Instructional Rounds: Expanding the Network One School at a Time

The student achievement presentation, given by Dr. Sheila Maher, associate superintendent for Educational Services, at the May School Board meeting focused on classroom instruction and the practice of Instructional Rounds. C-FB ISD began its implementation of Instructional Rounds in the spring of 2010.

We are all aware that educators have used classroom observations to improve instruction, but through Instructional Rounds, we have gained a structured process based on the professional practice of medical rounds used by doctors in teaching hospitals.  Through the work of Dr. Richard Elmore at Harvard University, C-FB ISD has developed five networks of schools: three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.  Currently, 23 of our 40 schools are involved in Instructional Rounds.  Our goal is to eventually involve all campuses in the Instructional Rounds Networks.

Through Instructional Rounds, the individual Networks visit the schools once during the school year.  The principal and the Instructional Rounds campus team develop a Problem of Practice that their Network will observe during their Network day.  All Network participants follow the four components of Instructional Rounds. When selecting the Problem of Practice, our teachers and principals select an instructional practice that they believe will move their students forward in their learning. (see slide on left)

Principals, classroom teachers and Educational Service staff members visit classrooms in small groups, using expert and precise observation techniques. Once the Network members have observed in multiple classrooms, the Network reconvenes as a whole to share, analyze and come to agreement on what they observed.  The difference between these observations and other classroom observation practices is that the group focuses on factual descriptions of what was seen. There are no personal judgments or viewpoints allowed -- only observed teaching strategies as well as student and teacher behaviors. And, before the day concludes, the Network members provide suggestions for next steps or "next level of work" for that campus.

That is why, we believe the practice of Instructional Rounds is and will have profound impact on student achievement in C-FB ISD.  As Dr. Elmore points out, there are only three ways to improve student performance in school:

·         Increase the knowledge and skill of teachers

·         Change the content (make it more rigorous and meaningful)

·         Alter the relationship of the student to the teacher and the content

In C-FB ISD, we understand that what goes in the classroom is what counts; our teachers matter.  Everything we do should be about helping our teachers be the best they can be.  To know if they believe the Instructional Rounds program is beneficial, the Educational Services Division conducted a survey of our Instructional Rounds' participants.  Here are comments from three teachers.

• "I feel like I learn something every time I go on a Rounds visit. The dialogue that goes on really makes me think about my own instructional practices and ways I need to improve."
• "I have also seen things on other campuses, in other classrooms that I would like to try in my classroom. Every Rounds visit gave me more clarity and knowledge about the core to bring back to my classroom and campus."
• "Not only have I enjoyed the Rounds work, but I have learned so much from my experience. The opportunity to dialogue about the practice of instructional work as well as observe and learn from so many different teachers in a variety of content areas and schools has been invaluable."

You can also hear from McKamy Elementary teacher LuAnne Smith by clicking on this video:

You can also hear from DeWitt Perry Middle School principal Brooke Puricelli by clicking on this video:

I want to thank Dr. Sheila Maher, associate superintendent for Educational Services, for leading the charge in Instructional Rounds. She is one of our bright spots in C-FB ISD.  Thank you to all of our teachers, principals, and Educational Service team members who are a part of our Instructional Rounds practice.  You are influencing our instructional practices, and impacting the learning of our students.

In Focus Points, you have read that we have a culture of continuous improvement in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District. That is why, our teachers, principals and Educational Services staff recognize the benefits of Instructional Rounds.  Our teachers want to improve their craft because everyone in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District understands that we are about one goal:  "high achievement for all students.


The Instructional Rounds PowerPoint Presentation from the May 2012 School Board Meeting is below:

Instructional Rounds Presentation May 2012

It's All About the People

Dedicated people who truly care about the education and welfare of all children allow the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District to meet its singular goal of "high achievement for all students."  And, we have several opportunities to celebrate and recognize those individuals who call C-FB ISD their professional home.

