Spring is just around the corner, and faculty and students are continuing with hard work to increase student knowledge.  As Hamilton Holt, an American educator and author once said, “Nothing worthwhile comes easily.  Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.”  While most school systems in Louisiana are struggling with educational and financial problems, DeSoto continues its movement as a system where parents, students, teachers, administrators, support staff and school board members are proud to say “We are DeSoto!”

TAP (The System for Teacher and Student Advancement) is a model for effective teaching that leads to advancement for teachers and students.  It is a systematic tool that allows our students to prosper across all areas of studies.  TAP encourages teachers to prepare using research-based strategies, project based learning, differentiated instruction, and other proven instructional practices.  Five of our schools in DeSoto Parish currently have a value added score of 5 under the TAP model, which is the highest rating given under the TAP model. Five additional schools in the district have a value added score of 3 under TAP, which indicates a normal year’s growth.   As of this year, DeSoto Parish is distinguished in becoming the first district in Louisiana with all schools being fully implemented in the TAP program. We commend the teachers and students for their hard work, and know it will prove beneficial for our students’ growth in the future. 

DeSoto Schools have been preparing for the Legislative Act 54, which is a value-added evaluation program for teachers that will go into effect in the 2012-2013 school year. This value-added approach requires performance at every level of K-12 public education to be evaluated based upon student growth.   Our TAP structure meets the guidelines set forth by this act. 

During the 2011-2012 school year, we are also preparing implementation of a revised curriculum for all grades.  This curriculum is based on the National Common Core Curriculum Standards.  PreK-1^stGrades will experience the first revisions on the timeline, with all grades and subject areas to follow.  The new curriculum will encourage higher levels of critical thinking and problem solving for students.  These expectations will lead to deeper thought level processes. 

The “Ninth Grade iPad Initiative” has been implemented throughout the parish this year.  Teachers and students of the ninth grade received iPads.  Teachers, Parents and students attended an informational session before students could receive the iPad.  The beginning focus was for students to have access to an electronic copy of their textbooks.  Students also have access to educational and organizational applications, as well as, the ability to research using the Internet.  Students and teachers are communicating through a secured email account.  The students are learning the importance of electronic research and how to use the technology properly.  Proper use will encourage technology etiquette, which is to be taught by our teachers, as we know it is an important part of our future.

Future plans are to move forward with 10^thgrade and Middle Schools receiving iPads in the 2011-2012 school year.  We look forward to increasing subject areas of technology, engineering, and mathematics.  We expect keyboarding to move into the lower grades in order to prepare our younger students for the advancement of technology. 

We are proud to be in this system of excellence.  For the upcoming year, each school in Louisiana must have an SPS of 75 or higher. At present, the majority of our schools are above this threshold; however, we must ensure that every school in our system exceeds expectations.  We currently have the highest performance rate in our history.  The 2010-2011 cohort graduation rate is at 76.4%, which is ahead of the state rate of 70.9%.  DeSoto parish will continue to reach for excellence, as this has become the norm and not the exception for our district.

Walter C. Lee

Superintendent