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FWISD Update |
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Volume 4, Number 1 - September 2000 |
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Targeted strategies improve success rate for limited English proficient studentsFWISD's Bilingual/ English as a Second Language Initiative is a national trend-setter for its multi-faceted approach to working with limited English proficient (LEP) children, according to a report from The McKenzie Group, Inc., which recently completed a study of district initiatives. More than 20,000 students, nearly one-fourth of those enrolled in the FWISD, are eligible for services to help them achieve academically while becoming increasingly proficient in English. The district's goal is to help children who are in full bilingual classes transition into all-English classes by the end of the third year. Full and modified bilingual programs are offered in pre-kindergarten through third grade at 22 elementary schools. English as a Second Language classes are provided in all schools; Language Center programs are offered in 31 schools for immigrant students in grades three through 12. Two special academies offer recent older immigrant students an orientation to U.S. schools while developing basic communication and academic skills in English. Indicators of success include the following:
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New FWISD schools to host ribbon-cutting celebrationsRibbon-cutting celebrations and school tours at five new FWISD schools are scheduled in November, with an additional festive event planned for early 2001. Each of the ribbon-cutting events is open to the community. The campuses include two new elementary schools, the district's first primary school for prekindergarten through second grade students, and two sixth-grade centers that have opened in renovated existing structures. Tours of the schools will offer citizens an opportunity to see their tax dollars at work. The facilities are among results of the $398 million bond program that passed with overwhelming community support in February 1999. In addition to the new schools, all elementary activity centers now have air-conditioning, and new classrooms and other campus improvements are underway throughout the district as part of the five-year program. Call the school for more information
about the event. Leonard 6th Grade Western Hills Primary McLean 6th Grade A celebration at The Academy on Camp Bowie is planned for January 2001. |
Eight teachers, Language Center to receiveTeaching Excellence honorsSome of the district's most outstanding teachers will receive the accolades of area businesses and the school district when they are named Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence in November. An elementary school Language Center will also be honored. The FWISD's Chairs program is believed to be the only one of its kind in the nation. The teachers will each receive a $10,000 honorarium from a business sponsor of the recognition during a November 16 luncheon at the Petroleum Club. To earn the award, the teachers submitted an in-depth application, were interviewed by a committee representing businesses, higher education and parents, and presented a teaching demonstration to illustrate their effectiveness in the classroom. The 2000-2001 Academic Chairs are:
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FWISD students may sign up for dual credit options with UTAIncreased numbers of dual credit courses for FWISD students are being offered through an agreement with the University of Texas at Arlington. With the arrangement, high school students may enroll in university courses and receive simultaneous academic credit from both the university and the high school. The courses include such subject areas as English, British literature, college algebra, college chemistry, general technical physics, medical terminology, U.S. government, principles of macroeconomics and micro economics, and psychology. The district has similar agreements
with Texas Wesleyan University and Tarrant County College. |
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