District Innovation Plan

Burleson ISD District of Innovation

Local Guidelines

The BISD District Educational Improvement Council (DEIC) created this District of Innovation Plan (DOIP) based on the Strategic Plan Goals to provide the increased flexibility needed to continue to fulfill the needs of our students and community. Careful consideration was given to the selection of the exemptions contained within this plan. Each exemption was chosen to allow BISD the opportunity to personalize and enhance learning for our students. Please refer to the “Scope of Exemption” on each section of the DOIP to determine if the exemption is intended for the entire district or specific campuses.

The Burleson ISD five year District of Innovation plan allows the district the discretion to be exempted from certain requirements of the Texas Education Code. BISD is a growing community with unique challenges. Giving our district local control of certain decisions will provide lasting positive effects on our students, parents, and community.

First Day of Instruction

TEC §25.0811 states: A school district may not begin student instruction prior to the 4th Monday of August.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Strategy #3 We will equip teachers with resources, training, and time necessary to achieve our strategic objectives.

Current Challenges

This law restricts the district from designing calendars that best meet our students’ needs.

Scope of Exemption

● District flexibility to start school earlier in August

● A more balanced fall and spring semester

● Alignment with college semesters to allow for more opportunities for college summer school

● Create more instructional time before STAAR/EOC/AP exams

Minimum Attendance for Credit

TEC §25.092 states: Except as provided by this section, a student in any grade level from kindergarten through grade 12 may not be given credit or a final grade for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90% of the days the class is offered.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #1 We will design an engaging and challenging curriculum that develops each student’s ability to read, write, think, and defend.

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Current Challenges

This law restricts students from advancing at a more rapid pace than the established curriculum.

Scope of Exemption

● With principal approval, and in unique and extenuating circumstances, this exemption provides the opportunity for students to advance at their own pace once mastery has been achieved without having to complete the mandatory seat time.

Probationary Teacher Contracts

Probationary Teacher Contracts

TEC §21.102(b) states: A probationary contract may not exceed one year for a person who has been employed as a teacher in public education for at least five of the eight years preceding employment with the district.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #1 We will design an engaging and challenging curriculum that develops each student’s ability to read, write, think, and defend.

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Strategy #3 We will equip teachers with resources, training, and time necessary to achieve our strategic objectives.

Strategy #4 We will establish a college-going culture on every BISD campus that intentionally prepares students for future endeavors.

Strategy #5 We will offer educational programs of choice that will nurture students’ unique talents and promote global citizenship.

Current Challenges

This law inhibits the district from having sufficient time to evaluate a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom due to the timing of contracts relative to the schedule of state assessments or CTE course completion.

Scope of Exemption

● Upon exemption, all new contract employees will be subject to the probationary period set forth in TEC §21.102(c) which allows a teacher to remain on a probationary contract up to three (3) years. This will allow more time for the district to fairly and thoroughly assess an employee’s performance.

● Allow the district to foster a growth mindset within new teachers, including those employed from an industry trade and those employed for a specialized curriculum.

Campus Behavior Coordinator

Campus Behavior Coordinator

TEC §37.0012 states: A person must be designated to serve as the campus behavior coordinator who is primarily responsible for maintaining student discipline and implementation of Chapter 37.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #4 We will establish a college-going culture on every BISD campus that intentionally prepares students for future endeavors.

Strategy #5 We will offer educational programs of choice that will nurture students’ unique talents and promote global citizenship.

Current Challenges

This law inhibits the campus administrative team from establishing a culture of responsibility and expectations.

Scope of Exemption

● By eliminating the Campus Behavior Coordinator designation, Burleson ISD leaves the responsibility for management and oversight of campus discipline to the principal while allowing the assistant principals to administer daily discipline activities. This allows campuses to focus on building a culture of responsibility that will assist in preparing our students for the responsibilities and expectations of their future.

Teacher Certification and Appraisal Requirements

Teacher Certification and Appraisal Requirements

TEC §21.003 states: A person may not be employed as a teacher by a school district unless the person holds appropriate certification or permit issued as provided.

TEC §21.352 states: In appraising teachers, each school district shall use: (1) the appraisal process and performance criteria developed by the commissioner; or (2) an appraisal process and performance criteria.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Strategy #5 We will offer educational programs of choice that will nurture students’ unique talents and promote global citizenship.

Current Challenges

This law inhibits the district’s ability to hire professionals as needed.

Scope of Exemption

● The ability to locally certify educators in hard-to-fill positions.

● The ability to hire instructors for specialized offerings, potentially in a part-time position.

● The ability to evaluate and appraise those non-certified teachers in specialized programs using a locally developed evaluative tool.

Staff Development

Staff Development

TEC § 21.451 states: Required annual training for all educators. The staff development provided by a school district to an educator other than a principal must be conducted in accordance with standards developed by the district; and designed to improve education in the district.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #3 We will equip teachers with the resources, training, and time necessary to achieve our strategic objectives.

Current Challenges

Lack of local control to customize training to employee needs.

Scope of Exemption

BISD will develop training commensurate with experience, job responsibilities, and demonstration of mastery knowledge with pre-assessments.

Class Size Management

Class Size Management

TEC § 25.111 states: Each school district must employ a sufficient number of teachers certified under Subchapter B, Chapter 21, to maintain an average ratio of not less than one teacher for each 20 students in average daily attendance.
TEC § 25.112 states: Except as otherwise authorized by this section, a school district may not enroll more than 22 students in a prekindergarten, kindergarten, first, second, third, or fourth grade class.
TEC § 25.113 states: A campus or district that is granted an exception under Section 25.112(d) from class size limits shall provide written notice of the exception to the parent of or person standing in parental relation to each student affected by the exception.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #1 We will design an engaging and challenging curriculum that develops each student’s ability to read, write, think, and defend.

