-long examination and evaluation process in which children were to "eat smart" and "play hard."  

To show how eager and committed they are to healthy eating and living, children had fun performing an original skit and song that showed parents and guests the benefits of  good food and play.  

Thanks to Erasmo Seguin cafeteria manager and staff for undertaking this tedious process and for introducing our students to more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, less sugar and less salt. Thanks to faculty and staff for your excellent team and classroom work for nutrition and health.

Much appreciation to Dallas ISD Food & Child Nutrition for handling and submitting the lengthy application -- it was a recipe for success.  

Congratulations Principal Yolanda Thompson and students on this USDA Gold Certification for the Exemplary Erasmo Seguin Elementary School.

Texas Education Code ban on 'electioneering'

Texas Education Code - Section 11.169 - Electioneering Prohibited

• Notwithstanding any other law, the board of trustees of an independent school district may not use state or local funds or other resources of the district to electioneer for or against any candidate, measure, or political party.

Would the Dallas ISD Newsline distributed to registered voters be considered a violation of the ban on "electioneering"?

Trustees might violate Texas Election Code ban on political advertising

A Short Guide To the Prohibition Against Using School District Resources for Political Advertising in Connection with an Election (Revised September 1, 2009)

Printing and mailing the Dallas ISD Newsline in its present format appears to violate the Texas Election Code - (Section 255.003) - either directly or indirectly.

This past June Dallas ISD printed and distributed the inaugural edition of Dallas ISD Newsline. The purpose of the publication is to "share news, accomplishments, and special programs and initiatives from around the district."

There is a message from Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, as well as other articles and information about the school district. That's good.

In addition, the Dallas ISD Newsline includes prominent photos of the individual Trustee and a personal message. It is mailed to each of the nine Dallas ISD Trustee districts.

Ninety thousand copies were mailed -- 10,000 copies were mailed in each district.

On this month's Board agenda, the administration is asking the Board to approve:

Printing and Postage of Dallas ISD Newsline, Fall and Spring Issues (Not to Exceed $300,000) (Consent Item #50 - Separate Item #6)

This time the plan is to mail copies of the Newsline to all registered voters in each District.

The Texas Election Code (Section 255.003) prohibits the use of school district resources to produce or distribute political advertising.

Although it will be claimed that the publication is not specifically political advertising, it clearly could be seen to serve this very purpose - in light of the November 3, 2009 specially called election.

During discussions at the August Board Briefing, I asked Trustees if they still had copies of the June (first) issue. Each Trustee was given boxes of the Newsline to distribute or for our use. Trustees responded, "Yes," indeed they still had many copies. I suggested that Trustees could distribute those copies, and we could save money by not printing a Fall Newsline.

Now it is even clearer that the Board should not approve printing and postage of Dallas ISD Newsline as requested.

This Dallas ISD Newsline is to be mailed in October – right before the special election. It is scheduled to be mailed to voters in each District.

Trustees should not approve printing and mailing the Newsline in its present format and as proposed to voters only.

The Dallas ISD Board should not appear to violate guidelines of the Ethics Commission and the Texas Election Code.

We should do the right thing.

A school district board member or employee would violate the prohibition by “spending or authorizing the spending of public funds” for political advertising.

Passing of Mrs. Dade

We mourn the passing of the widow of former Dallas ISD educator and South Dallas Principal, Dr. Billy Earl Dade.

Mrs. Wilene Dade passed away this morning after recently suffering a stroke.  She was 90. 

The Dade home is one block from Billy Earl Dade Middle Learning Center.  Mrs. Dade still lived there.  She made contributions to the school and was an invited guest at the end of the year meeting in 2008.

We extend our condolences to her family and friends.