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New curriculum, personal iPads
prepare students for the future
Are you ready for the next
generation of graduates? Garland
ISD is. Our new GISD Ready initiative
brings departments and schools
together across the district to ensure
we meet the needs of 21st-century
learners. Areas of consideration
include curriculum, instruction,
assessment, communications,
organizational learning,
infrastructure, budget and policy.
“GISD Ready means globally
competitive students,” explained
Associate Superintendent of
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Jovan Wells. “We want to equip
them to thrive in the future with
skills and competencies found in
the workforce—communication,
problem solving, self-discipline, etc.”
GISD began its journey to transform
teaching and learning by rewriting
curriculum throughout 2014-15. New
lessons created by teachers for teachers
commenced this year, featuring more
hands-on, real-world applications and
technology integration.
connected
“Our vision is student-centered
instruction—students taking
ownership and driving the process
of discovery. Education should be
an engaging, relevant experience,”
said Director of Curriculum and
Instruction Mida Milligan.
The district also introduced
Measures of Academic Progress
(MAP) tests last fall to evaluate
comprehension and growth. Taken
three times a year, the personalized
computerized assessments adapt
to each student’s learning level
and allow teachers to provide
differentiated instruction,
intervention or gifted and talented
opportunities.
To help communicate the purpose
of GISD Ready, the district recently
held a Digital Resources Carnival. It
showcased innovation in bilingual
education, guidance and counseling,
libraries, fine arts, etc., and attracted
3,000 families, employees and
community members. Highlighting
more than 80 programs, adults
discovered how they could continue
students’ work at home and take
advantage of resources just for them.
Find a complete list of programs at
http://bit.ly/GISDdigitalcarnival.
GISD is now preparing for a 1:1
technology rollout. Every high school
student will receive an iPad this fall,
and middle schoolers will receive
their own device in 2017-18.
“iPads not only support
collaboration, creativity and critical
thinking, they are also compatible
with the resources in use throughout
our classrooms,” commented Milligan.
Teachers each received a personal
device two years ago and have been
training ever since in anticipation
of 1:1. The district is also currently
enhancing wireless connectivity and
infrastructure. Funding for the rollout
was provided by GISD’s Bond 2014
election.
For more information, visit
www.garlandisd.net/ready1to1.