At the June 24th meeting, the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees approved the hire of Joshua Newton as the Senior Data Strategist. In this role, Newton will support the Chief of Research, Evaluation, and Design by providing strategic data analysis to improve student outcomes and the effectiveness of schools, programs, and district initiatives.
A native Dallasite, Newton graduated from the Science and Engineering Magnet (SEM) at Townview, and received a BS and MA in mathematics from The University of Texas. After college, Newton returned to the Science and Engineering Magnet where he has taught for the past twelve years and where he was named Dallas ISD Teacher of the Year in 2012-2013. For the past six years, Newton has also served as the math department chair and cluster coordinator where he has helped implement data driven solutions to increase student achievement across the school. He has also presented these solutions at national conferences such as the AP Annual Conference, the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools, and the College Board Forum.
During his time in this role, the rate of students passing AP math exams increased from 68% to 88% and the school’s overall passing rate on AP exams increased by 35%. In 2019, SEM was named the #1 high school in Texas and the #12 high school in the nation. At SEM he coached the school’s math UIL teams for the past 11 years and has had multiple individuals and teams win state UIL championships. While not at school, he has served on the Texas Math and Science Coaches Association executive board in various positions for the past five years, including serving as President for the 2018-2019 school year.
“Mr. Newton brings a keen instructional lens along with a deep mathematical background to this role of Senior Data Strategist” stated Chief of Research, Evaluation, & Design Ben Mackey. “We expect great things from him!” Newton begins his new role in July.