The Hays CISD Board of Trustees approved its annual district performance objectives and student performance goals Nov. 27.
The goals for 2018 include ensuring that all campuses meet standards set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), pursuing innovative programs, strengthening communication between students, parents and teachers, among other goals.
“The overall goal for the district is to be at a point where we’re either meeting or exceeding the standards that are set by TEA,” Hays CISD public information officer Tim Savoy said.
Other academic improvements to the district were announced in August with specific focus on Science Hall and Hemphill elementary schools. The two schools were listed as “improvement required” in the TEA’s 2017 accountability report.
STAAR performance goals for 2018 were another issue discussed in the meeting.
The goals for the district have been steadily increasing for the past three years. In 2016, the performance level for reading was 70 percent and the goal for 2018 is 72 percent. For math, the performance level was also 70 percent in 2016 and the goal is 75 percent for 2018.
Earlier this year, Hays CISD leaders expressed anxiety over a dip in STAAR performance scores in writing in the district. In 2016, the writing percentage score for all grades in the district that met “approaches grade level or above” was 62 percent and in 2017 it was only 55 percent.
Other academic improvements to the district were announced in August with specific focus on Science Hall and Hemphill elementary schools. The two schools were listed as “improvement required” in the TEA’s 2017 accountability report.
Savoy says these schools will be receiving extra attention with specialized plans that are being implemented along with the district’s general goals.
Savoy added that in general, goals are important so the district has something to work toward.
“It sets the standard for all the work that will go into setting up lessons and working with teachers and professional development and all the things that go on behind the scenes that will eventually translate into the classroom,” Savoy said. “It’s a constant exercise in trying to improve how we deliver instruction.”
Hays CISD objectives for 2018
- Goal 1: The District will ensure that all campuses meet or exceed standards as set by TEA through continuous evaluation and alignment of current and existing programs as necessary.
- Goal 2: Pursue innovative programs and practices to maintain a competitive learning environment.
- Goal 3: Promote a professional environment where employees are valued as partners.
- Goal 4: Strengthen communication and collaboration between students, parents, staff and community.
- Goal 5: Continue to develop and implement a capital improvement plan that serves the district’s demographics and growth.
- Goal 6: Allocate district resources to maintain long term financial stability.
