The vision of the Office of Redesign is to change systems at all of our comprehensive high schools so that every student at every high school has the opportunity to graduate on time, ready for a successful future. We strive to make these opportunities intentional and systematic for every student, not random or by luck. Our approach is unique because many school districts choose to redesign only one or two struggling high schools, while AISD and the Office of Redesign believes that we should raise the bar for all of our students on all 11 AISD's comprehensive high school campuses.

The Office of Redesign has aided in the creation of new, innovative schools and academies like Global Tech and Green Tech at Eastside Memorial, the Academy of Global Studies at Austin High School and the New Tech Academy at Akins High School, as well as the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.

Austin Area Urban League & AISD Redesign Office Meet with Impact Leaders

On May 27, 2009, the Office of Redesign & the Austin Area Urban League hosted more than 25 community leaders, including City Council Member Sheryl Cole, parent leaders, business owners, higher education representatives and social service leaders. School Board Trustee Cheryl Bradley welcomed participants on behalf of the school board and AISD. Attendees discussed the progress and promising results relating to the High School Redesign initiative and how Redesign addresses the educational challenges that the district faces. Attendees also heard from Principal Rene Garganta and Assistant Principal Darnell Horton about the success of the Redesign program at Travis High School. Travis High School was able to achieve an "Academically Acceptable" rating in its first year of implementing Redesign.

Faith & Education Collaboration Identifies Priorities for 2009-10 School Year

The Office of Redesign & the Austin Area Urban League convened the fifth meeting of the Faith & Education Collaboration on Thursday, May 21^st at David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Participants reviewed and discussed the proposals from two sub-committees calling for the development of two programs, the "College is Possible" awareness campaign and the "Parent Advisor" program. The collaboration now begins the process of developing the resource material to support these programs. The intent is to launch both of these programs in the Fall. For more information, please contact Raul Alvarez of the Office of Redesign, (512) 414-8729, raul.alvarez@austinisd.org.

Academic Youth Development Summer Bridge Experience

Participation in AYD will begin with a 14-day (56) hour summer bridge experience at Anderson, Travis and Akins High Schools followed by Bowie, Crockett, Lanier, and Reagan. Students participating in the Summer Bridge Experience were selected based on a criteria which included their willingness to be an effective leader and role model in the classroom.

Academic Youth Development
Summer Camp Dates
2009-2010

Travis High School Hosts "Real World Connections" Program Launched in February

In order to help make class work more relevant, students need to connect what they are learning with real world experiences. Travis High School and AISD's Office of Redesign have developed a program called "Real World Connections" to create opportunities for students to interact with professionals who work in career fields that relate to the academies of which students are a part.

Through the "Real World Connection" program, a networking luncheon will be scheduled for each of the five academies at Travis High School. This first networking luncheon was for students in the "Law, Criminal Justice & Government" Academy and was held on Tuesday, February 3. Speakers were representatives from those professions. The program included a panel discussion with Sheriff Greg Hamilton, Police Chief Art Acevedo and District Judge Orlinda Naranjo moderated by State Representative Eddie Rodriguez. Other participants included Travis County District Clerk Amalia Rodriguez Mendoza, Judge Raul Gonzalez - Justice of the Peace Pct. 4, Austin Community College Trustee Veronica Rivera, as well as other attorneys and professionals who work with/for city and county government.

The next networking luncheon will be organized for the "Media, Engineering & Technology" Academy and will take place on Friday, March 27.

AISD Office of Redesign and Austin Area Urban League Collaborate on Outreach to Faith Community

Through the Faith & Education Collaboration, AISD's Office of Redesign & the Austin Area Urban League (AAUL) seek to increase t he number/percentage of students attending college and to support faith-based leaders and organizations to build and enhance a culture of college readiness among their congregants.

AISD & AAUL will work with faith leaders and faith-based organizations to keep parents better informed about student performance at the high school level; provide on-going information and tools to help parents play a more central role in ensuring that students graduate and are prepared for college, career and life; and reinforce school-based efforts to help students and parents chart a path to college & career readiness.

AISD & AAUL are working with a core group of faith leaders/organizations to discuss opportunities for collaboration and define the scope of activities to be undertaken. In coordination with faith leaders/organization, AISD and AAUL will conduct activities to inform parents about tools that allow them to play a greater role in their child's education, with an initial focus on Student Advisory and the STAR Report.

A planning meeting with a core group of faith leaders/organizations is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24.

Building Capacity to Lead Change

On February 4th more than 60 Teacher Leaders from 9 schools gathered to collaborate with their peers and engage in professional development specifically designed to help them lead the redesign work at each of their campuses. These Teacher Leaders' are integral to the AISD Redesign as their daily classroom experience allows them to customize their schools' redesign initiatives for the students they serve. Stay tuned for more innovative ideas from this amazing group of professionals.

LBJ 2013 Project

During the Summer of 2009, the LBJ Jaguars will be launching PROJECT 2013, an intensive, interactive, energetic three day camp for students transitioning from 8th to 9th grade. Developed by teacher leaders in the LBJ smaller learning communities, PROJECT 2013 will prepare new Jags for freshman year, graduation and beyond. If you would like to volunteer, please contact AT Turner at 512-414-6054. Stay tuned for dates and times. Go Jags!!!