Ott's Outlook

The second semester of the school year is rolling right along as we move into February. I wanted to take a moment and reflect on some of the remarkable things that are happening with teaching and learning in the district.

Temple ISD is using High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) in every classroom to ensure alignment between state standards and classroom lessons. Our district has been a demonstration site for K-5 English Language Arts and Reading HQIM in both English and Spanish. We have hosted visits from the Texas Commissioner of Education, members of the State Board of Education, Representatives Brad Buckley and Hillary Hickland, and multiple peer school districts observing our teachers using these materials in their classrooms. TEA’s bilingual staff also recorded some of our teachers using HQIM for demonstration purposes with other districts across the state and several teachers also recently testified before the state board of education regarding TISD’s use of HQIM.

In addition to their alignment with state standards and reinforcement of a “back to basics” education, using HQIM allows our teachers to focus on their craft instead of searching for materials, while still allowing them to modify or customize those materials to fit student needs based on recommendations from their campus Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). HQIM curriculum includes lessons, activities and not just state standards. Teachers can focus more on the “how” (instructional delivery) than the “what” (instructional design).

Temple ISD is also taking a back-to-basics approach to a more traditional education. Students are receiving foundational learning in reading, writing, and math to gain the skills needed to be successful after graduation. The district is also working to ensure that we have programs in place to serve the total student experience. That includes rigorous advanced academics programs to lead to success in college, access to career and technical experiences so they can explore their passions and be successful in the workforce, Fine Arts programs to help them embrace their creative side, STEM programs to promote problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration, and athletics and activity programs to help keep our students physically active. Many of our programs also include community involvement to provide opportunities for service to others.

The district is also investing in our teachers so that they can continue to invest in our students. Temple ISD recently hosted its annual Temple YOUniversity professional development programming to provide opportunities for our staff to continue to grow professionally and personally. The district will also soon launch its Teacher Leader Academy to continue that investment in our teachers.

It is an exciting time for both students and staff to be in classrooms across Temple ISD. We are so proud of our staff and so grateful for their passion, commitment, and dedication to serving our students and families.

Sincerely,

Bobby Ott

Temple ISD has a long history of excellence and we have had many, many graduates who have gone on to exemplify our vision to become influential and impactful leaders in their local communities and beyond. Temple ISD Alumni Spotlight will feature alumnus and alumna that have represented our community and our district in a positive way.

To nominate yourself or a Temple ISD graduate, please complete our online Alumni Spotlight Nomination Form. Nominations will be reviewed and candidates selected by the Temple ISD Board of Trustees Policy Committee

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