Bullying
MICHELLE HERRERA
LAREDO I Stands Up To Bully
DS of Brownsville VE Rivera HS LYFORD CISD LAUNCHES
21
ST
RGV READS INITIATIVE LY LAREDO ISD LA
CENTURY LEARNING
MICHELLE NHERRERA CISD of Brownsville lege HSHS Rivera ISD Nation’s S chools
G
Stands Up To Bullying
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT LA FERIA ISD
21
CIS RGV HARLINGEN READS Early College INITIATIVE Ranked As Natio LYFOR Top HighLAUNC Schoo
21
ST
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT LA FERIA ISD
MICHELLE HERRERA
of Brownsville Rivera HS
CISD S
CEN LEA
HARLINGEN CISD
Early College HS Ranked As Nation’s Top High Schools
LAREDO ISD Stands Up To Bullying Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
1
Your Future is in Your Hands... what will you do with yours?
Be a School Administrator!
Be a Teacher!
Your leadership qualities, coupled with your passion for education, and your desire to make a difference are reasons why you should think about earning your Principal Certification!
Project P.a.C.E., accredited by the Texas Education Agency, is an alternative route to teacher certification for those individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree. Project P.a.C.E. is a rigorous, fast-paced educator preparation program of the Region One Education Service Center, designed to prepare and certify highly qualified individuals to teach in Texas public schools. Candidates must have access to a computer, internet, and email.
The Region One ESC Integrated Leadership Principal Preparation Program (ILP³) can make it happen! ILP³ is an accelerated alternative certification program of the Region One Education Service Center, designed to recruit, prepare, mentor, and certify aspiring campus administrators.
ILP Minimum Requirements/Option 1
If you already hold a Master’s Degree, earn a Principal’s Certificate
•
A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university; a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; a valid Texas Teacher certificate; a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in a PK-12 setting; a minimum of 2 years of school leadership experience.
• • • •
ILP Minimum Requirements/Option 2
Earn your Principal’s Certificate AND a Master’s Degree
• • • • •
A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; A minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; A valid Texas Teacher certificate; A minimum of 1 year of teaching experience in a PK-12 setting; A minimum of 1 year of school leadership experience; acceptance into a Walden University Master’s program.
•
Master’s Degree through Region One ESC’s partnership with Walden University
To schedule an interview for ILP 3program placement contact Sandra McConaughy at (956) 984-6038 or smcconaughy@esc1.net If you have questions about Project P.a.C.E. contact Naomi Arnold at (956) 984-6101 or narnold@esc1.net 2
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Successful candidates will complete: • an intensive pre-assignment training program the summer prior to their internship year • a one year paid school-based internship or 12-14 week unpaid clinical teaching internship • Ongoing focused training sessions and preparation for the TExEs during the internship year. • Interns successfully completing all program/state requirements will be recommended for a standard Texas teaching certificate.
Don’t wait-call today to secure your spot in the next ILP3 or Project P.a.C.E. Cohort Class!
MFCS
Medicaid Finance & Consulting Services TM
A Division of the Houston Independent School District
Need to maximize your SHARS billing and financial cost reporting processes?
We can help. 20+ years of experience and the latest web-based technology position MFCS as the leader in SHARS billing and school-based Medicaid consulting services – providing decision support services and expertise in all Medicaid requirements for our Texas school districts. l Web‐based SHARS billing system l IEP and one‐way transportation ratios l Quarterly certification of expended funds
l Automatically process denied, rejected or pending Medicaid claims for SHARS l Monitoring and lobbying of State and Federal Medicaid regulations and compliance
l Provide on-site support and technical assistance for reviews or audits conducted by Federal/State Medicaid agencies, l Gap analysis of billing and financial protocol including accompanying Client District to required meeting or audits with l Maintain audit protocol & regulatory Federal/State officials. compliance l On‐site annual SHARS cost report training
Contact us for professional school‐based Medicaid consulting services.
eSHARS.com
l
855.381.MFCS(6327)
l
eSHARS@houstonisd.org
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
3
Transforming education for Texas and beyond
HCISD provides all students with: Engaged learning experiences State-of-the-art academic, fine arts and athletic facilities Technology-rich resources
Find out more about how HCISD is tranforming public education by calling 430-9500 or visiting www.hcisd.org
Connect with Us
Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.
