Plano ISD Academy Visioning Committee
Meeting Notes
September 29, 2010
I. Call to Order
Deputy Superintendent Danny Modisette, serving as moderator for the evening, called to
order the sixth meeting of the Plano ISD Academy Visioning Committee at 6:02 p.m. on
Wednesday, September 29, 2010, held at Plano ISD’s Sockwell Center.
II. Opening Activity
Mr. Modisette initiated a table activity for participants who were divided into eight working
groups. The question posed was, “The most often mentioned issue from last week was the
opportunity for students to participate in extra-curricular activities. What process would you
suggest to accomplish that?” The committee was given fifteen minutes to discuss the topic
and post their ideas on the digital collaborative wall. Comments shared included:
 Bus students between the academy and their home schools.
 Follow model of other academy schools.
 Integrate feasible activities such as golf, and possibly forego activities such as
participating in a large orchestra.
 Decide orientation of academy first, then solve for integrating extra curricular
activities.
Before moving to the next activity, Mr. Modisette reminded the group that beginning with the
next meeting, the background work would be concluded and the committee will begin to
work in earnest on developing a plan for the academy and constructing their recommendation
report for the Board of Trustees.
III. Panel of Recent Graduates
Mr. Modisette introduced a panel of recent Plano ISD graduates. Panelists introduced
themselves, including which Plano ISD schools they attended and what they have been doing
since graduation. The following is a summary of questions posed to panel members and their
comments:
At what point in your school career did you begin considering post-secondary plans?
 Since starting school, it was a given that college comes next. It has been the plan since
the day I was born.
 My parents have always made it clear that after high school there is college, but I
didn’t start planning until junior year.
 Attending PISD college night really opened my eyes.
 After Program 7.
 My parents didn’t talk about college, but halfway through junior year, I started
making plans because my friends were talking about it.
 At the end of middle school because I knew that my grades and GPA had to be good
in high school in order to get into college.
 Hearing announcements at school about college plans and hearing from my parents,
although my parents did not go to college.
 At the start of senior high school when I began taking courses of interest and
participating in the programs PISD offers.
Plano ISD Academy Visioning Committee: Meeting Notes
September 29, 2010
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Panel of Recent Graduates (continued)
What school experiences did you find most valuable?
 My favorite was clinical rotations, which helped me figure out what I wanted to do.
 Computer science courses taken during two years of senior high and great
relationships with teachers. I was able to look beyond high school and realize that I
could make a career path.
 Band and extra-curricular activities—and relationships with friends and teachers.
What school experiences did you find least valuable?
 TAKS, especially emphasis on writing in tenth grade.
 Physical education.
 Summer reading (never did it).
 Lack of teacher coordination on test dates, volume of homework and electives.
 Homework and test overload (high school was tougher than college). Result was that
we were better prepared, but college was easier.
 English/writing classes. Program 7 writing courses allowed more creativity.
If you could rewind to the time just before starting high school, what kind of school
would you want to attend?
 Something like Program 7. Not like school, but a place to hang out. Where you can
work at your own pace and get help from friends.
 Agree that Program 7 was awesome. Would like smaller learning environment.
 More relaxed, easy environment. Self paced.
 I wouldn’t change high school, I would change me. PISD offers a lot and I would be
more motivated and more appreciative of what was offered.
 State requirements are a constraint. Hard to juggle AP courses and find the credits to
take extended courses. It is really difficult to take advantage of courses and specialize
with so many other requirements. The ability to decide own direction and specialize is
tough with the required curriculum.
 I was a procrastinator in getting ready for college, but I made good grades and was
well prepared, although I didn’t know it at the time.
What recommendations would you make to teachers on the best instructional strategy?
 I liked when teachers made an effort to get to know students and had a real interest in
student achievement. Teachers should allow students to express themselves and think
outside the box.
 When teachers go out of their way to help all students.
 Teachers should have a passion for the subject matter; have field experience and a
perspective to share with students. They should be interested in what they are
teaching. If a teacher thinks their own class is cool, it is evident.
 Teachers and students should meet each other halfway.
 Circle discussions, in-depth and less formal.