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Current Challenges

Lack of local control to make decisions based on the unique needs of the individual classroom and campus.

Scope of Exemption

Upon exemption, BISD will not file TEA waivers when class sizes in PK-4 move above 22:1.

Minimum Minutes of Instruction

Minimum Minutes of Instruction

TEC §25.081 states: For each school year, each school district must operate so that the district provides at least 75,600 minutes of instruction, including intermissions and recesses.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Strategy #3 We will equip teachers with resources, training, and time necessary to achieve our strategic objectives.

Current Challenges

This law restricts the district from the flexibility necessary to allow for innovative scheduling that meets students’ needs.

Scope of Exemption

● Provide scheduling options for Burleson Collegiate High School and Crossroads High School to allow students to receive instruction and gain credits to meet their unique needs

● Provide opportunities for students to complete coursework necessary for graduation through Optional-Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) without waiver renewal through the Texas Education Agency

Transfer of Students

Transfer of Students

TEC § 25.0344 states: a district, upon request of a peace officer/parent or service member parent, shall transfer the peace officer’s child to another campus of their choosing.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Strategy #5 We will offer educational programs of choice that nurture students’ unique talents and promote global citizenship.

Current Challenges

Given the School of Choice options in BISD, compliance with this law has the potential to require removal of students already accepted into schools of choice or to place these students ahead of students who applied through the lottery system.

Scope of Exemption

BISD will honor these requests to the best of our ability using our current transfer and school of choice lottery process.

Ejection of Individuals from Facilities

Ejection of Individuals from Facilities

TEC § 37.105 states: there are requirements to provide verbal and written warnings in order to eject unruly guests from campuses and school events.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #4 We will establish a college-going culture on every BISD campus that intentionally prepares students for future endeavors.

Strategy #5 We will offer educational programs of choice that nurture students’ unique talents and promote global citizenship.

Current Challenges

Current Challenges

There are instances when individuals’ behavior is so egregious or threatening that it is in the best interest of the district to eject an individual from district property to protect the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the community.

Scope of Exemption

This exemption applies to those circumstances when it would be a danger to the individual or others on district property to follow district’s practices of providing the notices required.

Ability to Suspend Students Below Third Grade

Ability to Suspend Students Below Third Grade

TEC § 37.005 states: a student “who is enrolled in a grade level below grade three may not be placed in out-of-school suspension unless while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property, the student engages in: 1. Conduct that contains the elements of an offense related to weapons under Penal Code 46.02 or 46.05; 2. Conduct that contains the elements of a violence related under Penal Code 22.01, 22.011, 22.02, 22.021; or 3. Selling, giving, or delivering to another person or possessing, using, or being under the influence of any amount of: a. Marijuana or a controlled substance, as defined by Health and Safety Code Chapter 481, or by 21 U.S.C. Section 801 et seq.; b. A dangerous drug, as defined by Health and Safety Code Chapter 483; or c. An alcoholic beverage, as defined by Alcoholic Beverage Code 1.04.

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #2 We will provide students with multiple avenues for specialized instruction and opportunities to advance at their own pace.

Current Challenges

In situations where a student's behavior significantly disrupts the school's functioning, action must be taken to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the educational environment for all students. Some students require specially designed plans and support mechanisms to thrive in their learning environment. Providing a brief period of suspension can afford staff the time to develop appropriate plans and allocate necessary resources, ultimately serving the best interests of the student and the campus.

Scope of Exemption

Granting discretion in assigning limited OSS days allows schools to better address both school and student needs.

Extending Suspension Duration to More Than Three Days

Extending Suspension Duration to More Than Three Days

TEC § 37.005 states: suspensions “may not exceed three school days.”

References to the BISD Strategic Plan

Strategy #5 We will offer educational programs of choice that nurture students’ unique talents and promote global citizenship.

Current Challenges

Broadened Discipline Range: By lifting the three-day suspension cap, campuses gain flexibility in disciplinary actions, avoiding immediate recourse to placement in the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
Tailored Disciplinary Measures: Relief from this regulation permits more nuanced responses to student misconduct. In cases where a three-day in-school suspension (ISS) proves inadequate, but a DAEP placement appears overly severe, extending ISS duration provides a middle ground.
Maintaining Campus Connections: Increased ISS days enable campuses to retain students on-site, fostering continuity in education by keeping them closer to their regular educators and support services.

Scope of Exemption

Current laws limit suspensions to three days, so campus staff encounter limitations in administering disciplinary measures for moderately serious offenses. Exemption from this mandate grants campuses the flexibility to retain students on-site, fostering proximity to their regular teachers during disciplinary actions, rather than defaulting to placement in disciplinary alternative educational programs. This shift towards a more expansive disciplinary toolkit reflects an innovative approach to student discipline, prioritizing individual needs while maintaining a conducive learning environment.

District of Innovation Process

District of Innovation Process

Board of Trustees Vote: March 27, 2017

Begin 5 Year Plan: Aug, 2017

Annually Reviewed

Reviewed and Approved by DEIC for Renewal: March 2022

Board Reviewed for Renewal: July 2022

Reviewed and Approved by DEIC for Amendment: October 2023

Board Reviewed for Amendment: October 2023

Reviewed and Approved by DEIC for Amendment: April 2024

Board Reviewed for Amendment: April 2024

Reviewed and Approved by DEIC for Amendment: December 2024

Board Reviewed for Amendment: December 2024

District of Innovation Process

Resolution: Jan, 2017

Public Hearing: Jan, 2017

Appoint Plan Committee: Jan, 2017 - Feb, 2017

Develop Plan: Jan, 2017 - Feb, 2017

30-Day Plan Notice Intent to Vote: March, 2017

Notification to Commissioner: March 6, 2017