Kathy Behrendsen

This document outlines the course sequencing for grades 5 through 8 across RLA, Math, Science, and Social Studies subjects for the 2026-2027 academic year. It details distinct academic pathways, including on-grade level, honors, and STEM tracks, specifying the curriculum (TEKS), learning resources, assessment methods (e.g., STAAR, College Board Assessments, DISD Assessments), and additional programmatic components such as interdisciplinary units, project-based learning, and labs.

Key discussions and recognitions during the meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance led by students from Barber Middle School. The Board recognized Susan Wilcox as a Super Gator honoree for her decades of service. Students from Dunbar Middle School and Dickinson High School were recognized as H-E-B Excellence in Education Ambassadors. Reports presented included the January 2026 Tax Report, the 2024-2025 Annual Report & Public Hearing (which noted the district maintained a "B -- Above Standard Achievement" TAPR rating), a Mid-Year MAP & mClass Data Presentation, the 2026-2027 Instructional Materials Certification, and the Auditor Engagement for 2025-2026. The meeting also celebrated the achievements of the McAdams Junior High, Kranz Junior High, and Dickinson Junior High One Act Play teams. Recognition was also given to the Girls Varsity and Boys Varsity Basketball teams for their season performance and UIL honors.

Dickinson Independent School District's strategic direction is centered on cultivating excellence and empowering learners. Key priorities for 2025-26 include providing effective teaching and learning experiences for continuous student success, ensuring a physically and emotionally safe, healthy, and equitable environment, prioritizing family and community partnerships, recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse and effective staff, and providing operational services to support student learning. The overarching vision is to produce confident, collaborative, goal-driven learners who become empowered citizens in a global society, achieving academic excellence and making meaningful contributions.

This document outlines two distinct math acceleration pathways for students in grades 6-8. The first pathway, 'Course Compacting (Honors Math),' enables students to complete Algebra I in 8th grade, focusing on a faster-paced curriculum for those with strong math skills. The second pathway, 'Credit by Exam (Math),' allows academically ready 5th-grade students to skip 6th-grade math and potentially take Geometry in 8th grade. Both pathways detail specific courses, standards, curriculum, and assessments, emphasizing high school credit opportunities and the importance of consistent performance for advanced academic progression.

The meeting included recognition of Dr. William H. King III for over three decades of service to Dickinson ISD, honoring the district's Gold Medalists and Best of Show winners from the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program. The Board also recognized members of the Facility Services Team as Winter Weather Heroes for their professionalism in preparing campuses for severe winter weather. Reports and presentations covered the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Audit, Student Attendance Report for the 3rd Six Weeks, the Monthly Tax Collection Report for December 2025, and the 2024-2025 Annual Report. Furthermore, Dickinson ISD was honored as a 2026 Career and Technical Education District of Distinction.