Middle schools kick off
Middle schools kick off
1:1 pilot
Garland ISD middle schoolers are now experiencing the benefits of digitally enhanced classrooms . A fulfillment of the 2014 bond program , the Chromebook Ready 1:1 Pilot began impacting students districtwide in December . A total of 146 middle school teachers at all 12 campuses , as well as the GISD Alternative Education Center , are piloting the cart-based program .
“ Every pilot teacher has a class set of Chromebooks to accommodate every student ,” said Middle School Technology Coordinator Brian CdeBaca . “ Chromebooks will allow students to collaborate and communicate with others while working on assignments , projects and various classroom-related activities .”
An earlier trial period , teacher feedback and cost evaluation led the district to select Chromebooks as the middle school 1:1 tool .
“ One of the resounding responses received from teachers about device features was the need for students to have access to a keyboard ,” CdeBaca explained . “ After considering all the feedback and evaluating sustainability costs , Chromebooks provided the district with an effective and useful instructional resource for middle schoolers .”
This pilot will continue through the end of the school year and lay the foundation for a full-scale cart deployment in 2018-19 . Learn more at www . garlandisd . net / ready1to1 .
Free exams , prep sessions boost college readiness
Garland ISD believes in empowering its students , which is why the district provides valuable testing and exam prep opportunities . With free Advanced Placement ( AP ), International Baccalaureate ( IB ), PSAT and SAT tests , students are truly getting a head start on the future . But breaking financial barriers by providing testing at no cost is just the first step . The district also hosts multiple study and review sessions throughout the year .
After taking the PSAT at school in the fall , eighth through11th-graders have the opportunity to review their scores and improve them at information sessions in the spring . These meetings also help prep juniors for the March 7 SAT School Day , in which all 11th-graders take the college entrance exam on campus for free . In addition , AP and Gladiator Saturday Study Sessions prepare students to potentially gain college credit and save money . The four-hour and 90-minute events focus on one subject , strengthen skills learned in the classroom , and provide test-taking tips .
For more information on GISD ’ s college readiness initiatives , visit the district website at www . garlandisd . net / collegeandcareer .
Exchange program offers unforgettable experience
Taking the trip of a lifetime , nine Garland ISD high schoolers recently returned from Taoyuan City , Taiwan . This special group participates in the GISD / Taiwanese Student Ambassador Program .
Started in 2013 , the program is a partnership between the district , NanKan Senior High School in Taiwan and the Greater Dallas Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce . It allows members to travel between sister cities every other year . During visits , host families welcome the exchange students into their homes , immersing them in the culture . The travelers also get to experience foreign schools , cuisine and popular attractions .
This fall , GISD students shadowed their Taiwanese peers at school , shared about their own life in the United States , hiked famous landmarks , explored the coastline , made dumplings and more .
“ My favorite thing about the trip was getting a chance to make friendships that will last a lifetime ,” said Sachse High School sophomore Chloe Clearfield . “ I still talk with my host family at least once a week .”
“ It was so interesting to see the differences between school in Taiwan and school in Garland ,” added Lakeview Centennial High School sophomore Shaun Rivera . “ In Taiwan , the students stay in the same class all day and the teachers actually change classes ."
The next trip is scheduled for October and will bring a group from NanKan Senior High School to GISD . The district is currently looking for host families to house the exchange students . To be eligible , families must have a high schooler who can travel to Taiwan in 2019 . Visit www . garlandisd . net / taiwanexchange for more information .
february 2018
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