MISD gives students “Chance for Success”
Even while the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, administrators at Marlin Independent School District are dead set on giving their students every opportunity to thrive this year.
Marlin ISD is tasked with raising their students’ achievement scores after a losing cycle of failing scores and abatements from the Texas Education Agency. Before the pandemic hit, there was talk of closing down the district due to the perceived low educational standards.
Thankfully, the district has another shot at revival with a change in management. First year Superintendent Dr. Daryl Henson inherited a community of passionate educators and brought in some new faces along the way.
Now months into the term, they have come together to brainstorm a solution to an everlasting dilemma - “last semester’s grades.”
“After reviewing the grades for the first and second grading periods, we noticed that the majority of students at the secondary level had grades in the 50s, 60s, and 70s,” Henson explained to the Marlin Democrat. “It is my expectation that teachers are continuously spiraling back to reteach previously taught content and allowing students multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery.”
Educators at Marlin Middle and High Schools are now required to allow students who received an unwanted grade during that span of time an opportunity to raise their grade by one letter grade. This would mean that any failing grade would go to a ‘C’, ‘C’ to a ‘B,’ and so on.
An amendment to Board policy EIA (LOCAL) earlier this school year allowed admins to establish ‘more accurate and fairer grading practices’ for students.
“In keeping with EIA (LOCAL) where grades are to reflect relative mastery of content, it was necessary that the district establish an initiative that allows students the opportunity to show success on content in which they were previously unsuccessful,” Henson elaborated. “I want Marlin ISD to be a district that is driven by ensuring that students have learned the content, rather than the traditional mindset of assigning grades after one opportunity to demonstrate competency.”
The educator touched on the subject of virtual learning and the fact that while students were at home for their education, staff went out of their way to ensure that students were assisted both virtually and in person.
Though many strides have been made in the areas of science, math, and social studies, Reading/Language Arts is still a sore subject amongst students.
“With this being a year like no other, it was difficult to quantify expectations,” the superintendent stated. “Our goal and expectation is that every student grow at least one academic year, as determined by the STAAR or universal screener.”
Students will be given packets that reflect the lessons previously taught and will have them turned in and graded before the winter break. There will be various opportunities for tutorials beginning this week, hosted by not only classroom educators but the administration team as well.
“Dr. Parker, Mr. Galloway, Mr. LeJeune, Mr. Bustamante and myself have been visible on all three campuses throughout the year,” Henson said. “We have had the opportunity to form relationships with students and teachers.”
Even with talks of possible future government mandated lock downs, MISD is optimistic about the outcome of this year. The superintendent says it’s an “all hands on deck” kind of effort.
“The students have heard us speak about the importance of their education this year,” pronounced the altruistic educator.
“Now, it is time for the Executive Cabinet to take a direct role in the instructional success of our students,” he continued. “Plus, I can still teach Algebra I with the best of them!”