Minutes - Austin ISD

• Currently, there are several possible AAFRs under consideration for 2013-14, but the
list will probably be narrowed down before going to the Board in December for final
approval.
• There will be a public meeting at the McCallum Performing Arts Center on September
20 to discuss a long-term strategy for providing arts-rich educational opportunities.
• For the second year, the district has achieved significant utility cost savings through
summer shutdowns of facilities.
• There is a new “AISD Is Committed to Respect for All” website, underscoring the
district’s belief that all students have the right to learn in an environment free of
harassment, bullying, and violence.
Discussion points included:
• The Superintendent and administration were commended for moving programs
forward; teachers were also commended for doing a tremendous job.
• The tone of the State Legislature toward public education has recently been quite
nasty.
• Our challenge in technology is building platforms to support all of the latest and
greatest things.
• We’re looking at close to a billion dollars in possible new bond programs; for example,
$350 million in basic facility improvements, and $100 million for a new high school.
• We should use students more to help us with technology.
Citizens Communications
Patt Jackson described several free, district-wide services that Mt. Zion Baptist Church can
offer, related to student tutoring and mentoring, dropout prevention, and attendance. She
said it has been a challenge getting inside of schools to offer this assistance, and welcomed
the opportunity to bring this message to the DAC.
Jan Dawes of Christian Churches Collaborating for Change echoed this message, and
wanted to let the DAC know about the joint effort being made to keep students off the road to
incarceration.
District Assessments
Bill Caritj, Chief Performance Officer, stated that the district has done away with the large
majority of its beginning-of-year (BOY) and end-of-year (EOY) tests. He said that short-cycle
tests have been around for a while, but not very formalized. He said that he has worked with
Curriculum staff to improve the credibility of short-cycle tests.
Mr. Caritj explained that these tests are not intended to be practice tests or used for grading;
rather, their purpose is to reflect the standard district curriculum and to make sure kids don’t
fall behind.
Mr. Caritj stated that campuses have noticed the improvement in district assessments, and
STAAR results for AISD were by far better than comparable school districts.
In regard to quantity, Mr. Caritj said that the maximum number of tests per year is 14 in the
8 th grade (total of state and district tests). He explained that not all campuses are required to
administer short-cycle tests, but some campuses choose to administer them.
Discussion points included:
• The at-a-glance chart of assessments is very helpful.
• Formative assessments are very useful – campuses don’t mind doing them now that
they can see the value in the data.
• The watchwords for assessment staff are “valid” and “reliable,” and the input of
teachers has been much appreciated.
• Curriculum and Special Education staff do meet frequently to coordinate.