Our Academics & Programs
HISD schools offer a strong academic foundation through high-quality instruction and programs tailored to student needs. In this section, you can learn about our instructional model and core academic offerings. Our goal is to prepare every student for success in school and beyond.
High-Quality Instruction
Even though our campus is not NES (New Education System) we offer High Quality Instruction to all our students. High-quality instruction is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy at HISD and MC at HCC Fraga. Teachers are expected to actively engage students, stimulate high-order thinking, and strictly adhere to the official standards of their respective subjects. Instruction should be delivered consistently from bell to bell, maximizing classroom time to enhance student learning outcomes and fostering a productive learning environment.
To ensure the highest instructional standards, teachers are encouraged to utilize the "backward design" approach, starting with the end goals outlined in the SPOT observation form and the T-TESS evaluation framework. Special emphasis should be placed on Student Engagement, Instruction Delivery, and Learning Environment, with a clear understanding that student-led activities are generally more beneficial than teacher-led activities. By aligning teaching practices with these evaluation tools, educators can effectively engage students, foster a rigorous learning environment, and achieve exemplary teaching evaluations.
Our commitment to high-quality instruction is aimed at creating an enriching and dynamic educational experience that not only meets the diverse needs of our student body but also prepares them for future academic and personal success. By striving for excellence in teaching, we aspire to inspire and empower our students to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners.
At MC at HCC Fraga, we believe in fostering a productive and engaging learning environment for all students. To ensure the highest standards of education, we have established the following classroom expectations:
- Clear Learning Objectives (LO) and Demonstration of Learning (DOL):
- Each class will have a clearly stated Learning Objective (LO), Demonstration of Learning (DOL) for the day and Life Connection.
- These objectives must be displayed prominently in the classroom and explained to ensure students understand the goals of the lesson.
- Alignment with Official Objectives:
- Class content must align with the official objectives and standards for the course.
- Lessons should be well-planned to meet these objectives effectively.
- Continuous Checking for Understanding:
- Teachers are expected to continuously check for understanding throughout the lesson.
- Formative assessments, questioning, and feedback should be utilized to gauge student comprehension and guide instruction.
- Connection to Personal Lives and Critical Thinking:
- Students should be encouraged to connect the lesson content to their personal experiences.
- Understanding the importance of the lesson in real-life contexts is crucial.
- Critical thinking should be fostered, prompting students to analyze, evaluate, and create based on the information learned.
Teachers at Middle College at HCC Fraga will perform at a high level in each of the following domains. Refer to the spot form included in this Playbook on page 13.
PLANNING
Our teachers will ensure that students have a clear lesson objective, making it easy for them to understand what they are working towards. They will deliver lessons, materials, and activities that align perfectly with these objectives and state standards, ensuring that everything is coherent and purposeful. Through engaging questions, our teachers will challenge students to think critically and solve problems, promoting higher-order thinking skills.
ENGAGE & DELIVER
Our teachers will provide instruction that is both challenging and accessible, ensuring it is on or above grade level while maximizing understanding. They will offer multiple opportunities for students to practice skills directly tied to the lesson objectives. By pacing lessons effectively, all students will remain actively engaged in learning. Our teachers will encourage productive struggle by involving students in meaningful, real-world content that promotes independent and collaborative learning through various activities. Additionally, they will use visuals, sentence stems, and gestures to support all students, including those from special populations.
MONITOR & ADJUST
Our teachers will keep a close eye on student progress throughout lessons, using student responses to highlight key ideas and make necessary adjustments based on the data collected. They will proactively scaffold instruction and address misunderstandings promptly. By differentiating instruction according to student needs and providing necessary accommodations, our teachers will ensure that every student receives the support they require to succeed.
REINFORCE & REDIRECT
Our teachers will create a positive learning environment by reinforcing good behavior and managing misbehavior discreetly, ensuring that lesson flow is not disrupted. This approach helps maintain a smooth and focused classroom atmosphere.
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Our teachers will foster a classroom environment that is inviting, safe, and respectful, promoting positive interactions and supporting student learning. They will implement efficient transitions and routines that keep the classroom organized and maximize instructional time. By reinforcing positive behaviors and managing misbehavior effectively, our teachers will maintain a conducive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Communication with Parents and Students
All communication with parents and students must be conducted using Houston ISD phone numbers and email addresses. Personal phone numbers or email accounts should not be used for school-related communication in order to protect your privacy and maintain clear professional boundaries.
Starting this school year, we will also be implementing ParentSquare as a new communication platform. More details and training will be provided to ensure consistent and effective use across the campus.