Have you had any recent opportunities to participate in collaborative learning?
 In high school, we did a lot of collaboration and I feel prepared for what I’m doing
now. In my current job teamwork is a must.
 No collaboration in college, but working as a teacher, yes. PISD prepared me for
collaboration…by forcing us into those awkward situations.
 Not a lot of collaboration yet, but we did at PISD and now I can appreciate it.
 Group activities in PISD taught communication skills that were helpful in college and
work. As a teacher, I collaborate with peers, students, parents and administrators.
 Being in collaborative groups made me realize that I not only have opinions, but so do
others. I now am more respectful of others when working together.
Plano ISD Academy Visioning Committee: Meeting Notes
September 29, 2010
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Panel of Recent Graduates (continued)
Describe what you mean by self-paced learning and how does that work when you are
in a class of students who may not be motivated?
 Was not a motivated student until experiencing self-paced learning in Program 7.
 More options = more engagement; Self-paced = more motivated.
 There is a large problem with motivation. A student will be motivated if he’s taking a
class he wants to take.
What makes learning interesting?
 More conversational environment; more engaged; direct talk and clear presentations,
without confusion; better understanding of how lessons connect, e.g., how lab
connects to the information learned; interesting assignments such as writing and
producing your own film about material you are studying.
Is there anything else you would like to share with this group?
 Kids want more options and choices; loved extra-curricular activities and
competitions—and being able to travel to competitions; help guide students’ careers;
enjoyed PISD’s course variety; make available courses that are offered, don’t cancel
right before school starts.
IV. Committee Reflection
Committee held table discussions on the following questions:
 What did you hear from the recent graduates that you think might be valuable to
include in the plan for academies in Plano?
 What did you hear that you might not want to consider in our work?
V. Virtual Tour: New Tech Network Schools
Mike Collinsworth, area assistant superintendent for the East Cluster, and Patty Meyer, area
assistant superintendent for the West Cluster, studied New Tech Network schools. Mr.
Collinsworth presented their findings and led a virtual tour of New Tech schools throughout
the country, including local schools in Carrollton and Coppell. More at
www.newtechnetwork.org.
VI. Video Conference
Jim Hirsch, associate superintendent for academic and technology services, and Mr.
Modisette facilitated a video conference with Bob Pearlman, strategy consultant for New
Tech 21st Century High Schools. Mr. Pearlman mentioned that he was following the
committee’s progress and had prepared a presentation based on the committee’s questions
posed on the wiki site about Project Based Learning:
 How does PBL cover the state standards, the TEKS, and all the required content?
 How do you assess student performance? Only presentation based?
 What is needed to train teachers effectively for PBL? Who will provide professional
development?
 How do PBL schools do on state accountability?
Mr. Pearlman also conducted a Q&A session with committee members. Committee questions
included:
 What is the attrition rate of students in PBL schools…how many go back to a
traditional style school?
 What are the costs associated with a New Tech school?
 Are there any students who are not among the target population for a New Tech
school?
 Can PBL be done in a traditional school setting with little or no renovation?
Plano ISD Academy Visioning Committee: Meeting Notes
September 29, 2010
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Video Conference (continued)
In his closing remarks, Mr. Pearlman stated that students love hands-on work. New Tech
schools don’t teach the test, they give students the skills and knowledge and the results show
up on the state test. Mr. Pearlman wished the committee luck and said he’d continue
following their progress.
VII. Culminating Activity
The committee was asked: What is the best/most exciting idea you heard here tonight?
Answers included:
 Students want to be involved in their own education—more than just a spectator.
 Parents may not understand students when they say they want to have a more active
role in their education.
 Professional development for PBL is similar to the AVID model (sustainability over
time).
 From a professional development standpoint, teachers also want to be involved in
their own learning.
VIII. Adjournment
In his closing remarks, Mr. Modisette said that next week the group would reflect on what
they heard from recent graduates, that the virtual tour will focus on career academies in our
area and that the actual work of putting the committee’s recommendation together will begin.
The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
The next committee meeting will be on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, with a light dinner
served from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. and the meeting held from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.