For the 2017-2018 school year, teachers and students will have access to a new assessment platform to track student progress through TEKS-aligned assessments.
The new system is called OnTrack and will replace EdPlan with an easier-to-use, intuitive format for users. The platform allows for a more comprehensive student learning profile through a variety of assessment options. Unlike any system HISD has had before, OnTrack features a student dashboard, giving students the ability to monitor their own progress and take increasing ownership of their learning. read more…
Team HISD is mourning the loss of Martha Prieto, who passed away on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. She was 62.
Prieto joined HISD in 1979 and started as an Accounting Clerk before moving to a Payroll Technician position in 2000. She worked with employees who were retiring to ensure a smooth transition. Prieto could often be seen wearing jerseys to support her beloved Houston Astros during playoff runs.
“Martha was such a loving person and thought of others before herself,” said Payroll Manager Robert Robinson. “She will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.”
Visitation will take place from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Compean Funeral Home, 2102 Broadway Blvd, 77012, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Compean Funeral Home, and the Rite of Committal ceremony will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8701 Almeda-Genoa Road, 77075.
The Retirement Storefront at HISD is hosting four retirement seminars during the spring semester so that employees can learn more about the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) and what benefits are available to them.
The seminars are scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on the following dates this spring at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th Street, 77092): read more…
ALL TEACHERS
- Gear up for ‘Go Texan Day’ on March 3: Teachers, staff, and students are encouraged to show support for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by dressing in Western-themed outfits on “Go Texan Day,” on Friday, March 3, in recognition of the HLSR’s significant contributions to public education and to kick off this year’s rodeo. The HLSR, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, is a valuable educational partner, and awarded scholarships worth $1,656,000 to 92 HISD graduates in 2016.
- Take a proactive approach to classroom management: The Department of Social and Emotional Learning will host classroom-management training for all instructional staff and administrators, which is designed to help teachers positively manage student behavior. Participants will explore comprehensive and practical strategies to improve their current classroom management plan. This is a two-day training, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on March 21-22 at the Ryan PD Center. Register in OneSource using Course Number 136001.
- Creating authentic assessments for diverse learners: Participants will create Integrated Performance Assessments using the strategies introduced in this session. This session explains the characteristics of an IPA, demonstrates how to identify different world languages proficiency levels using sample model assessments, and shares strategies for creating an IPA. There are two upcoming sessions, one at 4 p.m. April 12 and another at 4 p.m. April 26. Special instructions: Participants must register for the course and confirm it with the presenter at fji@houstonisd.org prior to the training. Use OneSource Course Number 337001 to register.
ALL TEACHERS
- Gear up for ‘Go Texan Day’ on March 3: Teachers, staff, and students are encouraged to show support for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo by dressing in Western-themed outfits on “Go Texan Day,” on Friday, March 3. The day is designed to recognize the HLSR’s significant contributions to HISD and public education, as well as kick off this year’s rodeo. The HLSR, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, is a valuable educational partner, and awarded $1,656,000 in scholarship money to 92 HISD graduates in 2016.
- Learn how to filter out spam messages: Tired of having your email box bombarded with unsolicited advertising and mail? No one likes spam or junk email. HISD’s Information Technology team is constantly working to scan and remove emails that could contain viruses or phishing emails that could be after your private information. Click here for an explanation of your new “Junk” e-mail folder and how to spot malicious or phishing scams.
- Apply now for a STEM Service Learning Grant: Do you have students with an innovative idea to improve the Houston community through STEM? If so, applications are being accepted for grants around STEM service projects. This grant, sponsored by Verizon, is available for U.S. students and/or student groups between the ages of 5 and 18 who are planning a STEM-related service project that will take place between March 27 and May 12. The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 27, 2017. For the application and more details about the grant, click here.
During the Feb. 9, 2017, meeting, the HISD Board of Education approved the district’s recommendation that the student performance criteria of HISD’s Teacher Appraisal and Development System (TADS) be waived for all teachers for the 2016-2017 school year, with the exception of the 23 schools that receive TIF grant funds.
Currently, student performance criteria accounts for 30 percent, instructional practices for 50 percent, and professional expectations for 20 percent of TADS. With the board’s vote, the new criteria to determine a final rating for teachers for the 2016-2017 school year will be based 70 percent on instructional practices and 30 percent on professional expectations. For the 2016-2017 school year, the district will calculate the student performance component of TADS for reporting purposes only. read more…
ALL TEACHERS
- Board approves changes to TADS scoring: Last night, the HISD Board of Education approved the district’s recommendation that the student performance criteria of HISD’s Teacher Appraisal and Development System (TADS) be waived for all teachers for the 2016-2017 school year, with the exception of the 23 schools that receive TIF grant funds. Currently, student performance criteria accounts for 30 percent, instructional practices for 50 percent, and professional expectations for 20 percent of TADS. With the board’s vote, the new criteria to determine a final rating for teachers for the 2016-2017 school year will be based 70 percent on instructional practices and 30 percent on professional expectations. For the 2016-2017 school year, the district will calculate the student performance component of TADS for reporting purposes only. The rationale for change is based on two major factors: 1.) student performance for the new appraisal system for the state (T-TESS) is being piloted and is scheduled to become the new state-recommended system, with all components possibly operational in 2017-2018; and 2.) this will allow the district time to review the impact of comparative growth on STAAR in relation to TADS. If you have any questions, call the Professional Support & Development team at 713-696-0633.
