Dr. Steve Flores, new superintendent of Round Rock ISD, plans to make significant changes to the district. Concerns about the new graduation plans and the shifting of curricula have all been put to rest with the passing of House Bill 5.
“The changes Texas has just made have already been implemented in the Round Rock district,” Flores said. “We should be seeing the fruit of our work sooner, bringing our students all the way into the top.”
House Bill 5 is a mandate for graduation requirements to be aligned with all school districts in Texas. The purpose of these changes is to have more focus on career pathways and classes that a student would need to make it through college or secure a job.
The controversial End of Course Exams have been reduced from 15 to five, and credits have been altered to allow future career pathway endorsements in academies.
“The foundation is the requirements of the credits from the past credits to the new one. The endorsement is in five different areas,” Flores said.
Every aspect of the change is regulated towards higher graduation rates and an intent to focus upon careers. Students who already know what they want to do or what college they want to attend have an upper hand due to the academies and the improved graduation plan.
“Based on the students’ needs and interest, and their outstanding ability, rigorous curriculum is available,” Flores said. “With the incorporation that House Bill 5 has added, there is better flexibility. There isn’t a rigid structure that calls for classes that may or may not benefit the student, although I do recommend taking them. Not for depth, but taking those classes will make the perceived student more well-rounded.”
Discussion on classes remains to be the hot topic. Students often get confused or conflicted when having to chose a class before the year begins. They are usually confused about classes pertaining to their career or credits.
“The next thing that I think needs to be done is a smoother transition of students and teachers into the new plans,” Flores said. “Professional development in all areas repeatedly show gradual success and improvements.”
The flexibility of the new programs allow personal and professional development in each student, opening paths to greater opportunities. The staff and teachers can only do so much to ensure student success; students need to be actively involved in their educations.
“I’d like to say that I am very proud of the students, academies, arts and athletics of McNeil High School,” Flores said. “The greatest expectation I have comes from the students of McNeil. Upon graduation and throughout their careers there will be so many times a person will look back to their time in high school. I want them to think, ‘Wow, it really made a difference.’