(KYTX) Tyler, TX
With Tyler ISD's Dogan Middle School on the verge of crossing another line of sanctions, the University of Texas at Tyler has reached out to help. So far the collaboration is still in the works, but it's a partnership that could bring promise to Dogan and other struggling Tyler ISD schools.
Dogan Middle School student, Erasmo Martinez, enjoys social studies, but for the 6th grader math just doesn't add up. "The ratio and all that, I don't get how to do it," explained Martinez.
Martinez said his math skills are slowly building thanks to time he's spending in after school tutorials. "It helped me a lot. I'm kind of improving," said Martinez.
Dogan Middle School is actually required to offer tutorials because the Tyler ISD campus has repeatedly failed federal math education standards. Missing the mark again on this year's TAKS Test means Tyler ISD would have to plan for restructuring, which could mean handing over Dogan Middle School to the State.
Tyler ISD Superintendent, Randy Reid knows the school's future is uncertain and time is running out. "This is something that you don't know until after the testing this year, but if you wait until after the testing to make some contingency plans then you're behind the ball in getting those things implemented," explained Reid.
One of the plans the district is kicking around is a partnership with UT Tyler. The collaboration would place UT Tyler student teachers at struggling campuses. So far, that plan includes Dogan and Stewart middle schools...where U-T Tyler student teachers would support the teachers on those campuses.
The idea is to add fresh concepts and extra attention from UT Tyler student teachers with the hopes that this combination will equal success.
The collaboration would also include help at Tyler ISD's Boulter Middle school. UT Tyler would start a program there aimed at boosting student performance in science and math.
The possible partnership may become official as soon as the next Tyler ISD school board meeting.