On Fri., May 4, the Board of Trustees and the Administration will celebrate the hard work, effort, determination and spirit of the C-FB ISD team and volunteers at "The Event" from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Square in Carrollton.  The Event is free and paid for by sponsors who believe in our educational team and volunteers.  The afternoon is a tribute to everyone who has worked with our students to help us meet our goal and four strategic objectives.  Check out the fun activities by visiting our special website: The Event

In 1984, the National PTA established the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week, and this year’s week is May 7-11.  To all individuals throughout our nation who have chosen public education as their profession thank you for choosing do the most important job in the world.

Journalist/historian Henry B. Adams was correct when he wrote: “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops.” At the center of any effective public school system are classroom teachers.  A great teacher is someone who encourages individual students by challenging them to be more than they thought they could be. As I visited our C-FB ISD schools this year,  I have witnessed first-hand our classroom teachers motivate and inspire their students to higher levels of learning.  These educators are bright spots for our C-FB ISD students. 

Regardless of their roles or assignments, all our staff members join with our teachers to support the learning in our classrooms. Our team members believe in our one goal and help us meet one or more of our four objectives.  I want to thank our team for their commitment to C-FB ISD. 

In our 2011 employee survey, 92% of the C-FB ISD staff members said they would recommend this district to a friend as a good place to work.  That is incredible feedback and support. 

This is one of the reasons that C-FB ISD ranks consistently in the top 9% in academic performance of the 200 largest school districts according the Education Resource Group.

Next week, May 7-11, is also National School Nutrition Employee Week.  We have about 240 team members who make up Student Nutrition Services.  They oversee the cafeterias in our schools where they serve about 1 million breakfasts and more than 3 million lunches during the school year.  In addition, they work with the educational team on a daily basis to provide information about food safety, food systems management and nutrition.

Our Student Nutrition Services Department website http://cfbisdnutrition.com/ provides families with online menus, nutritional information and numerous forms.  Families can also visit the "virtual cafe" which allows families and students to plan school meals together.

We know that when students eat well they have a better overall academic performance. We appreciate the work of Student Nutrition Service team.  This department is part of the C-FB ISD team who works together to accomplish the district's goal of high achievement.

Since May 7-11 is an appreciation week for school district team members, now is an excellent time for you to "share your story" about a C-FB ISD team member who has made a difference in your life.  Share Your Story Form

The C-FB ISD staff reminds me of this Albert Einstein quote, “Your job is a self-portrait. Autograph it with excellence.” The C-FB ISD team members sign each and every assignment with excellence and quality.  Thanks to the C-FB ISD educational team members, you have a public school system that is meeting the goal of "high achievement for all students."

Read What People Are Saying About C-FB ISD People

Find Out How To Become A C-FB ISD Partner

Update On STAAR: State Testing Program

C-FB ISD along with all Texas public school districts are involved in a new state assessment program this year:  STAAR (State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness). STAAR is more rigorous than our previous state test, TAKS.

Students in our district have already experienced STAAR as the tests were given in March and this week.  Our high school students will be taking end-of-course (EOC) exams in May. 


We know that STAAR is a more difficult assessment than TAKS because the program emphasizes the College and Career Readiness Standards within the state curriculum standards, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

The chart on the right outlines the students

and the subject areas that are being tested this school year.  At the high school level, this is the first year for EOC exams.  These exams are being given primarily to our ninth graders.  The tests have greater emphasis on critical thinking and focus on fewer skills than the TAKS tests.

When we talk about the curriculum standards or TEKS, we place them in two categories: Readiness Standards and Supporting Standards.

Readiness Standards are defined as standards that:

(1) are essential for success in the current grade or course
(2) are important for preparedness for the next grade or course
(3) support college and career readiness
(4) necessitate in-depth instruction
(5) address broad and deep ideas

Supporting Standards are defined as standards that:
(1) are emphasized in a previous year and in a subsequent year
(2) play a role in preparing students for the next grade or course
(3) are aligned to and support the readiness standards.

What we know is that the Readiness Standards, which are in red, will make up at least 65% of the STAAR assessment while the Supporting Standards, which are in blue, will make up about 35% of the test.

