During this time of year, Denton ISD students are finishing the latest version of our state-mandated assessment. As a result, parents will be receiving the results for their child on these academic measurements.
Although this standardized test will be used by the state to score and rank our campuses and our district, it is not the only standard used in Denton ISD. Our district expects more; we have a higher standard. Each Denton ISD student means so much more than just a number on a test. There is no test that can truly assess the value of each student.
The faculty and staff in our district have chosen this profession out of our commitment to children. We are focused on individual student growth and the adult our students will become. Albert Einstein once said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”
This single test cannot measure what we know about our students. We have students who speak multiple languages. We have students who play musical instruments, dance, sing, play sports, write songs, write poetry, and produce magnificent works of art. We have students who work after-school jobs, who care for younger siblings, and some even provide care for their parents or grandparents.
This test cannot measure when our students are thoughtful, kind, trustworthy, helpful or when they work to be the very best they can be.
Although the data from this assessment will assist in developing enrichment or intervention activities for some students, we will continue to focus on so much more. We will continue to deliver the best instruction possible for our students, and ensuring all of our students are ready for life after graduation.
Our students are encouraged to be involved in community service, to increase their global connectivity using the latest technology, and participate in extracurricular activities. We encourage our students to build upon their talents – theatre, speech, band, choir, orchestra, cheerleading, drill team, UIL academics, Destination Imagination, agriculture, world languages, career technology and numerous other studies, clubs and organizations.
We are committed to our mission: “Empowering life-long learners to be engaged citizens who positively impact their local and global community.”
And finally, our district has a tradition of excellence, and that excellence starts with you, our parents and community. The parent and community support in Denton ISD is amazing. At any given school function, our parking lots are full and people pour through the doors to learn about our schools and watch our students perform.
Our business community continues to support our educational partnerships and Denton Public Schools Foundation, which has awarded numerous grants to teachers and scholarships to our students. You have supported us in bond elections to provide educational facilities for our growing student population. The Denton ISD trustees have worked diligently to build energy efficient and sustainable buildings. Our community organizations spend countless hours volunteering and mentoring in our schools, so that our community is a better place for all.
Because of the cooperative effort of our students, parents, teachers, staff, trustees, volunteers and community supporters, Denton ISD has become the place to be. Our desire for the students of Denton ISD is so much more that test scores. Our highest priority is for every student to achieve their highest potential. Thank you for your unwavering support in our tradition of excellence. Education is more than a number; it is about creating our future.
Dr. Jamie Wilson, Superintendent
Denton Independent School District
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