Academics

The curriculum and instruction utilized by Lamar Elementary is aligned with NBISD's Scope and Sequences which is driven by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).  A focus on developing Future Ready Learners has continued to be a goal for our students, and can be observed through our focus on integrating technology and developing instructional opportunities that focus on student lead instruction, problem solving skills and cooperative learning.  

In order to ensure our students are meeting these goals, a strong focus is placed on curriculum planning and instruction development.  

Our teachers will be provided a 100-minute planning period monthly that allows them to collaborate with one another, receive support from our District and campus Instructional Coaches, and spend time breaking down individual student data.  In addition, this time allows for our teachers to better develop our lessons.

Focusing on overall student progress is how Lamar Elementary gauges its overall success.  All of our programs and supports are designed to add value to the student over the span of each school year, regardless of their academic abilities.  LE utilizes a set daily schedule that includes "Unicorn Time" where students are able to receive intervention, academic support or positive differentiation without losing out on instructional time.  This allows for teachers to address the specific needs of all of our students.

Students are assessed using the following tools:

• State and federally required assessment information
• STAAR current and longitudinal results, including all versions
• STAAR released test questions
• Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) and TELPAS Alternate results Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI), Tejas LEE, or other alternate early reading assessment results Student failure and/or retention rates
• Local diagnostic reading assessment data
• Local benchmark or common assessments data
• Running records results
• Texas approved PreK - 2nd grade assessment data
• Other PreK - 2nd grade assessment data

Regular Response to Intervention Team (RTI) meetings will also be held to allow for the campus leadership team to focus on our At-Risk student population and better develop plans and supports for those students and teachers.  This team is comprised of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, Campus Instructional Coaches/Interventionists and grade level teachers.  Data derived from teacher developed assessments,guided reading instruction, student MAPs performance, and prior student performances (as well as additional materials) are all taken into account during these meetings.

Teachers implement iPads through the use of the Learning Management System (LMS).  All students access the LMS on their iPads and are able to submit assignments and complete assessments through these systems.  Through the use of the LMS and supplemental apps, teachers are able to see students' learning in real time and provide timely feedback.  iPads are also used as a vehicle to enhance and extend students' learning.  The ultimate goal of this technology integration is to promote College and Career Readiness through "real world" skills and interactions.