Spring class size waivers approved for submission to Texas Education Agency

The HISD Board of Education voted Thursday to approve the expansion of the Academic Parent-Teacher Teams (APTT) program by adding 30 additional campuses. This $1 million program is designed to assist schools with students struggling in literacy and reading. Schools will be selected from the lowest performing elementary schools within the district and a variety of additional criteria, including the need for additional parent engagement and participation.

A pilot program was launched in December at several schools across the district. This revamped approach to the parent-teacher conference brings in groups of parents to meet with their child’s teacher together, and frequently, increasing interaction and involvement. By meeting as a team, viewing data with students’ identities hidden, parents learn where their child stands in relation to other students in the class.

During APTT meetings, teachers also demonstrate activities parents can do at home to help their child master various skills. Parents practice the activities with other parents in the class, and each family sets 60-day academic goals for their student.

The board also approved the submission of spring class size waiver requests. The Texas Education Agency requires waivers if class sizes in kindergarten through fifth-grade surpasses 22 students.

The board’s regular monthly meeting was held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2014, in the board auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, 4400 W. 18th Street. For the full copy of the Board meeting agenda, click here.