Those who were present at the FBISD Board of Trustees meeting yesterday saw a number of changes and improvements. Some of these included the introduction of the Whole Child Health initiative, the expansion of the online high school courses, and the addition of fine arts education to the curriculum. The board is also planning on expanding its magnet programs to include more schools.
Fine arts education
Whether you are a student or an arts enthusiast, you will find that the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD Skyward) Department of Fine Arts provides a comprehensive range of activities. These courses are designed to foster student leadership, character development, and life-long learning. The programs are also designed to encourage creative self-expression.
The Fine Arts department at FBISD is responsible for showcasing the talents of students through numerous large-scale art showcases and competitions throughout the year. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in local and state level arts contests. In fact, the spring showcase includes performances from performing arts, fine arts, and other arts-related clubs.
Whole child health initiative
Among the many things Fort Bend ISD is doing, the Whole Child Health Initiative is certainly one of the most significant. The initiative is an example of a district wide commitment to improving the physical and mental health of all students. Using the Whole Child model, FBISD has increased awareness of its resources and services, and implemented strategies to improve student health.
The Whole Child Health Initiative, formally called the CATCH program, is an evidence based wellness program that reaches over three million PreK-12 students each year. In addition to providing health education, CATCH provides resources to help parents and educators promote wellness, and encourages the development of social-emotional competencies and healthy eating habits.
Online high school courses
Currently, the Fort Bend Independent School District offers online high school courses through the O-LAB Program. The program is composed of traditional coursework, non-traditional coursework and Summer O-LAB programs. This program provides students with the opportunity to enroll in online high school courses through UTHS, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University, Edgenuity, Pathways in Technolgy and Early College High School.
The O-LAB Program allows students to receive credit through their online courses, which are designed to be aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The courses are facilitated by experienced Texas certified teachers. The O-LAB Program offers students flexibility to pursue their academic interests while balancing work, family and other commitments.
Magnet programs
Historically, the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) has been a leader when it comes to magnet programs. These schools are typically held to the same academic standards as traditional public schools, but they draw students from outside their respective attendance zones. These programs also offer high-level courses, such as AP courses, which can help prepare students for college.
The FBISD is currently planning on opening a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) magnet program, which will serve as the fourth Microsoft School of Innovation. The school will be located in a renovated and expanded high school campus, and will include state of the art labs and facilities. It will also partner with local universities, including Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine. In the years to come, it will help set the stage for students to enter the workforce in the field of tech.
Schools received an A, 39 received a B, and nine received a C
Despite the recent coronavirus pandemic, Fort Bend ISD maintained its strong performance grades in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings. Although it didn’t get the A grade, the district did earn an impressive B. Its high marks were in the areas of graduation rates, academic growth and closing achievement gaps.
The “A” grade is the highest level of performance that can be achieved by a district in the TEA’s accountability system. It’s awarded to campuses that receive an A or C in four domains, the most notable of which is the STAAR, a standardized test used to measure student proficiency in several subjects.
Board of trustees
During the past few years, Fort Bend ISD has made many accomplishments. One of those achievements is the implementation of innovative programs. The district has also implemented guiding posts such as the District’s Profile of a Graduate. The Board of Trustees is comprised of seven local citizens who serve without compensation.
The board has a diverse range of experiences and opinions. However, there is one thing that the board has in common: their commitment to the community. They will continue to promote student advocacy and personal leadership skills.
As the Board of Trustees of the FBISD, the candidates are committed to ensuring that all students have a choice-filled life. They are also dedicated to equity in education.