Accountability Ratings
With the new testing program comes a new accountability system; however, districts and campuses will have no state accountability ratings for this school year, 2011-2012.  The state will release summary data for districts and campuses about the STAAR testing program in January 2013.

Although the state will not issue an accountability rating, C-FB will receive data from the Education Resource Group (ERG).  ERG will give us vital information on how C-FB ISD compares to the 200 largest school districts when it comes to the new state testing system.  In addition, our students, teachers and their families will also have the individual reports detailing how our students performed on the STAAR tests.  These reports will help our instructional teams and families work together to plan how to improve student learning for the 2012-2013 school year.  After all, C-FB ISD is known for continuous improvement and high achievement. 

Thank you for being a part of a public school district that believes in "high achievement for all students."

Texas Education Agency STAAR website

To view a copy of the PowerPoint Presentation of the STAAR Report from the April School Board Meeting, click below:
STAAR Report

Open Enrollment: Endless Opportunities

In C-FB ISD, we have great opportunities for students. And, we know that families have options when making decisions about education choices for their children.

That is why, for the 2012-2013 school year, the Board of Trustees approved a policy to allow limited open enrollment options for families living outside C-FB ISD boundaries. By offering limited open enrollment, we will generate new revenue for the school district for each additional open enrollment student accepted.

Ranchview High School Robotics

For years, we have heard from families living near the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District expressing interest in attending our schools because of our outstanding teachers and staff, quality programs, and well-designed facilities. Families who live in two areas outside our district now have the opportunity to choose C-FB ISD for their children through the limited open enrollment option.

Our limited open enrollment program will be open to two areas as outlined below.  Families in these two areas should visit our district's website (www.cfbisd.edu/open) for an online application and more details. Families have until June 15 to complete the application process.

 

Area 1:

Vivian Field Orchestra performs at annual
Veteran's Day Celebration

The cities of Coppell and Valley Ranch west of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD boundaries, south of Sandy Lake Road, east of Denton Tap/Beltline Road North, and north of Interstate 635.

Students living in Area 1 who are entering grades kindergarten through grade 9 in fall 2012 may make an application for open enrollment to the following schools:

• Riverchase Elementary School: kindergarten through grade 5
• Barbara Bush Middle School: grades 6 through grade 8
• Ranchview High School: grade 9

Janie Stark students, parents
and staff participate in Kite Day.

Area 2:

The city of Farmers Branch outside the C-FB ISD boundaries.

Students living in Area 2 who are entering grades kindergarten through grade 9 in fall 2012 may make an application for open enrollment to the following schools:

• Janie Stark Elementary School: kindergarten through grade 5
• Vivian Field Middle School: grades 6 through grade 8
• R. L. Turner High School: grade 9

Click Here: Map of Area 1 and Area 2

For families who are interested in visiting any of the six schools involved in the limited open enrollment program, we will have the six buildings open on the same evening.  Families are encouraged to stop by and see our facilities and meet the outstanding teams who work daily with our students. 

C-FB ISD is a bright spot in public education.  From our dual language program at Janie Stark, orchestra at Barbara Bush and Vivian Field Middle Schools, to our International Baccalaureate  program at Barbara Bush and Ranchview - these C-FB schools offer endless opportunities to students outside our district boundaries. In C-FB ISD, we are committed to high achievement for all students in academics, athletics and fine arts.

Our clarity of purpose as well as enthusiasm and commitment to our students makes us the right choice for many families. I believe that is why now is an excellent time for us to offer limited enrollment to certain neighborhoods near our district boundaries.

It is the right time because this process is a win-win providing C-FB ISD additional revenue as well as drawing new families and students who believe as we do about learning.  People know Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is a public school system where high achievement is for all students.  

www.cfbisd.edu/open

Schools: Safe & Learning-Focused

We believe that for high achievement to take place, our schools must be safe and focused on learning.

