Publications
Creative Learning in Adverse Times
This paper describes the work done to advance CLI goals despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among many successes resulting from CLI’s resourcefulness and adaptability was an increase in secondary arts enrollment for students in special groups (e.g., special education, economically disadvantaged, and emergent bilingual). In addition, CLI’s novel Season of Arts Experiences provided 28 schools who would not have otherwise participated access to 27 unique arts partners, contributing to over 107 total arts partnerships in the 2020-2021 school year.
Remote and In-Person Learning in AISD: Implementation, Context, and Outcomes
Much of the research on virtual learning during the pandemic references hastily assembled online education as a result of pandemic closures. However, in AISD, students either already had or were provided mobile devices, and students who needed WiFi access were provided hotspots. This report looks at student attendance and learning in Fall 2020, based on how students participate in school (from home, in-person, or mixed).
AISD Middle and High School Family Learning Preference Survey Results: October 2020
The AISD Family Learning Preference survey was sent to all families of students on middle and high school campuses. Families responded on behalf of over 21,000 students (N= 21,547) out of a possible 37,400 students for about a 58% response rate for the survey. Families were asked which instructional model they planned for their student to participate in from the options remote off-campus learning and on-campus learning beginning November 2nd. Overall, about 78% of responses for students on the survey indicated that families plan for their student to be engaged in remote off-campus learning.
AISD Family Learning Preference Survey Results Summary
The AISD Family Learning Preference survey was available for participation between September 10th and September 25th in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Dari, Swahili, and Pashto. Families responded on behalf of over 54,000 students (N= 54,294) out of a possible 76,397 students for about a 71% response rate for the survey. Families were asked which instructional model they planned for their student to participate in from the options remote off-campus learning and on-campus learning, with a third, hybrid learning option available to students at the high school level.
Creative Learning Initiative: Impact of Creative Teaching on Academic Growth
This report examines the impact of Creative Teaching techniques on students’ academic growth on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) reading and math tests from 2016–2017 to 2017–2018. Statistically significant growth on STAAR reading was found for students who had teachers who were moderately competent at Creative Teaching techniques and used these techniques at least two times per week in their classrooms.
Sequential Fine Arts in 2017-2018
AISD promotes access to sustained learning for all students in music, visual art, drama, and dance. This report discusses the relationship between sequential fine arts participation and student outcomes for the school year 2017–2018 and how the relationships differ between based on student characteristics (i.e. race, ethnicity, special education status and limited English speaking status). To view the interactive report, click on the link below, then use the green drop down menu in the upper left corner to select “Secondary Visual and Performing Arts Participation (2017-2020).”
Creative Teaching in 2017-2018
Creative instruction across the curriculum is a critical pillar of the Creative Learning Initiative (CLI). This report, the second in a series of three on CLI, shares teacher’s reactions to training in Creative Teaching, how and why they use it in the classroom, and how that usage relates to student outcomes. To view the interactive report, click on the link below, then use the green drop down menu in the upper left corner to select “Creative Teaching.”
Creative Campus Distribution in 2017-2018
National research shows that students attending arts-rich schools have higher levels of motivation and better academic and social success. This report, the first in a series of three on the Creative Learning Initiative, is used to track the progress of our district's investment in the whole child through the arts and creative teaching at each campus. To view the interactive report, click on the link below, then use the green drop down menu in the upper left corner to select “Creative Campus Profiles.”
Thinking Heuristically About Student Growth in Austin Independent School District
This report presents a question-driven exploration of growth and achievement data using SAS EVAAS reports. The purpose of this exploration was to bring additional data, information, and ways of thinking about student growth to ongoing district conversations about the measurement of campus-level student growth.
Summary of Austin Independent School District Telecommuting Surveys
Telecommuting is currently used in many industries and is celebrated for fostering job satisfaction and increased productivity. However, telecommuting is not widely practiced in K-12 environments. Two departments in AISD implemented pilot telecommuting programs. This report presents survey results from these pilot implementation models and summarizes the lessons learned to better understand the challenges and best practices of implementation.