This is the latest in a series of stories highlighting how public schools are increasingly offering quality choice and innovation to Texas students and families.
Roscoe ISD is a shining example of how public school districts of all sizes, demographics, and locations are pushing the boundaries of innovation and 21st century learning, and expanding quality school choice for students across Texas. No one told Roscoe ISD they couldn’t partner with industry, give all students the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and a college associate degree, and introduce STEM, drone, vet-tech programs and more. They just did it. And it’s paying off big time, for students, the district, and the local economy.
Roscoe’s story below is a model for other public school districts – not just rural – that are exploring ways to be responsive to communities and families, while preserving the transparency and accountability that defines quality school choice.
“[W]ith the explosion of public charters, magnets and creative choice schools, the need to siphon money away from public schools as a way to embolden innovation and diversity of opportunity is no more.”
Dallas Morning News Editorial Board, 10/27/16
Dr. Kim Alexander, Superintendent of Roscoe Collegiate ISD, doesn’t see his students as inhabitants of the two square miles they live in. He doesn’t see his students as needing education or training for the jobs of today or next year. His vision goes well beyond Roscoe, Texas, and well beyond this year or next, and his expectations for Roscoe ISD graduates match that vision.
As a result of Dr. Alexander’s vision and the hard work of his team, staff, students, and families, 92 percent of Roscoe’s 2016 graduating class earned an associate degree. Dr. Alexander’s goal is for that number to be 100 percent by 2020 and for 90 percent of those students to finish a four-year degree in three years. Alexander believes, “The greater we can structure the expectation, the greater the student aspiration, and the greater the student outcome.”
Dr. Alexander has led his district in expanding school choice and innovation in course offerings, certificates, mentorships, and hands-on opportunities. “Students are much more engaged when they know it’s for a real-world issue rather than just for a grade.” Many of Roscoe’s students will be earning much more than a grade for their academic experiences.
By partnering with nearby industries, higher education, and community partners, Alexander’s vision for Roscoe Collegiate has led to the creation of cutting edge programs that have the potential to provide meaningful jobs to his alumni and economic development for the region.
AVID for students in grades 6-12
Common Instructional Framework comprised of the 21st Century skills, of which employers are demanding proficiency among their employees
Harvard Instructional Rounds Model
Potential applications for pilot certification:
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