MAGNET AND HIGH SCHOOL FAIR TO INFORM PARENTS AND HELPS STUDENTS PREPARE FOR CAREERS IN WAKE OF HOUSE BILL 5

DECEMBER 2013 DISTRICT 6 TRUSTEE CARLA RANGER
Getting eighth grade students across Texas to make early decisions about future career goals is about to take on more significance thanks to the legislature’s passage of House Bill 5. The new law requires schools to engage eighth grade students in serious discussions about career interests and to help them develop graduation plans to reach those goals.

Instead of the current minimum, recommended, and distinguished graduation plans, HB 5 requires students to commit to either a Foundation High School Program or a Distinguished Achievement Program. In either case, the bill requires students to select one of five “endorsements”-a particular focus area. The Distinguished Achievement Program is viewed as essential for those students who plan to attend college.

Beginning next school year, students entering high school can select one of five endorsements: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Business and Industry, Public Services, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary Studies. The STEM endorsement includes programs in engineering, environmental science and computer science. Business and Industry includes programs such as architecture and construction, business and management, and finance. Public Services programs range from health services and education to law enforcement, government and public administration. While Arts and Humanities encompasses fine arts and advanced social studies courses, the Multidisciplinary Studies endorsement will be broader in nature but might include advanced course requirements from the other endorsements.

Many Dallas ISD eighth grade students were recently introduced to the new graduation plans and endorsements at an Exploring High School Fair where they asked questions and received information about the career pathways offered at district high schools. The district’s magnet and high school fair, which was postponed due to the recent inclement weather, will be rescheduled and will feature opportunities for parents and students to learn about each school. The fairs are designed to help students learn about the many choices available at neighborhood high schools and magnet schools. The window for students to apply to magnet schools opens January 13 and closes January 31.

Parents are encouraged to talk with their eighth grade students about their career interests and to help them select an endorsement from the wide range of programs offered across Dallas ISD. The goal is to help students create and follow a plan that connects their high school education experience to their future career and college goals.

To learn more about these important changes in high school education, parents may speak with high school counselors and visit http://www.dallasisd.org/magnet.

In school news in District 6: Parents, be sure to check the Dallas ISD Web site and/or call the high schools and magnet schools for the dates of upcoming campus open house events. These will welcome you to visit and ask questions about the school’s curricula and admission requirements. Keep in mind that all district high schools offer some form of career pathway option.

Congratulations to the Justin F. Kimball Knight’s football team and coaches on reaching the second round playoffs and the David W. Carter Cowboys football team and coaches for reaching the first round playoffs in their respective divisions this season.

Thanks to the many community members who shared their love of reading with students across the district during the 11-12-13 Dallas Reads FREADOM Event. Kudos to the librarian and support team at Mark Twain Elementary where I read and those serving in other District 6 schools for your help placing reading center stage for our students.

Twelve distinguished young men were recently inducted into the 2013 class of Young Legends at Zan W. Holmes Jr. Middle School. Nominated by their teachers, the 6-8 grade students will serve as school ambassadors, taking on such duties as greeting visiting dignitaries, providing tours of the school and participating in community service projects.

Some 75 fathers and male relatives of students at Umphrey Lee Elementary attended a recent Bring Your Dad to School Day. Thanks to the men who attended this event. I encourage you to visit often and to stay involved in your child’s education.

Thanks to everyone who has extended a helping hand to assist with activities in District 6 schools. My warmest wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday season go out to Dallas ISD, especially all students, teachers, staffs, and patrons of District 6.