Convocation 2007 Keynote Address

"Thinking in the Future Tense," a book by Jennifer James, was quoted by Superintendent Otto as a challenge to employees to "start with the end in mind" and work backwards in preparing students for the 21st century and its continuing proliferation of high-tech, Internet-saavy students.

'Technology is a Linking Point'

Dr. Otto showed employees a provocative video entitled "Did You Know?," the themes of which are global in nature and apply to schools and children around the world. Stats and facts about current and future use of technology were featured throughout the film. (Find video links here: shifthappens.wikispaces.com.)

"Today's entering kindergarten students, if they work until they are 60 years old, will be in the workforce until the year 2062...That sounds like science fiction," said Dr. Otto. "Kids born today will live most of this century. How will we prepare them?"

We need to be mindful of how kids growing up today and how connected they are to technology. What it means to them to live in a digital world. We need to be mindful of how kids think, how they work and how they communicate.

"Students are digital. That's where we'll connect with them." ~Doug Otto

2007-08 Areas of Focus in Plano ISD

Dr. Otto shared the following focus areas for Plano ISD during the upcoming 2007-08 school year.

2008 Bond Program - A task force will study needs, gain teacher and public input and present to the board of trustees a bond program for a spring, 2008, election that will support the remodeling and building of schools and putting the best technology in the hands of teachers and students.

Five-Year Strategic Plan - The district will undergo an intense, five-year strategic planning process, to "give us the guidance and the portal to walk through to fulfill our mission to provide an excellent education for all students.

AVID Program Expansion - Seven schools will be added this year, for a total of 16 schools, to expand the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program which serves aspiring students middle through senior high school to develop the skills and educational experience to prepare them for college.

Online Master's Degree Program - Plano ISD is working to develop content for a new online master's degree program for interested employees. "We want to be sure that this program helps us and helps you," Dr. Otto said.

Accountability System - At the state and federal level, changes are on the way in how school districts will be held accountable for student achievement. "Plano ISD will prepare an accountability system model to take to the Texas Legislature," explained Dr. Otto. "Our public understands that the new system of accountability must be less 'punative' in nature and that students need to learn more than how to fill out a test bubble sheet."

University Ready Website - "Plano ISD is one of the first school districts to launch a website offering students and parents a 'one-stop shop' for college-readiness," Dr. Otto told his staff. Visit the brand new site at ur.pisd.edu.

More Family Services - The current Department of Student Services will be expanded to include additional family services, including the successful Practical Parent Education program and Even Start programs. Additionally, Dr. Otto said PISD will look at ways that schools can offer extended hours so that we can help students beyond the school day.

Capacity Development - Efforts to enhance PISD's ability to direct efforts to the greatest levels of student achievement will include:

• adding six additional days of professional development for elementary school teachers,
• more planning time for middle school teachers, and
• a period per day for team planning at the high schools.

mypisd.net - This web portal will be available in all schools by the end of the 2007-08 year, allowing students and parents access to the student's educational status and links to resources to help support student achievement.

Dr. Otto's PowerPoint Presentation(235k)

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