L O N G R A N G E P L A N N I N G C O M M I T T E EW A X A H A C H I E I N D E P E N D E N T S C H O O L D I S T R I C T

THE MAGNETISM OF MAGNET PROGRAMS

T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 1 4W A X A H A C H I E N I N T H G R A D E A C A D E M Y

CURRENT REALITY

• What if parents in Waxahachie ISD were able to choose from several school options for their children? • Current reality… THEY ALREADY DO! Just not in WISD!

• Parents in Waxahachie ISD can choose to send their student to the public school they are geographically assigned to OR:• Attend another Open Public School in another District,• Enroll in a Charter or Private School,• Home School, or• Login to a Virtual School.

• Our parents and students deserve a CHOICE within Waxahachie ISD.

MAGNET PROGRAMS?

• Magnet Programs… • Promote educational excellence;• Help develop innovative instructional practices;• Offer distinct choices (i.e., a special focus, theme, or

curriculum) to students with different interests, talents, and aptitudes; and

• Promote diversity (includes racial, ethnic, economic, gender, and special needs populations) within a Public School District.

What are “Vanguard” and “Academy” programs?

Vanguards are traditionally identified and targeted Gifted and Talented special interest or focus programs.

Academies are traditionally programs at the secondary school level in which special subjects or skills are taught.

SAMPLE MAGNET PROGRAMS

• Current Programs in Dallas/Fort Worth Area Districts:• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.)• Performing and Visual Arts (Fine Arts)• Dual or World Languages• International Baccalaureate (I.B.)• Gifted and Talented (G.T.)• Health Professions• Leadership • Humanities and Communications• Law and Criminal Justice• Business and Entrepreneurship• College Preparatory • Early College (E.C.)

Which DFW area Districts have invested in Magnet Programs?

Birdville ISD Dallas ISD DeSoto ISD Fort Worth ISD Garland ISD Grand Prairie ISD Irving ISD Little Elm ISD Plano ISD Red Oak ISD (virtual) Richardson ISD Rockwall ISD

RESEARCH

• Specific research-based* benefits of Magnet Programs:• Improved academic achievement• Diverse student enrollment• Reduced discipline problems• Increased cultural competence of students• Increased student attendance rates• Higher graduation rates• Greater teacher satisfaction and reduced teacher turn-over• Innovative curricula and instructional delivery methods• Personalized theme-based education• Specialized teaching staff• Increased parent involvement, engagement, and

satisfaction

* From the Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Website

How many Magnet Programs are in Texas?

There are 286 Magnet Programs with more than 250,000 students.

SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONAL MODELS

• Current Programs in Dallas/Fort Worth Area Districts utilize the following instructional delivery models:• Flexible Class Size or School Day Schedule• Year Round or Flexible School Year Calendar• Gender (All Girls and All Boys)• Montessori• International Baccalaureate (I.B.)• Multi-aged• Project Based Learning (P.B.L.)• Technology Enriched• Virtual• Flipped Learning

SAMPLE WISD MAGNET STRUCTURE

SAMPLE MAGNET PROGRAM STRUCTURE: GRADES K-12

Dual Language(Two-Way

English and Spanish)

Performing and Visual Arts (Fine Arts)

Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics

(S.T.E.M.)

Leadership and Gifted and Talented

(G.T.)

• Other Considerations:• Early College (E.C.) Partnerships• International Baccalaureate (I.B.)• Montessori• Project Based Learning (P.B.L.)• Career and Technical Education (C.A.T.E.) Pathways• Virtual

QUESTION TO CONSIDER

• Do you want the WISD Leadership Team to research and craft a plan to create “School Choice” via Magnet Programs, Kindergarten through Grade 12?

Yes or No?

A zip code should not determine destiny.

NEXT STEPS

• What would a “yes” vote mean?• An online survey would be sent to all WISD families and

staff gauging interest in Magnet Programs and identifying potential structures and themes.

• A Magnet Program Study Team (LRPC members) would be formed and travel to visit current exemplary Magnet Programs around DFW and Texas.

• The WISD Leadership Team would begin determining which Magnet Programs could begin in August, 2015, and which programs would have to wait due to facility, staffing, training, and funding questions.

• This LRPC recommendation would be presented to the WISD Board of Trustees.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• Other considerations by the WISD Leadership Team:• Establish goals, objectives, and strategies for each

Magnet Program structure and theme• Finalize the Magnet Program configuration and available

student “school choice” seats• Finalize the student enrollment process• Discuss transportation plan (if needed)• Create marketing and recruitment strategies• Finalize budget and funding plans• Review and create policies • Review staffing needs and craft staffing plans• Create staff professional development plan• Cultivate community resources and co-promoters

CONTACT INFORMATION

• David Truitt, Deputy Superintendent• dtruitt@wisd.org• (972) 923-463, Ext. 120• 411 North Gibson Street