Temple ISD to create 'academies' at elementary schools
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Parents turned out to a meeting at Temple School District Wednesday night to see how their children's classes might be changing.
School officials said there are making changes to improve their students potential for careers later in life, and they want to start as early as kindergarten.
"We want to introduce them to 21st century skills that employers are looking for, colleges are looking for, out of our students that are graduating Temple High School," said Assistant Superintendent Bobby Ott.
Administrators plan to do that by establishing learning academies in three different elementary schools.
Hector P. Garcia Elementary will become a dual-language academy with more Spanish-speaking courses.
Principal Susan Reily has already noticed a trend at her school
"I see our students currently on our campus who came from a native Spanish home and are learning the English as well,” Reily said. “And they're still in 5th grade, able to communicate in both languages, and so we want to give all of our students on our campus the same opportunity."
Kennedy-Powell Elementary, on the other hand, will add a technology focus to the curriculum.
"The way kids learn has changed,” said Principal Christine Parks. “Technology has really forced that, and now we can really help kids and really teach them the way they learn best."
Finally, Scott Elementary students will focus on becoming concept thinkers, learning the fine arts and German along the way.
"These academies will give our students a clear competitive advantage, not only academically but in the workforce," Ott said.