In our 2011 spring parent survey, two questions indicated that our parents believed Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District was meeting the strategic objective focusing on providing a strong learning environment for students.

• 92 percent said that they believed there is "a healthy and productive level of classroom discipline" found on their child's campus.
• 92.6 percent of parents responding said that "their child's school provides a safe environment".

Our teachers, principals, counselors, librarians and other educational team members use so many great strategies to ensure that our schools are positive learning environments. We set consistent behavioral expectations by following a strong student code of conduct.  By promoting our district's character values of integrity, pride, respect, responsibility, service and citizenship in our classrooms and organizations, our students learn extensively about the ideals on which our country and community were founded.


A relatively new program that we are using in our elementary schools is R time.  We are finding this program very beneficial because it emphasizes C-FB ISD's long-established character values as well as promoting courtesy and good manners.

Our elementary teachers find R time helps our students build stronger relationships with one another and adults.  We know when people feel good about themselves and their environment, they are more productive.  In essence, by having a positive "work" environment, we can accelerate learning.

R time occurs one time a week for 15 to 20 minutes.  Teachers use activities developed specifically for their grade levels. Randomly paired, students are taught how to introduce themselves to their partner, during a special introduction time. After the introduction, the students are involved in a special activity that includes thinking, preparation and action times.

After the activity, there are processing and feedback times. And, finally, the students conclude by thanking their partners for their participation in the session.  The weekly reinforcement of courtesy, respect, good manners and listening skills helps our elementary students not only with their academic achievement but also with their emotional and behavioral well being.

An extension of R time, Negotiate is a program C-FB ISD is using at our six middle schools. As in the elementary schools with R time, Negotiate has 15 to 20-minute weekly sessions.

The sessions follow a similar process and require cooperation with a randomly chosen partner. Fundamental to Negotiate is the expectation and use of good manners, appropriate body language and courtesy, while students are engaged in mutually respectful and productive dialogue.

Negotiate provides a forum in which the students explore and share their views on a whole range topics, including how to make and maintain friends, how to resolve conflicts and problems, how to plan and work cooperatively. 

Through the sessions, we want to students learn that they may not always agree with their partner's viewpoint, but they can exchange ideas and learn to respect and value any differences.  As with R time, at the end of each Negotiate time, students thank their partners.

We also emphasize to our students the importance of keeping safe in a globally digitized world.  Our school librarians led a "Be Safe in Cyberspace" message during February 2012 for Internet Safety Month.   

During this time, our campuses took an extra effort to talk about such issues as cyber safety, social networking, and phone texting.   We know that being safe online is a major concern for families and students.  That is why, our librarians oversaw the district's efforts in teaching our students about Internet safety and Twenty-first technology skills.  Our teachers, librarians, and instructional technology specialists were all instrumental in providing Internet safety training. 

We know that Internet safety is an ongoing topic, and we encourage families and students to continue studying. For our families, here are several Internet resources suggested by our librarians:

• http://www.netsmartzkids.org/
• http://www.cybersmart.org/
• http://www.brainpop.com/
• http://www.kidscomjr.com/
• http://www.safekids.com/

We believe to meet our goal of high achievement for all students, the schools and classrooms must be safe and promote learning.  By having a variety of strategies in place to promote safety, cooperation, respect and conflict resolution, we are teaching our students valuable tools for life after public school.

In the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, we are fortunate to have a strong partnership with the educational team, families, and the community.  When we work together, our students are the ones who are the winners.

Become a C-FB ISD Partner

You Are Invited to Two Special Events on April 14

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District has a long, rich history. When we look back, we see a story of continued growth through decades of change. Although the sizes of the schools, the building structures and the instructional methods are different, the commitment and involvement of families are as strong in 2012 as in the first days of public education in the communities we serve.

That commitment can be seen in two events occurring on Sat., April 14.

