Theory of Action Newsletter

Welcome back to the Theory of Action newsletter. We are excited to continue sharing with you the latest updates on supports and autonomies, as well as all other aspects of the Theory of Action.

As an important update, the Theory of Action Playbook is currently under review. We are working with departments to revise the Theory of Action and its processes-- look out for an updated playbook in late May!

We appreciate your feedback! Please share your thoughts and ideas via this survey. If you're interested in having information added to an upcoming newsletter, please submit a request here.

It has been researched that students spend more than 80% of their day outside of their home. Afterschool programs play an important role in students' lives and within the community as a whole. These types of programs provide a safe environment to learn and continue to explore educational topics even after their school day has ended.

For the 2021-2022 school year, Dallas ISD has provided afterschool programing to 55 elementary and middle school campuses across the district. While the goal is to grow to 100 sites total in the next year, these first 55 campuses were selected according to High Priority Campus (HPC) Status and/or based on the Equity Index developed by Dallas ISD's School Leadership.

For more information about programming, click here.

As for supports, High Priority Campuses (HCPs) were the first on our list for deployments at the beginning of the school year. In addition HCPs receive priority routing and handling of ServiceNow tickets. Tickets submitted by HCPs are flagged to ensure that all IT teams are aware of the priority.

All Dallas ISD elementary students who are identified as gifted/talented participate in a minimum of two hours of pull out services each week. During this time, G/T teachers engage students in critical and creative thinking tasks, problem solving, research, and creation of innovative products using the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) as a curricular framework.

Each year, Advanced Academic Services selects and supports G/T teachers in facilitating two TEKS-aligned units for students in grades 1-5. Accomplished and Breakthrough campuses have earned the autonomy to select the TPSP unit/s of their choice for approval by Advanced Academic Services.

For more information, click here.

The Student Tech Assistant Resource (STAR) program (formerly known as Campus Student Tech Team Training) is based on a foundation of student leadership, self-directed learning, and training with the Information Technology department. This autonomy is available to Accomplished and Breakthrough high school campuses. Implementing STAR will create a unique learning and leadership opportunity for the campus. Providing students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge, skills, and help train others. Based on campus, STAR is open to various opportunities for the students, such as:

• Technology Skill building
• Networking
• Paid Summer Internships

In addition, participating campuses have a chance to receive additional tech support and resources to upgrade campus technology.

In our digital age, it is a necessity for our students and families to remain connected while they're in school and when they're out. From mobile hotspots to the district's own private cellular network, Dallas ISD has multiple home internet service offerings for students and families to ensure strong and consistent internet connectivity.

For more information about internet options, including eligibility and application requirements, click here.

The Mental Health Services department at Dallas ISD provides mental, emotional, and physical health services for all students. Students and families who are in need may receive individual and group counseling, parenting education, and a variety of social services, among other offerings.

For more information about the range of supports as well as how to district contacts, click here.

Texas law states that a senior who has failed to meet the passing standard on end-of-course (EOC) assessment in no more than two subjects after at least one attempt may work with an Individual Graduation Committee (IGC) to satisfy additional requirements to receive their high school diploma.

Per Dallas ISD procedures, lead counselors must submit IGC documentation to Counseling Services by their individualized deadlines to allow time for review prior to student graduation dates. For more information, including IGC deadlines per campus, click here.

In preparation for the rollout of Dual Language 2.0 in the 2022-2023 school year, all bilingual Pre-K teachers, teacher assistants, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend targeted professional development sessions throughout the summer. PD sessions will be offered in virtual and face-to-face settings.

For more information, including dates and registration information, click here.

Our Local Accountability System exudes the Dallas ISD philosophy of educating the Whole Child. Our amended accountability breakdown (shown below) has been approved by the Texas Education Agency.

Spring Staff Climate Surveys (10% of overall score) will be active from May 2-May 13.

For questions concerning survey completion or protocol, contact Dr. Cecilia Oakeley at oakeley@dallasisd.org.

Extracurricular Activity snapshot date is May 6th. Please have all data entered by COB May 5th.

For questions concerning extra-curricular data, please contact Christina Martinez (christmartinez@dallasisd.org) in the Student Activities Department.

Note: For state accountability, all districts and campuses will receive a label of A, B, C, or Not Rated for 2022.

You can find more information about the Theory of Action at the information below. This newsletter is for you and we appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts and ideas via this feedback form. If you're interested in seeing information from previous editions, you can access below:

• April
• March
• February
• December/January
• November
• October

Email: theoryofaction@dallasisd.org
Website: dallasisd.org/TheoryofAction
Phone: 9729253700