Place yourself at the front of the line!
for more information call 956-430-9500 or visit www.HCISD.org/HSHP 4
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of2014 race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, or any other legally protected status in employment or provision of services, programs, or activities.
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
5
Letter from the Publisher Another year has come and gone. The holiday cheer and imperative hustle and bustle has arrived as the outlet store shelves are cleared. What used to be one day of great consumer deals has progressively turned into, what seems like, an entire month of sales at the department stores. I’m not complaining, I like to save money where I can. So we tend to eat more, enjoy the blast of the cold winter climate, we exchange gifts, celebrate the traditions and it all flies by. Amidst all the excitement, I’m guilty of neglecting, what are in my own personal beliefs, the true meaning of Christmas. Being raised in a Catholic home, I’m reluctant to forget what faith has taught me about this beautiful holiday. I truly hope each and every one of you gets to enjoy the holidays, celebrate your own beliefs with your families and take some time to rejuvenate yourselves because 2014 has arrived!
December 2013
CONTENTS pg 6: La Villa Bros.
pg 12: Weslaco ISD’s Superintendent Talks Tech pg 14: Donna Crime Stoppers
Thank you all for your support and for being a part of our mission. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Silvestre Trevino IV Publisher
The
pg 20: Edinburg CISD
Staff
Publisher Silvestre Trevino IV Editor Deborah Morales Chris Hoffman
Story Ideas, Comments, or Inquiries:
info@txscholarsmag.com Advertising:
silvestre@txscholarsmag.com 512.771.1205 6 Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014 silver@txscholarsmag.com Contributing Writer
COMING UP NEXT ISSUE •
The McNeil Foundation Principal Certification Program is coming soon to Harlingen
• Region One ESC - At Your Service
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
7
8
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Proven Workshops for Teachers and Staff, Students and Parents Mike Dreiblatt’s Stand Up to Bullying Workshops have successfully trained over 300,000 teachers, staff, students and parents in 43 states.
“I learned so much today. I felt like you had seen our students in action.” L.B.– El Paso, TX “Personable, funny, and knowledgeable! The staff LOVED it.” G. N.– Mt. Laurel, NJ “I will be better able to diffuse conflict in my own classroom.” J. L.– Sioux Falls, SD
ORDER MIKE’S BOOK
3 Postively affect behavior the very next day. 3 Create a culture that helps retain the best staff. 3 Make a significant impact on your school’s success. Contact Mike Today: mike@standuptobullying.net 802-362-5448 standuptobullying.net
“We have to teach social skills and character education, and this book hits on both topics while teaching how to stop bullying.” M.A.- 6th grade teacher Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014 9
10
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
11
DISTRICTS
U.S. News & World Report published its 2014 Best High Schools Rankings on September 9, and for the second year in a row, Early College High School had the honor of being recognized as one of the nation’s best. Photo courtesy of Harlingen CISD.
ready for college and global achievement HCISD’S Early College High School named one of AMERICA’S TOP HIGH SCHOOLS By: Maritza Gallaga
12 2
Texas Scholars | November December 2014 Texas ScholarsMagazine Magazine | Summer/ 2014
“Not just college ready but college experienced.” With a bronze classification, ECHS was named as one of the top 27 percent of high schools in the nation. According to the U.S. News website, the rankings include data on more than 19,400 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Colombia. Schools were awarded gold, silver, or bronze medals based on state assessment performance and how prepared students are for college.
freshman through senior year. The dualenrollment focus allows ECHS students to start taking college classes at Texas State Technical College their first year of high school at no cost. Traditionally, students would have waited until 11th grade to begin dual-enrollment.
“It is a collaborative effort between ECHS and TSTC as well as our supportive community of students, staff and parents that has allowed our campus to improve each year and place us at the top of state and national rankings,” said ECHS Principal Angel Paxton. “I’m proud of the distinctions, accomplishments and success our students have earned. ECHS students are “Not just college ready but college experienced.”
