FWISD Update

Volume 3, Number 1 - November 9, 1999
Advanced Academic Services

WASHINGTON POST SAYS FWISD ONE OF NATION'S BEST

Historically there has been a gap nationwide in achievement levels between middle class Anglo students and their African American and Hispanic counterparts. The Washington Post recently spotlighted FWISD's progress in closing that gap in an article based on a Council of Great City Schools report on the efforts of 48 urban districts. The Post hailed Fort Worth's achievement as one of the two most successful in the nation.

Initiatives targeting increased academic achievement for all students are credited for the district's success.

"... Fort Worth since 1994 (has) realized gains in minority student achievement with a concerted focus on improving instruction in reading and mathematics."

- Kenneth J. Cooper
Washington Post, 10/14/99

COLLABORATION WITH CHILD CARE COMMUNITY:

Pre-school children in child care will have a greater chance for success in school, thanks to a new collaboration between the school district and child-care providers. At a recent meeting, district staff outlined opportunities for child-care providers to gain skills in pre-reading, pre-writing and developmental activities aimed at preparing children to read. District staff will take the program to as many as 200 child-care providers through the use of specially equipped vans.

REDUCING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES:

FWISD teachers are participating in cultural sensitivity training during regularly scheduled faculty meetings as part of a follow-up to training given at the beginning of the school year. The training reflects the district's commitment to ensure that district staff have an understanding of cultural differences as well as the skills to respond to others with appropriate respect and dignity.

Workshops explore perceptions and misperceptions, the use of power, how to adapt classroom activities to promote a culture of respect for all, and other topics. Consultants on the project include Dr. Cornell Thomas, special assistant to the chancellor at Texas Christian University (TCU).

EMPHASIS ON MATHEMATICS:

Mildred Sims, former principal at Morningside Middle School, is the new director of elementary and middle school mathematics. Her first charge is to provide leadership for a new district mathematics curriculum while improving the training and use of elementary math specialists. Lead teachers, grades two to five, will be identified to participate in an intensive two-year summer training program designed to strengthen the delivery of mathematics in elementary schools. University instructors will provide the initial training program and subsequent follow-up sessions.

NEW DEPARTMENT TO COORDINATE SERVICES:

The Advanced Academic Services Department was recently formed to coordinate a variety of services offered to students who achieve at high levels or who have the ability to do so. All special interest programs (formerly called magnet) are managed through this department, as are Applied Learning, gifted education, High Academic Programs in elementary schools, and honors and Advanced Placement classes in secondary schools.

PREPARATORY PROGRAM EXPANDED:

High Academic Program (HAP) classes for elementary children are aimed at increasing the likelihood that children will succeed in middle and high school high academic courses. The program, which began in second grade last year and expanded to third this year, is expected to include fourth grade in 2000-2001. Children in 81 third-grade and 76 second-grade classrooms across the district benefit from an enriched curriculum with an interdisciplinary approach to science, social studies and fine arts in their home schools.

HONORS PROGRAM TO BE STRENGTHENED:

The advanced academic services staff, middle school principals and academic coordinators from FWISD high schools are currently meeting to discuss possible improvements to honors course offerings in middle schools. Their goal is to provide consistent high standards among current honors courses and consider expansion of classes next year.

ENROLLMENT UP FOR ADVANCED CLASSES:

Thanks to encouragement from academic coordinators in each high school, enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) and honors classes increased by more than 1,000 students this year. Following a study of available AP and honors classes, the number of courses offered was expanded. Each high school (grades 9-12) offers a guaranteed core of AP classes in such areas as English/language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. In some schools, students can opt for AP classes in Japanese, environmental science, or microeconomics. Students enrolled in AP classes may receive college credit for their work.

Meet Dr. Cynthia Sedam, Director of Advanced Academic Services:

Cynthia Sedam was hired in February, 1999 as part of the school board's commitment to coordinate all high academic programs in the district. She is charged with establishing and enhancing programs that nurture students' academic strengths and interests in elementary and secondary schools.
Since her arrival, Sedam has spearheaded many improvements for talent development, such as:

• efforts to make special interest programs (formerly magnet) a more integral part of the greater school;
• strengthening high academic course offerings to reach more students in both high schools and special interest programs;
• proactively recruiting students for honors, Advanced Placement and other advanced academic offerings;
• providing a challenging and appropriate curriculum for elementary students who are achieving or have the potential to achieve at high levels.

Sedam is a graduate of TCU and holds a doctorate from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Post-graduate specialization includes a degree under Joseph Renzulli, director, National Research Center for the Gifted and Talented. She came to Fort Worth from Williamsburg, Va., public schools.

ATTENTION PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS:

Are you interested in learning more about the vision and goals of the Advanced Academic Services Department as well as the variety of programs offered for students? Two meetings have been scheduled to answer your questions. Both meetings are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 29 - O.D. Wyatt HS, 2400 E. Seminary; and Tuesday, Nov. 30 - Arlington Heights HS, 4501 W. Freeway. Parents and grandparents considering enrolling their students in programs from elementary through high school are encouraged to attend.