• The Spring Symposium 2012, co-sponsored by the C-FB ISD Association for the Gifted & Talented and the district's Advanced Academic Services Department

• The R. L. Turner High School Centennial Celebration

The annual Spring Symposium takes place at the Technology Learning Center (TLC), 2427 Carrick, Farmers Branch from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The symposium offers a day of enriching workshops for all Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD families and educators.  While the adults are learning, elementary-aged students (kindergarten through grade 5) have the opportunity for hands-on learning activities. Teachers and administrators can receive up to 6.0 gifted-talented update credit hours for attending the entire event.

Students in the C-FB ISD Summer Academy
for Gifted Academy (SAGE) create robots.

For the adults, the morning begins with Dr. Linda Silverman from the Institute for the Study of Advanced Development and its subsidiary, the Gifted Development Center, in Denver, Colorado.  Her topic is "If Our Child Is So Smart, Why Aren't Our Lives Easier?' After Dr. Silverman, you will have the opportunity to attend various breakout sessions led by teachers, administrators and others. To find out more about the specific sessions, click here: sessions.  For a registration flyer: Registration Flyer (PDF)

We appreciate the support and involvement of the Association of the Gifted and Talented.  The association began its partnership in 1979 with the district.  During that time, the members have worked to provide support to parents, students, teachers, principals and all educators working with gifted and talented students.  To learn more about the organization, visit http://www.cfbgifted.org/. Again, the association and the Department of Advanced Academic Services invite all C-FB ISD to attend the symposium on Sat., April 14.

Join us for the R. L. Turner High School Centennial Celebration on the afternoon of Sat., April 14 at the school, 1600 Josey Lane, Carrollton from 2 to 5 p.m.   The event will honor the school's 100th graduating class.

The faculty, staff and students are planning an outstanding afternoon of events for alumni, families, friends, and future Lions. 

Festivities begin at 2 p.m. with a ceremony in the theatre, including the announcement of a Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. 

Other activities include:

• Campus Tours and Activities 2:45-5:00 p.m.
• Opening of a 25-year old Time Capsule sealed in 1987
• Dedication of a Time Capsule to be opened in 2037
• Future Lions' Kid Zone
• Taste of C-FB with local food vendors
•  A Trip "Down Memory Lane" with a collection of yearbooks and newspapers dating back to 1939

Future Lion at the 2011 RLT
Homecoming Game

We began celebrating the 100-year anniversary in the fall when the school held its Homecoming Game and Parade.  What an exciting time as we welcomed graduates and families from many different classes. 

We hope that you will return to visit your Alma Mater on Sat., April 14 to see not only the changes in the building but also to rekindle friendships and to share memories with us about your days at Carrollton High School or R. L. Turner High School. 

For those who may not know.  In 1912, Carrollton High School graduated three students. In 2012,  R.L. Turner High School will graduate almost 500 students.

In the 100 years in between, Carrollton and R. L. Turner High  Schools have played host to many special people.  We want to honor those Lions as distinguished alumni at the Centennial Celebration.   We invite you to come to an afternoon of fun at R. L. Turner High School.  Help us make it a great afternoon and fill the building with Lion Spirit and Pride!

These two events symbolize how important our strategic objectives are to our district goal of "high achievement for all students."  Both events will help us increase stakeholder confidence in C-FB ISD.  We believe the more engaged individuals are in their schools, they have a better understanding of how their public school system operates.

The symposium will also improve the learning environment for students and increase student achievement because our students will be participating in activities as their families attend classes.  And, their families and educators will also be learning how to help their students with their learning too.  These two events are excellent examples of how our four objectives are interdependent, and how they help us focus on our goal of "high achievement for all students."

When educators, families and entire community join together, students are the winners.  That is why, C-FB ISD students are achieving at high levels.

Become A C-FB ISD Partner

We Welcome & Thank Partners

In C-FB ISD, we are fortunate to have large corporations, small businesses, civic groups, and the faith community working with our outstanding educational team.  Their efforts combined with the work of our Parent Teacher Associations and parent groups help us with our goal of "high achievement for all students."

Over the years, we have recognized the work of various partners at our School Board meetings to thank them for the impact that they have made in the lives of our students.  These organizations are a sampling of the incredible efforts of the volunteer work that regularly goes on at our campuses. 

