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Teaching and Learning Update with Dr. Jamey Johnson, Asst. Supt. of Curriculum & Instruction
Q. Tell us about Brenham ISD’s new Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability.
A. We are so excited to have Sarah Cook join our central office team! Sarah began her educational career with Brenham ISD in 2004 as an instructional aide, and went on to serve as a sixth-grade science teacher, a CSI teacher, and most recently a content specialist for science and social studies. Sarah earned a bachelor's degree in forensic chemistry from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Education from Lamar University with a focus on teacher leadership. She enjoys working with students and teachers, as well as researching data trends and instructional teaching practices to improve student achievement.
Q. Each year the school district celebrates its history as the first public school district in Texas. Tell us about Brenham ISD’s rich history.
A. Brenham ISD was established following a bill passed on March 25, 1875 during the 14th Legislature. The first day of classes for Brenham Public Schools was September 6, 1875 and the session lasted forty weeks. Classes were conducted in the old Key Home on the site of the Sacred Heart Convent, with a monthly rental of $50 until the city purchased the property on October 22, 1877 for $2500. A new two story brick building was constructed during 1878 at a cost of $10,000.
Q. The district recently received accountability ratings from the state. How did the district perform?
A. We are proud to announce that the district earned a “B” rating from the Texas Education Agency. Overall the district’s score increased by 8 points, moving from a 79 in the 2017-2018 school year to an 87 for the 2018-2019 school year. Brenham ISD campuses also earned a total of 12 distinction designations. Brenham ISD has seen an increase in the number of students who leave the district ready for college, career, or the military. Additionally, students continue to excel in the area of mathematics and gains are being made in literacy at the secondary levels, as well.
Q. What are some of the areas of focus for the district this year?
A. Our areas of focus include literacy in all grades, closing achievement gaps, and overall student growth. We have turnaround support in place for our areas of need and the district has allocated targeted resources to ensure growth moving forward. We’re also investing heavily in our teacher development program to attract and retain quality instructional staff.
Q. What do parents need to know about teaching and learning in Brenham ISD?
A. Our teachers work hard to plan and deliver quality instruction to meet the diverse needs of your children. We plan all of our instruction based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state standards for what students should know and be able to do. Our staff members attend regular professional development and strive to ensure our students are prepared for successful careers in fields that are constantly developing.
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Q. Tell us about Brenham ISD’s new Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability.
A. We are so excited to have Sarah Cook join our central office team! Sarah began her educational career with Brenham ISD in 2004 as an instructional aide, and went on to serve as a sixth-grade science teacher, a CSI teacher, and most recently a content specialist for science and social studies. Sarah earned a bachelor's degree in forensic chemistry from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Education from Lamar University with a focus on teacher leadership. She enjoys working with students and teachers, as well as researching data trends and instructional teaching practices to improve student achievement.
Q. Each year the school district celebrates its history as the first public school district in Texas. Tell us about Brenham ISD’s rich history.
A. Brenham ISD was established following a bill passed on March 25, 1875 during the 14th Legislature. The first day of classes for Brenham Public Schools was September 6, 1875 and the session lasted forty weeks. Classes were conducted in the old Key Home on the site of the Sacred Heart Convent, with a monthly rental of $50 until the city purchased the property on October 22, 1877 for $2500. A new two story brick building was constructed during 1878 at a cost of $10,000.
Q. The district recently received accountability ratings from the state. How did the district perform?
A. We are proud to announce that the district earned a “B” rating from the Texas Education Agency. Overall the district’s score increased by 8 points, moving from a 79 in the 2017-2018 school year to an 87 for the 2018-2019 school year. Brenham ISD campuses also earned a total of 12 distinction designations. Brenham ISD has seen an increase in the number of students who leave the district ready for college, career, or the military. Additionally, students continue to excel in the area of mathematics and gains are being made in literacy at the secondary levels, as well.
Q. What are some of the areas of focus for the district this year?
A. Our areas of focus include literacy in all grades, closing achievement gaps, and overall student growth. We have turnaround support in place for our areas of need and the district has allocated targeted resources to ensure growth moving forward. We’re also investing heavily in our teacher development program to attract and retain quality instructional staff.
Q. What do parents need to know about teaching and learning in Brenham ISD?
A. Our teachers work hard to plan and deliver quality instruction to meet the diverse needs of your children. We plan all of our instruction based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state standards for what students should know and be able to do. Our staff members attend regular professional development and strive to ensure our students are prepared for successful careers in fields that are constantly developing.