Dr. Randal O’Brien, Superintendent of Schools; Susan Jackson, Deputy Superintendent, Adrienne Tesar, Liles Principal; Kami Johnston, Agriculture and Natural Resources Coordinator; Lupita Guerra, pre-k teacher from Lyford Elementary, Michelle DeWitt, Chief Academic Officer, Maribel Wetegrove, Dean of Instruction; Kristin Brown, Superintendent, Cara Munn, Liles Academic Dean, Christi Lackey, Coordinator for Early Childhood Education and Outreach, Brenda Clem and Richard Clem, President of the GCCISD Board of Trustees were part of a group that toured the Shelia C. Liles Early Learning Academy.
By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey, APR – Director of Communications
Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are not only important to the success and progression of our nation but are equally as important in the public education system as well. According to an article by Waterford.org, “The quality of education that students receive directly correlates to their quality-of-life years down the road.” Goose Creek CISD provides its students with many opportunities for advancement, with the goal of providing educational access as early as possible. Currently, students as young as pre-K are exposed to diverse learning practices in the district.
Because of the progress made in equitable practices in the district’s curriculum, GCCISD has been given the designation as a “model district;” where educational entities and businesses from across the country visit to tour some of Goose Creek’s most successful and diverse programs. Since September 2022, there have been nearly 30 visits to Goose Creek; with more on the horizon.
The district’s Curriculum and Instruction program, under the tutelage of Susan Jackson, Deputy Superintendent of C&I, oversees several diverse programs, including the Early Learning Academy, dual language/two-way, and college & career readiness programs such as dual credit and the Early College High School. These programs accurately reflect the district’s mission of developing the whole child and the students enrolled in them are representative of the district and the city’s diverse population. “Currently, we have 25% of our high school students enrolled in one dual credit class,” Jackson said. “Our total dual credit seat count is 3424, which includes a 19% increase district-wide in dual credit seats from last year and a 56% district-wide five-year increase in dual credit seats. We are happy to see gains in the program and we know there’s more to come.”
The Early Learning Academy is the newest program to debut in the district. Established at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, pre-K learners receive instruction in pods designed to mimic some of the most in-demand industries. As part of the program, local community members and groups partner with GCCISD to bring real life experiences into the classroom. The businesses that have partnered with the program during its inaugural year include: the Baytown Nature Center, Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Area, Baytown Aquatics; Dr. Wendy Crouse, NASA, the Houston Zoo, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Ag Education Committee, Stuart Career Technical HS Culinary students, Mustang Cat, Captain Troy and Captain Taylor Fishing Captains, Savannah Cushman Overseas Shipholding Group, GCCISD Police, GCM Health Science students, Coach Melanie Smith, Jessica Boulos, nutritionist, and Dr. Caitlin Fleming. “Early exposure to the industry is so important and these businesses are providing that to our students,” Kami Johnston, Early Learning Academy Agriculture and Natural Sciences Coordinator, said.
The dual language, two-way program integrates native English speakers and native Spanish speakers in the same classroom to promote second language acquisition. Students are tested and upon acceptance into the program, will benefit from high levels of academic achievement and literacy in both languages.
IMPACT Early College High School student, Cesar Curiel, poses with his Lee College ID. Curiel is one of many GCCISD students taking college courses while in high school.
The dual credit and Early College High School programs provide high school students with the opportunity to take college courses, with the goal of receiving an associate degree from Lee College by the end of their senior year. Many of these students would be considered first-generation college students; meaning they would be the first in their family to attend college. Over the past five years, the district has seen enrollment increase in the dual credit program by 63%. The district keeps track of students once they graduate to ensure the success of the program. The 2022 data shows a 56% matriculation rate overall, with the highest success rates from students that attend in-state, two-year, public institutions.
As the needs of the job industry continues to evolve, Goose Creek CISD will evaluate the success of our programs and adjust to prepare our students for the 21st century and beyond.