“Our mission is to provide our students and parents with educational choices, and we saw that goal begin with Early College High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos. “Seeing ECHS flourish from its initial design to the great achievements they have come to earn is a testament to not only their staff, students and community but our great partnership with TSTC and the immense support of our Board of Trustees. I’m proud to have been a part of that as it has provided many of our students the opportunity to excel in both high school and college while preparing them for global achievement.”
Opened in 2007, the campus kicked-off the district’s efforts to provide students and parents with options in education. It was designed to incorporate the college and high school experience for students,
This May, ECHS saw 31 graduates celebrate the completion of an associate’s degree or their collegiate academic core in the Texas State Technical College commencement ceremony. The campus
even had two students graduate with the distinction of Board Regents Scholars, which is an honor reserved for students graduating with a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA). The campus has also excelled in extracurricular activities. On April 4, the ECHS team placed 19th in the nation in the High School JV Division at the National High School Chess Championship in San Diego. It’s a first-time achievement for many of the students as the club was just started two years ago. Last October, ECHS students took home first place in the BEST category (overall excellence in all categories) at the 2013 RGV Boosting Engineering, Science & Technology (BEST) Robotics Competition. In addition to the highly coveted BEST Award, ECHS added the most spirit and sportsmanship award, first place in the Team Exhibit Category and third place in the Engineering Notebook Category to their accomplishments.
Texas Scholars Magazine | November Texas Scholars Magazine/ |December Summer 2014
13 3
leaders
teaching andstlearning in the 21 century From chalkboard to dry erase boards and desktops to laptops, Lyford CISD has launched the use of iPads. By: Josephine M. Torres – Communications Specialist, Lyford CISD
I
n the Spring of 2011, Lyford CISD engaged in a mission and vision development process with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) to advance the Lyford Consolidated Independent School District classrooms into 21st Century learning. This process identified the need to graduate wellrounded, well-educated, responsible citizens through the use of cutting edge technology, critical thinking skills while understanding our global society through the use of technology. From this development the idea of “Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century” (TL21) was born.
The district leadership team understood that technology in isolation is not the solution to 21st Century learning. Based on this understanding the district partnered with Abilene Christian University (Connected Consulting) to identify a technology specific mission and goals for implementing the TL21 initiative. Lyford CISD identified the need to provide opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking and prob14 8
lem solving while developing their personal skills in communication, collaboration, creativity and digital citizenship. During the 2012-2013 school year, district and campus leadership teams continued the process of planning utilizing the TL21 mission and goals previously established. Within the mission and goals for TL21, there emerged three critical areas to be addressed prior to implementation. These three areas include professional development for teachers in engaging students with technology; the development of student-centered learning opportunities in all subjects and across grade levels; and the ongoing support needed to implement and maintain an infrastructure that supports a technology infused learning environment. The first priority for the administration was to provide teachers with professional development that was concentrated not only on how technology works but also on the development of student-centered les-
Texas Scholars Texas ScholarsMagazine Magazine | November | Summer/ 2014 December 2014
In a world that is rapidly changing and becoming far more digital, Lyford CISD’s TL21 initiative continues to evolve to ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
Students are engaged in lessons that provide real-time data analysis, submit their work online in replicated collegelike classrooms, receive individualized assistance through music apps during their band class and even access their own stats from athletics through applications utilized in various sports.
sons, enhancing critical thinking skills, providing students with opportunities to communicate and collaborate and producing learners that are fluent in technology use. These professional development areas included ProjectBased Learning (PBL), classroom management with technology and available resources such as apps. This work and planning progressed throughout the year and required the district to identify local funding sources that would upgrade the infrastructure at each campus. This infrastructure improvement included increasing the number of wireless access points, expanding bandwidth availability, improving web filters and identifying a tracking system for device management (AirWatch). In addition to infrastructure the district began the process of leasing the devices that would be deployed to students the following year.