- Apply now for a STEM Service Learning Grant: Do you have students with an innovative idea to improve the Houston community through STEM? If so, applications are being accepted for grants around STEM service projects. This grant, sponsored by Verizon, is available for U.S. students and/or student groups between the ages of 5 and 18 who are planning a STEM-related service project that will take place between March 27 and May 12. The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 27, 2017. For the application and more details about the grant, click here.
- New KEY Factors Special Education: PALS Training: All teachers are invited to a “PALS” special education workshop from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Bell Elementary School. In order to prepare for this workshop, we want to get an estimate of who is interested in attending as we know many campuses have their own PD sessions or specific learning targets. If you are interested in attending, please complete this survey. Registration will close on Monday, Feb. 20.
- Webinar to cover designing Scaffolded Instruction using Goalbook Toolkit (TEKS Aligned): During this webinar, participants will explore a research-based method for designing instruction and developing measurable and observable learning goals and will leverage their previous experience using Goalbook while engaging in this interactive session. Teachers will learn to use Goalbook Toolkit to develop a learning goal for students using customizable IEP goals and the Universal Design for Learning framework. In addition, teachers can reflect on their Goalbook practice and identify an area on which they would like to focus for the year. Click here to register.
ALL TEACHERS
- Share your input on Special Education services at HISD: All teachers are invited to an upcoming meeting with HISD Superintendent Richard Carranza regarding Special Education services at HISD. These meetings are not mandatory but will serve as an opportunity to share your feedback regarding such services on your campus or across the district. They are coordinated by HISD’s various teacher unions. Teachers can attend one of three scheduled meetings being hosted across the district:
- 5-6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 8, at T.H. Rogers auditorium
- 5-6 p.m. Tues., Feb. 21, at Forest Brook Middle School auditorium
- 5-6 p.m. Wed., Feb. 22, at Chavez High School auditoriumIf you are unable attend any of the meetings but have questions or concerns you would like addressed, please contact your campus union representative. We look forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with you to ensure HISD is meeting the needs of all our students.
- Upcoming Goalbook webinar to cover UDL topics: Teachers who want to learn more about using Goalbook’s instructional resources, which can be specifically tailored to related service providers, are invited to attend this free webinar from 2-3 p.m. Wed., Feb. 2. Participants will explore how Goalbook Toolkit provides access to customizable IEP goals and instructional resources to support students academically, as well as socially and emotionally, by diving into the Universal Design for Learning framework. We will focus on areas such as speech and language, occupational therapy, success skills, behavior and social emotional learning, transition, functional academic and life skills, reading, writing and math. After an overview of Goalbook Toolkit, you will have the opportunity to use it to develop a learning goal for a student with whom you work. We will also allow time for questions. Click here to register for the free webinar.
- Free screening of a film about how students’ home, school life are intertwined: “The One That Got Away” explores the intertwined forces of home life and school-life on children. The film traces the path of a once-promising, popular New Jersey student from a troubled background who is now in prison for murder, and a group of middle school teachers who tried to nurture him and help him thrive. Teachers will receive professional development credit on request. The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 13, at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, auditorium on the lower level of the Caroline Wiess Law Building. Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. Click here to reserve your tickets.
Chick-fil-A, Telemundo, and HISD are continuing our partnership to recognize HISD teachers who are doing outstanding work in the classroom.
The Teacher of the Month Award is designed to showcase the work of HISD educators who inspire students and others, who go above and beyond in the classroom, and/or are active in their community. If you would like to recognize a teacher, click here to download the nomination form in English, and click here for the Spanish version. read more…
HISD Counseling and Student Support Department
Share photos and posts on social media using #NSCW17 and #HISDCounselors.
If an HISD school counselor has ever helped you to calm an anxious student, console a grieving child, or help a family in distress, then take a moment to thank him or her. February 6–10 is National School Counseling Week, and the theme this year is “School Counselors: Helping students realize their potential.”
Please join HISD in recognizing the unique contribution to the academic success and personal well-being of our students that district counselors make each and every day. See below for a list of daily activities for both staff and students. read more…
