Foundational to any quality institution is that it be considered a learning organization. An organization that continuously improves to meet the changing needs. Schools are not any different. We are preparing students for many careers that either do not exist today or will not exist in the same way by the time they reach the workforce. Whether we are refining our skills in the boardroom, increasing our tools in our “tool bag” to be responsive in our classroom teaching, or employing better cleaning techniques to keep our kids healthy, we must continue to grow.
Two recent notifications highlight Natalia ISD’s commitment to exemplifying continuous improvement. First, I was recently notified that our Board of Trustees was one of eight school systems in the State of Texas selected through an application process to be a part of the Texas Education Agency’s second Lone Star Governance Exemplar Cohort. TEA’s letter outlines the support and learning that comes with being selected:
As part of the LSG Exemplar Cohort II, the governing teams have committed to a year-long program. Members of the cohort will take part in the Texas Education Agency’s LSG training, as well as receive extensive access to coaching and technical support from certified LSG Coaches. These school board and superintendent supports include:
Attendance at an LSG workshop; Monthly board, board chair, superintendent, and staff implementation support; Quarterly self-evaluation support; Quarterly cohort calls; All statutorily required board member trainings; Early access to upcoming Lone Star Governance-related trainings; and Collaboration with high-performing governing teams.
LSG Exemplar Cohort II members will be sharing best practices from their experience to help strengthen school governance statewide by presenting at various regional and state conferences in the coming year.
If you see a Natalia ISD Board Member, thank them for the countless hours they have thus far given to improve governance and foundationally change the academic trajectory of Natalia ISD.
Second, our Elementary was notified this past week that they were selected to participate in a week long training for School Turnaround Leadership at Harvard University. They went through an application and interview over the past months with “Raise Your Hand Texas” as part of the selection process. We want to commend Mrs. Maglievaz and her team for pursuing and being accepted into the prestigious program. The team that will be representing Natalia Elementary will be Mrs. Maglievaz, Mrs. Lagleder, Mr. Torrez, Mrs. Cone, and Dr. Stewart. Harvard’s description of the program, “…Participants learn how to establish high expectations for instructional quality, develop effective teams, translate data into action, and generate deep engagement among school and community stakeholders. They leave with a school improvement plan they can put into action right away”. This also speaks to their effort to seek continuous improvement and improve student outcomes.