At the Lakeside Union Elementary School District board meeting, Tierra del Sol Middle School leaders presented the school’s goals for instruction, behavior supports, multilingual learners and career pathways.

Dr. Hartman, the school’s lead presenter, said the school’s academic goal this year is to “increase the use of inclusive teaching practices in our classrooms by 50%,” a measurable target the staff designed to track progress through frequent classroom observations and professional learning communities.

Hartman and staff described three models of special education support planned for next year — full co‑teaching, a teacher with a designated aide, and minimal in‑class supports — and said the school will expand co‑teaching placements to better serve students with disabilities. Hartman also reported fall‑to‑winter MAP assessment growth in sixth and eighth grade reading and modest math gains, including a reported 2% growth in seventh‑grade math and a 3% growth among English learners in seventh grade.

The school’s second major goal is behavioral: implementing a reconstructed Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system, summarized for students with a “GLOW” matrix (Give respect, Lead by example, Own your actions, Work together). The school aims to reduce behavior infractions 30% by June 2025 and to monitor progress through the student information system.

TDS leaders also described supports for multilingual learners: community listening sessions, student empathy interviews, targeted professional development, and a small EL population (fewer than 100 students) that the school’s staff said allows more individualized support.

On career and electives, math and robotics teacher Mr. Nguyen described plans to open college and career readiness labs next year, funded in part by a RISE Church grant and a partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). Proposed electives under consideration included cosmetology/embroidery, home maintenance/HVAC/plumbing, and other hands‑on pathways intended to begin with a small cohort and expand over time. The school reported a robotics team award and recent student projects used to build pathways toward career readiness.

Attendance was another highlight: the school reported progress in lowering chronic absenteeism and said strategies such as Saturday school, academic recovery opportunities and student‑led attendance teams have helped. The school set a 2025 target to reduce overall chronic absenteeism by 20% and by 25% for students in special education.

The board heard the presentation and offered praise; no formal action was required.