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The EXCEL PAISD Literacy, Numeracy, and Science Initiative

PAISD is Re-Engineering for Academic Excellence without compromise. In order to re-engineer for academic excellence, throughout the 2006-2007 school year, committees of elementary and secondary teachers, librarians, counselors, social workers, nurses, principals, curriculum supervisors, parents, and students have identified areas of greatest need. The discussion and feedback have resulted in the development a plan to improve the achievement outcomes in PAISD. The Literacy (across all content and elective areas with a prioritized focus in ELA and Social Studies), Numeracy, and Science Plan immersed with technology is an aggressive collaborative initiative to improve student learning outcomes in our school district. Each component of the plan contains a philosophy for each subject, elements for each area, district-wide TAKS data, goals, and student requirements.

The expectation is that campus leaders and classroom teachers will implement what students are required to do with the support of school and central office personnel, and parents. Parent awareness, support and participation will be an integral component of this district initiative. Furthermore, the implementation of the initiative will be monitored by all school and district administrators along with the site-based team and parents. Port Arthur will lead Texas in continuous improvement by implementing an initiative that is aligned with TAP and DPC goals and Board Priorities. The desired outcome of this initiative is successful implementation with increased student learning and student achievement.

Reading and literacy are the gateway to success in life. During the past decade, economic, social, and educational factors have contributed to Americans’ awareness of the importance of literacy (Ryder, R., Sekulski, J., & Silberg, A., 2003). Meltzer, Smith, and Clark (2001) define literacy as the ability to read, write, speak, listen, and think effectively. Literacy has a profound impact on individuals and society. Similarly, math and science are necessary to solve our global challenges.

Click to Review the Full document-draft of EXCEL PAISD

Click to Review the EXCEL Alignment

EXCEL PAISD is a living initiative. We plan to improve it as we implement it. Your thoughts, feedback and support of EXCEL PAISD are appreciated. You may email ideas, suggestions, feedback and comments to Dr. Morcease J. Beasley, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and School Leadership.

Parents are strongly encouraged to assist PAISD in the implementation and monitoring of EXCEL PAISD. Please use the EXCEL Parent Observation Monitoring Feedback Form (ENGLISH) or EXCEL PAISD Parent Monitoring Form (Spanish) to document your observations of our implementation of this initiative.

EXCEL PAISD

Professional Development Presentations for August 21, 2007

EXCEL Requirements

Balanced Approach to Reading and Writing

Lesson Flow Design

Building Rigor into Every Lesson in Every Classroom

Building Powerful Word Walls

Differentiated Instruction

Authentic Assessment and Vocabulary Portfolios

Connecting Research and Writing Across the Curriculum