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Waller ISD Campus
Improvement Plans presented at Oct. Regular Board Meeting
During the regular meeting of the
Waller ISD Board of Trustees Oct. 8, each of Waller ISD’s seven campus
principals presented their campus improvement plans and Director of
Curriculum and Instruction, Joy Kanyo, presented the District improvement
plan.
While Waller ISD is ahead of the state in 90 percent of TAKS measures,
it has set even higher goals for achievement in 2007-2008.
In 2007-2008 Waller ISD looks to improve academically in mathematics
and science through the use of Elementary Math Instructional Support
Specialist, Claudia Mordeci and kindergarten through 12th grade
Science Instructional Support Specialist, Sharon Wilder. Waller ISD has
adopted the Professional Learning Community (PLC) Model which allows for a
collaborative staffing environment top down and bottom up; faculty and staff
district-wide are united in their commitment to student learning. Embracing
the PLC model allows for a shared vision to work and learn collaboratively,
review classroom policies, and participate in decision making. District-wide
vertical and horizontal team meetings have been implemented to facilitate
collaboration.
Another focus for improvement in 07-08 is the Balanced Literacy Program
in kindergarten through third grade. The program blends explicit skill
instruction with language-rich literature to promote the development of
independent, fluent readers, writers, and communicators. For all
instructional programs, teachers identify instructional needs through
ongoing assessment and plan appropriate differentiated instruction. A custom
designed data management system allows teachers to immediately see where
there are needs for intervention.
School safety will also make one more step forward. In years past, WISD
has placed V-Soft software at the front desk of every campus to screen
visitors and added AED (automated external defibrillators) to all its
campuses. This year emergency kits will be placed in every classroom and
office district-wide. The improvement plans will be posted on WISD’s website
(www.wallerisd. net) when they are complete.
In other business, the Board approved Waller ISD Assistant
Superintendent for Finance Mike Marcus’ report on the 2006-2007 Texas FIRST
Financial report. For the fifth consecutive year, WISD has received a Texas
FIRST Financial Superior rating. This is the highest fiscal accountability
rating a district can be awarded. The Board also approved nominations for
Waller County Appraisal District Directors and the proposed campus
improvement plans.
Recognized by the Board were 2006 Waller High School (WHS) Graduate
Meredith Pierce for her achievements as a student at the University of Texas
at Austin; Wally the Bulldog for being one of 12 finalist in the Houston
Capital One Mascot Challenge; seven WHS jazz band students for making the
Region 27 performing band or advancing to Area; 7 WHS choir students for
moving on to audition for the Region 27 Mixed or Treble Choir; and WHS
College/Career Placement Coordinator Alice Stewart for her hard word and
dedication to helping all WHS students succeed after high school. With the
help of Stewart, WHS’ class of 2007 earned $2.4 million in scholarships.
Before the meeting began, a public hearing was held to discuss the
District’s Texas First Financial Report.
Important dates noted were: Oct. 26 – Homecoming, Nov. 13 – Regular
Board Meeting, and Nov. 21-23 – Thanksgiving Holidays. |