Newton ISD - TX ERate

Monday, September 6, 2010


	Academic Focus

Learning Today…Leading Tomorrow

During the 2009-2010 school year, the Newton Independent School District adopted as its motto, Learning Today…Leading Tomorrow. Superintendent Sherrie Leach said, “We wanted to recognize the leadership potential that we see developing in our students. We have the best kids here in Newton. They work hard and they excel in so many areas. Ratings were released last month and Newton ISD missed recognized status by just one indicator. The 2010-2011 school year is our year!”

Newton ISD was evaluated on 20 measures by the state. In 12 of the measures, the district reached the exemplary standard; in 5 of the measures, the district reached the recognized standard; and in 3 of the measures, the district was rated acceptable. Two of the acceptable measures were within the 5 point “floor” and were eligible for exceptions. Therefore, only one measure kept the district from being rated recognized.

Of the 3 acceptable measures listed above for the district, 2 are in science and 1 is in math. All measures for Reading/English Language Arts, Writing, and Social Studies were recognized or exemplary.
Learning Today...Leading Tomorrow

Teachers and principals have been working all summer with Mrs. Michelle Barrow, Assistant Superintendent for the Priority Learning Division, learning about a new curriculum that the District will begin using this year. It is called CSCOPE and the District will focus on using it this first year primarily in math and science classes. The lesson activities are designed to involve students actively in the learning process. This is not a lecture series; it is a hands-on approach. Research studies have shown that this is how students learn best. Teachers and administrators have returned from conferences and workshops with lots of praise for this approach and are enthusiastic about returning to the classroom.

Julia House, Newton Middle School Principal, met with her science and math teams last week with a specialist from the Region 6 Education Service Center. She praises her teachers for the work they have already done to prepare for the return of the students, “They have already copied their lesson plan materials and are getting their rooms ready. This hasn’t been an easy thing to do since the seventh and eighth grade wings flooded in July and all of the floors had to be replaced. They’ve worked hard and I am confident that we are going to have a great year!”

Penny Colton, Newton Elementary Principal, has had considerable training in this curriculum at her previous district and has been working with her teams to gather up the wealth of materials needed to make this approach successful. Mrs. Colton adds, “We may be asking for items from home such as empty paper towels rolls or cereal boxes for some of the activities. I know that our parents will get involved and support us on our search for these items…it’s just good for kids!”

To emphasize how our students are leading, the District is also researching ways to increase the number of students that attend college and technical arts schools. The district has conducted a feasibility study for expansion of some of the technical arts programs and is now seeking funding through grants. During the past two years, the District has had on average, 20-25 students participating annually in dual credit courses. David Pitts, Newton High School Principal, is planning to highlight the progress of recent Newton graduates that are pursuing fields of study in higher ed. Mr. Pitts said of his plan, “Let’s show that our kids have what it takes to pursue their dreams.”