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District staff outline college-prep, career-pathway and differentiated-instruction work under strategic plan
Summary
District staff updated the Lawton Public Schools board on Goal Area 1 (student achievement), describing expanded college-preparation offerings, career pathways, ACT prep, dual-enrollment and professional development for differentiated instruction.
District staff delivered an update on Goal Area 1—student achievement—at a Lawton Public Schools Board of Education meeting, outlining college-preparation efforts, expanded postsecondary options and districtwide instructional supports.
The presentation, which the staff member said grows from the district strategic plan adopted three years earlier, summarized four objectives under Goal Area 1: increasing life-ready skills, college preparation, postsecondary opportunities and authentic instruction. The presenter described work across counseling, curriculum and community partnerships intended to move students toward career and college pathways.
Staff said the district has expanded dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement opportunities and offers multiple ACT-preparation options, including in-school and after-school sessions. The presenter noted a new ACT prep seminar to be led by Chad Cargill at all three high schools on staggered dates. Staff also described internships, job-shadowing and work-based learning coordinated by Adam McPhail, and visits to colleges for middle- and high-school students as part of a K20 grant-supported program.
The district is introducing defined career pathways to guide course selection—so a student who chooses a pre-med pathway, for example, will be able to see the sequence of courses required. Staff said grade-level cohort teams and counselors will advise students on pathway choices during enrollment.
On instruction, the presentation credited Tony Jones, director of secondary curriculum, with leading teacher training and the development of curriculum guides and benchmark assessments. Staff said the district is emphasizing differentiated instruction and inclusive strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities, English learners and gifted students, and is offering research-based professional development and Region 9 training for teachers.
Staff also described districtwide activities that connect students across grade levels: middle- and high-school students visit elementary schools and pre-K programs; the Life Ready Center serves juniors from all high schools; and school leadership meetings now include juniors and seniors to gather student input. The presenter said committees of site-level staff and community members helped develop the presentation and invited public participation in future committee meetings.
Board members asked several logistical questions during the discussion, including how community members participate on subcommittees; staff responded that community representatives are invited to meetings but attendance varies due to other obligations. The presentation closed with a reminder of multiple upcoming events the district named, including a Life Ready career fair for juniors and district career fairs and FAFSA nights for students and families.
The board took no formal action on the report; it was presented as an informational update.
