FORNEY, Texas – (Forney Independent School District)Teachers and administrators in the Forney Independent School District recently had a special opportunity to complete a foundational scope and sequence curriculum training program over a four day period which was presented by Margaret Kilgo.
FORNEY, Texas – (Forney Independent School District)Teachers and administrators in the Forney Independent School District recently had a special opportunity to complete a foundational scope and sequence curriculum training program over a four day period which was presented by Margaret Kilgo.
The focus of the sessions was on teaching and assessing the Texas learning standards, not on teaching to the test.
Margaret Kilgo, the founder and president of Kilgo Consulting, Inc. presented a research-based overview of the relationship between the state curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and Student Expectations (SEs) as well as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and End-of-Course (EOC) tests in Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies for grades K-12. The scope and sequence training covered the components that are critical for effectively teaching and assessing the TEKS/SEs to the depth and complexity of the STAAR/EOC.
The training, which was conducted in the Forney ISD Board Room at the District’s Central Administration Building, began on Tuesday, Feb. 10 and continued through Friday, Feb. 13. The scope and sequence training was comprehensive and will provide a foundation for Forney ISD. Each session focused on specific subject area content and included teachers and administrators from across the district.
“I truly believe that Forney ISD has great teachers, great kids and a great community,” Kilgo said. “This District and the community of Forney can be a model for our region in the area of curriculum and instruction.”
The Kilgo Training program was implemented as part of the District’s Forney Focus initiative which was developed during the District’s strategic planning process in 2014. The training is one of the first steps in implementing the Forney Focus vision district-wide. “This is an incredible opportunity to partner with a nationally renowned curriculum specialist and utilize her research as a foundation for our Forney ISD curriculum," said Dr. Justin Terry, the Chief Learning Officer for Forney ISD. “The importance of building a Forney curriculum that reflects the values of our community and the needs of our students is a top priority for Forney ISD.”
The Kilgo Training was made possible through donations from a number of local businesses including Matthew Malone with Century 21 Millennium Realtors; Perdue, Brandon Fielder, Collins and Mott, LLC; City Bank of Forney; Gallagher Construction Co.; WRA Architects; American National Bank; Scarbrough, Medlin and Associates; Community Waste Disposal, Kroger and Chick-fil-A.
Forney Focus
Forney Focus includes six goals that were developed during the strategic planning process and that have been approved and adopted by the Forney ISD Board of Trustees. The six goals of Forney ISD are:
1: LEARNING ORGANIZATION – Building a sound and efficient learning organization that supports learning and prepares for transition.
2: LEARNING STANDARDS - Implementing a research-based curriculum through relevant, engaging and innovative instruction that meets the needs of all learners.
3: LEARNING ENVIRONMENT - Creating a diverse learning environment tailored to each student’s needs.
4: ASSESSMENT - Continuously using formative and summative assessments for students, educators, campuses and the District to encourage learning, mastery and growth.
5: DIGITAL LITERACY - Integrating technology that develops students to live, learn, earn and play responsibly in a digital world.
6: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS - Developing parent and community partnerships that will promote relationships and expand students’ opportunities.