In addition to teaching and learning, the district has committed to identifying opportunities to improve the community through technology. As recently as the spring of 2014, Lyford CISD applied for an Exemplars Grant through Educate Texas. With funding awarded, Lyford CISD now provides three community hotspots and eight school buses with WIFI access for students to utilize outside of the regular school day. As well as WIFI access, the district utilizes technology to communicate with parents and community members through a free mobile application, Schoolway. In a world that is rapidly changing and becoming far more digital, Lyford CISD’s TL21 initiative continues to evolve to ensure that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the future. Teachers continue to adapt their lessons to utilize technology and the district continues to seek out opportunities to engage students in 21st Century Learning.
In the fall of 2013, Lyford CISD deployed over 1500 iPads to students in grades one through twelve. Today Lyford CISD teaches students differently compared to how they were taught during the 2010-2011 school year. Texas Scholars Texas Magazine Scholars | November Magazine/ |December Summer 2014
15 9
Your Vision Becomes a Reality at Lone Star National Bank Home Mortgage 16
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Financing Programs Conventional FHA VA Jumbo USDA
Loan Types
Purchases Construction-Permanent Refinance Home Improvements Home Equity Refinance Rate and Term Refinance Investments One- Time Close Construction
Property Types
Single Family 2-4 Units Condominiums Non-Warrantable Condos
1-800-580-0322 www.lonestarnationalbank.com Offer of credit is subject to credit approval.
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
17
18
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
19
20
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
21
22
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
23
students
La Feria ISD – Committed To Excellence Developing Tomorrows Future Workforce Today By: Veronica V. Torres – CTE Secondary Coordinator, La Feria ISD
L
a Feria High School’s mission for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department is to meet the academic needs of diverse learners by providing dedicated resources, integrated curriculum, and practical experiences in order to address the demands of an ever-changing business world. We believe that strong leadership throughout our community of faculty members, students, parents, and associates will move toward our goals. We hold in the highest regard the initiative, innovation, planning, effort, and teamwork that result in academic rigor, in standard setting student performance,and in continuous improvement. Through a comprehensive and coherent study of the sixteen clusters identified and approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), CTE will provide students with the academic and technical skills they need to continue their education at the post-secondary level or to prepare them with skills for a quality career.
24 10
Our vision is to provide La Feria students the opportunity to participate in a rigorous and relevant career and technical education program that allows for students to acquire academic, technological, marketable, and leadership skills empowering them to become productive citizens who value life-long learning in a diverse and changing world. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources: The La Feria Agriculture Sciences Program is expanding this year by offering two pathways in Animal Science and Agriculture Mechanics. *The animal science Pathway offers students the opportunity to study skills in areas dealing with livestock and veterinary science. Students will learn basics like livestock and breed identification, to more advanced skills like animal medication and administration of such medicines. Students grasp the reality of what it takes to produce livestock from birth to the dinner plate.
Texas Scholars Texas ScholarsMagazine Magazine | November | Summer/ 2014 December 2014
Students will have the opportunity to obtain a Veterinary Technician Certification while taking the course as well as interning with local veterinarians. This is a two year certification as it take 500 hours of experience to attain. In the agriculture mechanics field, students will learn basics like workplace safety, tool identification and usage, welding, oxy-fuel usage, applied math in construction and more. They also have the possibility of earning the NCCER Core certification. In Agriculture Power systems students learn the fundamentals of gasoline and diesel engine, engine repair and maintenance, hydraulic and electrical systems, and alternative energy technologies. In facilities design, they continue using skills taught in Agriculture Mechanics and apply them in designing and building various structures that are utilized in the agriculture field such as steel and wood structured
buildings. With the increasing need of welders in the region and the state, students will have the opportunity to earn an AWS welding certification. Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communication: Students following this pathway are learning skills directly related to careers in technology and journalism. Students are actively engaging in experiences that allow them to record interviews and other audio/video projects and go back to the classroom and make manipulations for a final product. Students currently engage in designing and creating posters for our local athletes and other campus holiday backgrounds. They provide livestreaming for important functions within our school district. Students will have the opportunity to earn their Adobe Premier certification at the end of the program. Business Management and Administration: Skills in this pathway encompass planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Career opportunities are available in every sector of the economy from this pathway. Students can earn an IC3 certification and have been successful in all levels of BPA competitions including two national visits. Finance: Skills in this pathway lead to careers in accounting, banking services, business finance, Insurance and securities and investments. Students in this category will be earning their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance certification to provide tax assistance to special populations in the community. They also get the opportunity to play the Stock Market Game to gain experience on dealing with investments. Health Science: In our efforts to meet the increasing demand of interest for health science programs, La
Students in this program get hands on experience by attending cupcake wars competitions and provide the campus staff with their own in house “Bistro” where the practicum students cook meals purchased by the staff. Students Patient care technicians tend to ill and in this path will earn a Food Handler’s injured individuals under the supervision certification and their ServSafe Manageof doctors, nurses and medical profes- ment certification. sionals. Their duties include taking vital signs, collecting specimens, perform- Information Technology: Information ing catheterization and assisting pa- technology careers are available in evtients with eating, personal hygiene and ery sector of the economy. Careers in grooming. Patient care technicians often IT involve the design, development, work in hospitals, clinics or rehabilitation support and management of hardware, facilities. They may use their training and software, multimedia and systems inteexperience to pursue more advanced gration services. The information techhealth care careers. The curriculum in- nology industry is a dynamic and entrecludes classroom, laboratory exercises preneurial field that continues to have a revolutionary impact on the economy and supervised clinical hours. and on the world. Students in this pathEmergency medical technicians are the way earn hands on experience by providentry level positions of a pre-hospital ing technology maintenance to the camemergency medical provider. EMTs pro- pus through their CTSO called the “La vide rapid in-field treatment and trans- Feria Squad”. At the end of the program port to higher medical providers. They students can test for either the Compwork in conjunction with paramedics, TIA A+ or the MTA: Windows Operating nurses, physicians, and other members System Fundamentals. of the health care team. Career options are available in urban and rural settings, Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Seprimarily in conjunction with fire depart- curity: Students learn and practice skills ments, private ambulances, or other res- that prepare them for diverse post-high cue services. The EMT Course has three school education and training opportunicomponents: didactic (120 hours) which ties, from apprenticeships and two-year includes practical, hands-on skills train- college programs to four-year college and ing, the clinical/field ride-along (minimum graduate programs. CTE classes in this 24 hours total of observation with a mini- cluster will introduce them to a variety mum of 10 patient contacts), and final of interesting careers in any law enforcetesting (4-8 hours). La Feria High School ment sector. Currently students assist is pleased to work with HealthWebCE at home games by providing additional International EMS Educational Program eyes and ears to possible incidents. At in the completion of this program. the end of the program, our students will earn Level II and Level III Security SerHospitality and Tourism: This path en- vices certifications. They will also have compasses the management, marketing the opportunity to become pepper spray and operations of restaurants and other certified and CPR certified. food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services. Feria High School employed a second Health Science Teacher for the campus to educate our students in two health science pathways: Patient Care Technician and Emergency Medical Technician.
Texas Scholars Texas Magazine Scholars | November Magazine/ |December Summer 2014
25 11
26
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
27
28
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
29
30
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
31
32
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
33
Edinbur
Commitment
Over 32 Million Grant Dollars Awarded to ECISD Grants
• Texas Literacy Initiative • Safe Routes to School • E-Rate Utilization Funds • Cool Schools Grant • HEB Excellence In Education
2010-11
2011-12
2,307,716
11,793,680 747,029 1,998,000
$2,307,716
$14,538,709
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
TOTAL
4,076,100
5,682,345
3,344,662
620,670
688,877
715,639
13,103,107 11,793,680 5,079,930 1,998,000 100,000
$4,060,301
$32,074,717
100,000 $4,696,770
$6,471,222
Edinburg CISD Accolades • The only district in the nation with three of four existing high schools (as of 2012) receiving the Gaston Caperton College Board Inspiration Award for graduating significant numbers of students at the highest levels of academic achievement.
• ECISD’s four high schools are designated Early College High Schools.
• ECISD has 8 National Merit Scholars and 25 Hispanic National Merit Scholars.
• ECISD students received millions of dollars in schol• One middle school and arship awards and over 90% two high schools named of students receive college acceptance letters each year. AVID national demonstration schools. • An increased number of students are graduating with • The Texas Association of college credit hours with School Boards and the H-E- some earning an Associates B Grocery Company select- degree before completing ed our school board as the high school. “Texas Outstanding School Board of the Year” and our • Through its Comprehendistrict as State Winner for sive School Safety Initiathe “H-E-B Excellence in tive and a full ECISD police Award.” Education 34 Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014
force, Edinburg CISD is taking measures to ensure the safety of its students, faculty, parents and community. • ECISD has one of the lowest tax rates in the Region at $1.2398 for every $100 of valuation.
• ECISD has established partnerships with UTPA Child Development Center and Hidalgo Count Head Start to prepare students, birth to five, for kindergarten. • Supplementary grant funds have helped finance the district’s technology initiatives and expedited progress towards 21st century learning in a digital environment.
Title I “Rewards Schools” High Performing Schools
Avila Elementary Flores/Zapata Elementary Jefferson Elementary Garza Middle School
High Progress Schools
Avila Elementary Canterbury Elementary Jefferson Elementary Trevino Elementary
Career & Technical Edu
Earned 1899 Certification
Microsoft Office SpecialistPowerPoint CPR STC Marketable Skills Specialist Certificate- Multimedia ServSafe Food Handlers Hunter’s Education Certificate Emergency Medical Dispatch STC Marketable Skills CertificateComputer Applications American Welding Society ServSafe-Manager Certification Adobe Certified AssociateIllustrator Edinburg CISD Substitute Certificate Internet and Computing Core Certification -IC3 OSHA
Micro Micro Adobe Dream Adobe Photo Shamp Correc Securi STC M Emerg Cosm Pharm
Constr
rg CISD
t to Excellence Edinburg CISD earns “Gold” Leadership Circle Award for Financial Transparency
Advanced Academics College Board Scholars 2014
Texas Comptroller Leadership 8 Circle Gold Member 25
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has affirmed Edinburg CISD as a Gold member in the State Comptroller’s Leadership Circle Awards. The award recognizes Edinburg CISD for its efforts to make finances open and accessible. The Gold Leadership Circle Award, the Comptroller’s highest ranking, is reserved for those local governments “that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online.”
www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/checkup/leadership.php.
Edinburg CISD earns State’s highest fiscal accountability rating
Edinburg CISD earns “Superior Achievement” rating under the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) for the 12th year in a row. The Superior Achievement rating is the state’s highest, demonstrating the quality of Edinburg CISD’s financial management and reporting system.
Second Chances Bring Success
ucation Students
n and Licensures
osoft Office Specialist-Word osoft Office Specialist-Excel e Certified Associatemweaver e Certified Associateoshop CS5 (CS6) poo Specialist ctions Officer Certifications ity Guard Certification Marketable Skillsgency Medical Technician metology macy Technician
ruction Education
The Vision Academy of Excellence, high school senior recovery school, is in its sixth year of operation. The Academy has enabled 613 seniors to return to school, complete their credits, and graduate with a high school diploma. Many of those graduates have continued their education by enrolling in college or a career technical program.
1 1 18 28 96
National Merit Scholars National Hispanic Merit Scholars AP International Diploma National AP Scholar AP Scholars with Distinction AP Scholars with Honor AP Scholars
Students in Edinburg CISD have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 22 percent of the 2.2 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. The AP Program offers several AP Scholar Awards to recognize high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. Although there is no monetary award in addition to receiving an award certificate, this achievement is acknowledged on any score report that is sent to colleges the following fall. Award levels • AP Scholar: Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams • AP Scholar with Honor: Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams • AP Scholar with Distinction: Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams • National AP Scholar: Granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams • International AP Scholar: Granted to the one male and one female student attending a school outside the United States and Canada that is not a DoDEA school with the highest average score on the greatest number of AP Exams. The minimum requirement is a score of 3 or higher on three exams. • AP International Diploma: Granted to students who meet criteria outlined Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014 35
36
Texas Scholars Magazine | November / December 2014