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THE
EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EDUCATION
system is measured by the academic achievements of its students
and impacted by the school environment, classroom resources,
and quality of instruction. The district's five goals, with
academic achievement of students as the highest priority,
are designed to ensure a positive and significant transformation
of WISD that will ultimately lead to superior results and
realized objectives.
THE WARREN
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT serves more than 1100 students
in 4 schools located in WARREN and FRED. WISD has the second
largest student enrollment in Tyler County. During the past
three years, the number of students has steadily increased
with an average annual growth rate of 4.8 percent
which is expected to continue.
The district
encompasses more than 251 square miles in the southern 1/3
of Tyler county and northern Hardin county encompassing five
communities; Village Mills, Wildwood, Warren, Hillister/Ivanhoe,
and Fred. Our communities range from Wildwood Resort City,
a gated community, with a golf course and lake to homes at
the end of a country lane in Warren or out in the thicket
in the Fred area! Come see us, I guarantee you will find something
you like! WISD affords country life at its finest although
we are only 45 minutes north of Beaumont! Families enjoy the
slow pace of a country lifestyle deep in the "Big Thicket"
where the cost of living is low! Property for building your
dream home is available and is affordable! For your backyard
we have the "Big Thicket Preserve", canoeing on Village Creek,
habitat in abundance for birdwatchers and if you like to fish,
we are only minutes to Lake Sam Rayburn, Rio Neches and Rio
Angelina, where you can swim, ski, or just enjoy! In addition
to a rural setting for your enjoyment, Tyler County has some
of the best hunting in all of Texas!
With a
broad and comprehensive curriculum, the district seeks to
provide an exemplary education that prepares each student
to perform in an ever-changing world. Students can acquire
up to 24 hours of college credit via the District's Dual-Credit
program with Lamar University and Angelina College. The district
has a diverse ethnic student population that is 2.7 percent
Hispanic, 2.6 percent African-American and 94.7 percent Anglo.
Over the
past six years, attendance has increased steadily to 95.1
percent, and the annual dropout rate has decreased to .6 percent.
The students' passing rate on the Texas Assessment of Academic
Skills improved steadily over the years. In fact, the district
experienced unprecedented gains since the beginning of the
state-wide administration of the TAAS by posting an 84.9 percent
or better passing rate in reading, writing and mathematics
during the 2002-2003 school year. In 2002-2003, the Texas
Education Agency acknowledged 2 WISD schools as Recognized.
In
the spring of 2005, with the latest revisions to the State's
new testing regimen, commonly known as the TAKS (Texas Assessment
of Knowledge and Skills), Warren ISD received one of only
two Recognized School District ratings. Both Warren
Elementary and Fred Elementary received Recognized ratings,
while Warren Junior High and Warren High School recieved a
rating of academically acceptable.
Warren
Independent School District's fine arts education program
provides students with opportunities to acquire basic skills
in kinesthetic, musical, spatial, and visual intelligence,
which is applicable to learning in all other subject areas.
The results of learning through the fine arts programs are
manifest in deeper, more reflective thought and higher order
thinking processes. The One Act Play troupe advanced from
District U.I.L. competition to Area competition performing
at the campus of Angelina College in '03-'04. The Warren High
School Band has a rich tradition of being an outstanding band
program in the state of Texas, with many 1st Division ratings
in both Marching, Concert, and Sight Reading contests as well
as several Sweepstakes awards. Additionally, the High School
Band was the State Honor Band for class 2A in 1994. Performances
of the High School Band include halftime performances at all
varsity football games in the fall, the annual Dogwood Festival
parade, an annual Christmas program, Concert and Sight Reading
Contest in the spring, and an annual Spring Concert. Many
students also tryout for and participate in District, Region,
Area, and State Honor Bands, as well as participate in the
Region and State Solos & Ensembles contest.
The WISD
Department of Agriculture, one of the finest in the state,
provides a program of animal science/husbandry, plant science,
forestry, Ag related mechanics, welding, competitive statewide
contests for students in Grades 9-12. The department's offerings
include courses that appeal to boys and girls, and it was
estimated in the 2003-2004 school year that more than 160
of the 300 students in high school participated in the program.
The WISD
Department of Athletics provides a program of competitive
athletics for students in Grades 7-12. The department's offerings
include 5 sports for boys and 5 sports for girls, and it was
estimated in the 2002-2003 school year that more than 236
student athletes participated in the program.
All employees
are responsible for earning the respect required for WISD
to become the PREMIER PK-12 district of choice in this area.
The district
has made significant progress in implementing recommendations
made to improve its management and instructional practices.
These cost cutting recommendations will save the district
over $1.225 million in its $7.5 million budget over a five-year
period. This represents a savings attained through improved
efficiency that can be redirected into instruction or building
improvements. Currently, WISD invests 57 percent of its general
operating budget on instruction, and another 5 percent is
spent on pupil services.
In effect,
Warren Independent School District has become a leader in
helping all students reach the high scholastic performance
standards that broaden all future desired opportunities.
Because
district leadership is committed to continuous progress and
improvement, the district, in collaboration with community
stakeholders, will accomplish the following five goals:
- Instructional
Management
Improve student achievement through improved instruction,
monitor attendance, diagnose student needs at the early
grades, provide teachers the support needed to design lesson
activities that demand higher order thinking skills, develop
innovative instructional programs, and integrate technology
into the classroom.
Warren ISD will provide an exemplary education for all students
at all grade levels.
2004-2005
Recognized Campuses:
Minimum of two (2)
Maintain rating at Fred Elementary and add another campus
Acceptable Campuses: Maximum
of two (2)
2005-2006
Exemplary Campuses:
Minimum of two (2)
Recognized Campuses: Minimum of two (2)
Acceptable Campuses: NONE
Increase enrollment in AP courses & in Dual Credit Courses
Improve SAT and ACT scores; Increase # of students participating
in these exams
- Nurture
and develop teachers and other employees
Improve Retention of Core Subjects teacher;
(salary, benefits, etc)
Increase the number of teachers in programs designed to
remediate / accelerate at-risk students
Develop plan that prepares Aides for the classroom
Develop plan to improve employee morale
Develop a salary schedule that is competitive with all schools
in Southeast Texas.
- Earn
the community's trust through good financial management
Maintain highest rating
on the State's "FIRST" rating system Audit report has no
material weakness or reportable conditions
- Improve
the district's facilities
Warren Elementary;
Gym, additional classrooms, AC units
Fred Elementary; Sewer System, Central
AC / Heating in Old Bldg
Jr. High; Auditorium improvements,
replace window units with Central AC / Heating units
High School; replace carpet and
ceiling tiles, professional painting, concession/storage/restrooms
@ stadium, resurface the track, paint/replace fencing
- Maintain
a safe and secure environment
Campus time free of serious
offenses
Overall Incident rate
Positive student contacts between police / security
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