We also have partnerships that help with district-wide projects such as Kacie's Run or our annual Special Olympics Track Field Meet.

Here are some illustrations of the work done for our students and schools by our partners:

MacArthur Baptist Church is recognized at


December 2011 School Board Meeting

• MacArthur Baptist Church has been partnering with Ranchview High School since 2006. Ranchview fine arts groups have used the building for performances and formal auditions. The school has also used the building for its annual PSAT workshop and senior class Baccalaureate service. Members have given teachers welcome back gifts and hosted an annual appreciation luncheon. More than 65 members adopted the varsity football team. They wore specially designed t-shirts sporting the numbers of their selected players. Church members cooked team meals, cheered wildly, celebrated after wins and encouraged after losses.  They filled the stands at both home and away football games.

• Area Walmarts have donated hundreds of items for district projects and campus projects through the years. They have helped out student councils, the PTA Clothes Closet, Post Proms, student clubs, career fairs, and more. They have donated needed school supplies and recognized teachers through the stores' Teacher of the Year program.

• 
  

  

  PTA volunteers pick up
  uniform donations from Academy.

  SHW Group worked with METSA, our Math, Science and Engineering Academy at R. L. Turner High School. Engineers from the architectural firm gave insight on the project-based curriculum and participated in career days.  They have served as advisers when needed.  SHW team members have also served on the Board of Directors of the C-FB ISD Educational Foundation.

• Sony Electronics, Inc. has provided in-kind donations for various campuses to help special projects that focus on student achievement activities such as Math Night and Literacy Night.

•  Academy Sports and Outdoors has donated school uniforms to the district. We have distributed the uniforms through the C-FB ISD PTA Clothes Closet and Metrocrest Social Services.

 
• First Baptist Church Carrollton has been Central Elementary School's partner for several years. The members have provided such items as coats, gloves and hats. They even set up a day for health screenings along with fun activities such as bounce houses, games and other activities.

• 

  Kathryn S. McWhorter Elementary receives books
  from Zurich, Inc.
  at special assembly.

  Zurich, Inc. in celebration of its 100th anniversary in the United States donated more than 950 books and $1,450 to Kathryn S. McWhorter Elementary School.



All of these partnerships are designed based on what the organization can do and what needs our campuses may have. We value the support given by every partner. Again, these are just a few of the partnerships that we have in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District.

Your partnership can provide volunteers, funding, equipment, materials, and/or assist with special needs. We work to match the school’s needs with the organization’s resources, but a few suggestions include:

• Classroom Volunteers
• Student Mentors
• Guest speakers
• Educational tours or field trips
• Incentive awards for student achievement
• Teacher discounts, rewards

If you wish to get started or find out how you can partner with C-FB ISD, please fill out the Partners In Education interest form. Once we have received the form and reviewed your information, a team member from the Strategic Communication Services Office will contact you regarding your partnership interest.

If you are a community member and would like to be a school volunteer, we welcome you as well. Visit our Volunteer page for more information on how you can become a volunteer at one of our schools.

We have a great public school system, but we can be even better when we have vested partners working with the educational team. Your time and expertise will help us with our four strategic objectives because they are interdependent.  However, your involvement will strengthen our stakeholder confidence as students, parents, and community leaders see your interest in the local schools.

C-FB ISD is in the top 9% in academic performance as measured by the Education Resource Group.  This is a perfect time for you to become involved in your local school district.

This is a school district where families feel connected.  Our 2011 parent survey told us that 90 percent of our parents were satisfied with their child's campus.   In a poll of registered voters, we learned that 70 percent believe that C-FB ISD is an excellent public school system. When looking at registered voters with children in the district, that number climbed to 90 percent.  And, you can join our parents and team in making a difference.

When educators and stakeholders work together, we make sure that our schools are places where students feel accepted and are challenged to learn.  And, when that happens, academic performance will be even higher.

C-FB ISD Partners Page