Making gains for Fort Worth students, teachers and taxpayers

Making gains for Fort Worth students, teachers and taxpayers
By Mollie Lasater 

Melody Johnson is the best thing that has happened to Fort Worth schools in the many years I've been active as a parent, school board member and organizer of programs to help our students. She deserves supportive board members in the May 8 elections.

It's amazing what has been accomplished over the last five years as a result of the focus and commitment to students by all involved, from the boardroom to the classroom. In 2005, 15 of our schools had an exemplary or recognized rating from the state. Now, even though state standards are higher, 55 schools qualify. Art and music were disappearing in the district, but they are back in kindergarten through 12th grade because Johnson recognized their value in the curriculum. Great gains have been made in math and science at all levels. In particular, our eighth-graders had a 30 percent gain in math and 22 percent in science in three years. African-American and Hispanic students gained 28 and 26 percentage points respectively, so the achievement gap is rapidly closing.

With the spirit and belief that all children can learn, Johnson wanted digital interactive whiteboards in all 5,000 classrooms. This was accomplished through our very successful bond program, providing transforming technology that is making learning lively and engaging with very measurable improvements.

Innovative programs are in place to recruit and retain strong principals and teachers for our most challenging schools. Johnson believes that "teaching is a team sport," so this approach was used in setting up the PEAK rewards program in 2008, a pilot program with matching funding from the state. She assembled a team of teachers, administrators and other professionals to put this program in 15 high-need schools. Teachers are rewarded financially for their students' academic growth. In one year, 12 of these schools have demonstrated academic gains in math above the growth standard. Poly High School, almost closed by the state, and South Hills, our lowest-performing high school, are already showing significant academic gains as well as positive changes in their culture.

Next year, career themes in our high schools will be tied to existing and emerging work force needs. For example, an International Baccalaureate program will be at Western Hills, computer design technologies at South Hills, and business and entrepreneurial management at Dunbar, and Southwest will build on its Academy of Petroleum Engineering and Technology partnership with the Independent Petroleum Association of America. A Young Women's Leadership Academy will open this fall with sixth grade, building toward a 6-12 college-prep school. It is modeled after programs in Harlem in New York City and Dallas emphasizing math, science and technology.

Most exciting is the plan for an Early College High School, where students can earn 60 hours of credit, allowing them to enter college in their junior year certified in a number of biomedical positions. It is being developed with the University of North Texas Health Science Center using that schools' professors and graduate students along with the Fort Worth school district's specially trained teachers.

Our schools are on the rebound in a most dynamic way. Alas, a few board members and some disgruntled former employees are working very hard to impede progress at every turn. Listen to what candidates are saying. Make certain they are putting our students above jobs and personal interests. Vote on May 8 in District 2, 3, 5 or 6. This is important. Excellent public schools will provide an educated work force and the leadership we need to keep our city great.

Mollie Lasater is a former Fort Worth school board president and started Fort Worth's chapter of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation.