Welcome to the United ISD Department for Curriculum and Instruction.  The department is organized into five instructional branches:  Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Instructional Accountability and Campus Intervention.  Each branch is led by an Executive Director.  Together the instructional team guides and empowers all instructional directors, coordinators, and support staff ensuring effective, efficient, instructional support to all UISD campuses.

The department is committed to the continuous improvement of the PK-12^th grade TEKS based, learner centered, aligned scope and sequence for all core areas.  All teachers are expected to adhere to the scope and sequence as a means of ensuring a comprehensive sequential delivery of instruction throughout UISD.

The department has reached the desired alignment between the taught TEKS Curriculum, and the tested TAKS Curriculum through the development of 3T’s – TEKS Targeted Tests. The revised 3T assessments will provide timely feedback for early intervention and accelerated academic success for all students.

Both the scope and sequences and the 3T’s will continue contributing to the attainment of the following instructional goal:  Provide consistent quality TEKS based instruction and/or an alternative curriculum for all students, resulting in improved student achievement.  In addition, the emphasis on learner centered instruction and highly effective questioning will reinstitute an excitement for learning in a nurturing environment.  To ensure consistent quality instruction in every UISD classroom all teacher staff development will focus on instructional accountability/meeting the needs of diverse learners.

Another UISD goal:  Increase participation in advanced academic courses with successful completion of advanced placement exams and increase the participation opportunities resulting in increased average SAT/ACT score will focus on encouraging students to achieve at their maximum potential.  A comprehensive Apex Review and Sure Score Plan will prepare students through integrated classroom instruction and Saturday PSAT/SAT/AP preparatory opportunities.

In the 2007-2008 academic year we will renew our commitment to creating responsive learning environments.  We will put Reading First in every PK-12 classroom, and implement a three tiered model of interventions with continuous differentiation to meet each students’ needs.  We will engage all students in learning through Highly Effective Questioning resulting in a culture of engaged critical thinkers.  All of our efforts will be intentionally planned for with our on-line e-chalk lesson template and our students’ achievement will be a testament to our efforts.

I congratulate the six 2007 recognized campuses, Kennedy-Zapata Elementary, D.D. Hachar Elementary, Arndt Elementary, Clark Elementary, Fasken Elementary and United Middle School and our Exemplary campus, Trautmann Elementary.  I am confident that through outstanding campus leadership and the delivery of quality instruction from all teachers United ISD will be a 2008 recognized school district!