Challenges were seen across the district
Spring Branch superintendent says district must not teach to ‘the middle’
Scott Muri, superintendent of Spring Branch school district, wasted no time in coming to grips with the district’s strengths and weaknesses after spending his first 90 days on the job “looking, listening and learning” through an exhaustive schedule of meetings with stakeholders.
Muri presented his findings at a recent board of trustees workshop, at which he identified areas that presented challenges and opportunities and at which he also highlighted
the district’s strengths. A desire to improve
Challenges were seen across the board, from student performance, accountability and T-2-4 to instruction, leadership and communication.
“One of the most interesting things was there was a strong desire to do something about these challenges we face,” Muri said.
Bottom line, Muri said that although many students are doing well, others are not performing up to their potential, and the district must find ways to help those students and take care of individual student learning needs.
“We cannot teach to the middle,” Muri said.
Of the district’s mission to prepare students for success
after they graduate under T-2-4, the district’s singular goal to double the number of students by 2017 who complete a technical, two -year or four-year college or a stint in the military,
Muri said though there is agreement it’s the right goal headed in the right direction, the path is not clear. Technical pathway
Additionally, he said more attention needs to be paid to the technical pathway, because the implication is that route is second rate and aimed at students of poverty.
Muri added that to achieve the goal of T-2-4 the district must address literacy from prekindergarten.
Muri also pointed to the district’s 11 low performing schools.
Currently, 5,209 students attend schools that are being monitored by the state.
In the area of instruction, Muri said some teachers struggle with the academic needs of a diverse population.
Muri also found the district is not effectively meeting the needs of English language learners. Support is needed
He said additional support is needed for these students, and the curriculum needs to be reviewed.
On accountability and data, Muri said there is a need to be more proactive with the use of student data to personalize instruction and support.
However, Muri also heard complaints about student testing; it takes up too much time and the results don’t appear to improve teaching and learning. Adequate funding
In the area of leadership, Muri said there was no clear route for leadership positions such as school principal.
In communication and collaboration, Muri found a lack of vertical collaboration and communication inefficiencies on campuses.
Muri acknowledged that one of the biggest issues was adequate school funding.
Without funding, it will be challenging to resolve many of the district’s weaknesses.
“The number one concern among senior staff is finances,” Muri said.
“They recognize as a team that the state funding model is crippling us.”
Trustees were not surprised at the findings and appreciated Muri’s candor.
“It’s important to acknowledge that this bucket of 10 happened under our leadership,” trustee Pam Goodson said.
“This is our list.” Community is caring
Of the district’s strengths, Muri found the district has a strong and supportive community that has high expectations.
He said there was a strong sense of trust between the district and the community and a strong sense of family among employees, who are committed, passionate and dedicated.
He said parents appreciate the district’s special programs, innovation, educational opportunities and diversity.
Now that he has a baseline to measure the district’s progress, Muri said he will share his findings with administrators, principals, teachers and staff to figure out how to address the challenges moving forward.<
“People have to understand that change thing won’t happen overnight,” trustee Wayne Schaper Sr. said.
“It’s going to take time.”