Crowley ISD Connections Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 6

Choosing Success

MyChoice Programs ready to build on fruitful first year Written by Megan Middleton
After spending eighth grade in the Inspire Academy , Kenya Williams ’ son , Theodore , saw gains not only in his math and reading test scores but in his attitude about learning .
“ He has a new outlook on education ,” Williams said , noting that compared to seventh grade , her son has made a complete turnaround academically . “ I love this program . It ’ s so hands on . That ’ s how he learns . He ’ s a hands-on kid .”
The Inspire Academy is just one of Crowley ISD ’ s MyChoice Programs , which allow students of all ages to take ownership in their education . As the district celebrates the successful launch of programs last school year , more programs are being offered , and existing programs have been expanded for the 2017-18 school year .
“ Our programs across the district have experienced tremendous growth ,” Amber Townsend , MyChoice Programs manager , said . “ With the expansion of programs , we are answering the community ’ s call for developing innovative learning environments for all students . Students can explore their passions and interests in safe and familiar school environments with our school-within-a-school model .”
New programs for the 2017-18 school year are the Science , Technology , Engineering , Arts and Math ( STEAM ) Academy at Dallas Park Elementary School , the Media Arts Academy at H . F . Stevens Middle School and the Leadership Institute at Crowley Middle School .
Learn more at www . crowleyisdtx . org / mychoice
Expansions of existing programs include the addition of 10th grade at Crowley Collegiate Academy , addition of fifth grade to Two-Way Dual Language at Mary Harris Intermediate School and the inclusion of Crowley and North Crowley Ninth Grade campuses to the Inspire Academy .
The district launched innovative MyChoice Programs in fall 2016 to meet its mission of ensuring all students achieve their full potential . Families have the power to choose learning opportunities based on personal interests , aspirations and preferred learning styles .
Students can receive a full range of traditional learning experiences along with a more intensive , individualized curriculum in such fields as math , science , technology and foreign language .
“ Our programs are positively impacting student achievement and academic progress ,” Townsend said . “ This is evidenced in our benchmark and assessment data .”
For example , students at the STEM Academy at Sue Crouch Intermediate School had State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness ( STAAR ) passing rates in math , reading and science at 90 percent or higher , surpassing the district and state passing rates .
The Inspire Academy , which targets at-risk students with innovative teaching strategies , saw students make gains on STAAR as well , more than doubling their passing rates on the math and reading tests over the previous years ’ scores .
In addition to numerical success , MyChoice Programs also open doors for students . Fine Arts Academy students may take dance , art , theater , band , choir as well as tech art in intermediate school . Global Prep Academy students can take learning into their own hands with self-paced online instruction . Crowley Collegiate Academy targets at-risk and first-generation college students , helping them simultaneously earn an associate ’ s degree and a high school diploma .
“ Our goal is to remove any perceived glass ceiling and ensure there are systems of support for the success of all MyChoice scholars and families ,” Townsend said .
As MyChoice Programs expand , this year students are being challenged to each complete 10 hours of community involvement and service learning . Parental involvement is encouraged as well .
“ I believe we are working towards capturing the hearts of our community and developing well-rounded scholars that will continue on in their greatness well beyond our K-12 classrooms ,” Townsend said .
6 CROWLEY ISD CONNECTIONS | Fall 2017