During the Jan. 21, 2021, DeSoto Independent School District School Board Virtual Town Hall, district leaders unveiled the DeSoto ISD District Improvement Plan and discussed district-wide Campus Improvement Plans.
Each school year, district leaders along with district employees and various internal and external stakeholders including the District Education Improvement Committee, seek to refine and strategically define district and campus goals that suit the needs of each student in DeSoto ISD.
Additionally, campus principals and the campus-level committee members develop, review and revise campus improvement plans to obtain the goal of improving student performance and maximize potential.
The goals of DeSoto ISD align with the FOCUS priorities implemented during the 2019-2020 school year and the goals of the school board. As part of its improvement efforts, the district seeks to dramatically increase student growth and achievement; recruit, develop and retain exceptional staff; guarantee fiscal and organizational responsibility, integrity and transparency; and unite all segments of the school community.
“Student achievement is the number one priority in our district and we want to make sure that our students are growing at a steady pace,” said Chasiti McKissic, Executive Director of Curriculum & Grants. “Our goal is to make sure that we are providing exceptional educational experiences to our students and creating a learning environment that all stakeholders can be a part of.”
Many of the goals and objectives of campuses reflect those of the district. Many of them focus on student improvement, particularly in the areas of reading and math; increasing connections with parents and community members and college, career or military readiness.
To support this growth, many campuses have already implemented daily interventions built into student schedules, after-school tutorials, Saturday school and evening credit recovery.
In addition to academic growth, campuses also seek to increase collaboration and communication with families and community members with many seeking members to be involved in their improvement councils.
“Campus principals are continuously seeking partnership with families and community members,” said Deidre Hannible, DeSoto ISD Deputy Chief Academic Officer. “We encourage those interested in participating in the Campus Educational Improvement Council(s) to reach out to campus principals and form that connection.”
The district’s and individual campus improvement plans may be viewed via the links below:
DeSoto ISD
Amber Terrace
Cockrell Hill
Frank Moates
Ruby Young
The Meadows
Woodridge
Katherine Johnson
East Middle
McCowan Middle
West Middle
DeSoto High
The improvement plans were approved by the DeSoto ISD school board on Jan. 19, 2021. Those interested may view a recording of the virtual town hall online on the Board of Trustees webpage linked here.