In Lake Worth ISD, students are rising to meet high expectations for their college and career readiness through record participation in Advanced Academics and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The district’s intentional efforts to expand course offerings have paid off, sparking what LWISD’s Director of Advanced Academics and CCMR, Michael Mundt, calls an “on fire” level of student engagement.
After 30 years as an Advanced Placement teacher and Coordinator of Advanced Academics in other districts, Mundt came to LWISD two years ago to serve in his current Director role. “In my first year, we had 12 kids in Advanced Placement [AP] courses,” he shared. “This year, we have 177 kids taking AP. And by the way, we've also increased the number of kids who are taking OnRamps [a dual enrollment program with the University of Texas at Austin], and we have tripled the number of kids who are taking dual credit courses.”
Mundt credits this growth to LWISD’s commitment to meeting kids where they are, supporting them to aim higher, and monitoring progress. “You have to offer high-end math courses, and you have to encourage kids to take them,” explained Mundt. “Then, you have to provide support for kids.”
Data from 2024 STAAR exams indicate their approach is working: five percent more LWISD students met Algebra 1 grade level standards over the prior year.[i]
“Our kids are responding to what we're asking them to do,” said Mundt. “All kids are welcome in all programs. [I tell them,] ‘If you want to do the work, I want you. I want you in our AP class. I want you in dual credit. We’ll find a spot for you.’”
For many students, their favorite spot is within CTE. Mundt estimates that 99 percent of middle school students and 97 percent of high school students in the district are engaged in CTE through what LWISD calls the “Triangle of Success:” CTE courses, Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), and taking industry-based certification exams. [ii]
Students begin developing their Personal Graduation Plans (PGPs) and take a General Employability Skills course in seventh grade. In eighth grade, students take a Professional Communications course, and under counselor advisement, many take an introductory principles course within a CTE program of study.
In high school, students participate in CTSOs like Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Business Professionals of America, proceed through their chosen CTE programs of study, and take IBC exams paid for by the district for students who meet testing requirements.
“We had 51 percent of our students in our class of 2023 earn an IBC,” said Mundt proudly.
Currently, agriculture and culinary arts are the most popular CTE programs of study in LWISD. “I have about one in every nine kids in our [applied agricultural] engineering program,” said Mundt. “We're very proud of that. We're very involved.”
LWISD recognizes its students’ achievements, from academic success to going to national CTE competitions and everything in between. “We make sure we're putting them on social media. We're making sure that it's being announced,” said Mundt.
“Put kids in winning situations and then celebrate those wins. Whether it’s a small win or a big win, you do it,” Mundt declared. By doing so, it not only encourages the students being recognized, it motivates other students, according to Mundt. “When dealing with kids, you put them in those positive situations and word of mouth gets out.”
Likewise, LWISD is getting the word out to current and potential partners on the positive returns to investing in Lake Worth students. Consider that year-over-year post-secondary completion rates in Lake Worth ISD have increased by nine percent.[iii]
The district partners with post-secondary institutions, including Tarleton State University, Tarrant County College, the University of Texas at Austin, and others to offer students access to dual credit and dual enrollment programs, and seeks more partnerships with companies that can contribute CTE practicum experiences. The key criterion is a mindset of what can we do for students? “That attitude permeates with the leadership that works in this space,” said Mundt. “That's what I like about Rev and some other organizations who are trying to provide opportunities for students.”
If your company or organization is also looking to help students, Mundt encourages you to reach out. “Whoever wants to partner with us, we're going to make it work for students.”
Sources:
[i] Source: TEA, STAAR Aggregate Report, Report Years 2022-2024.
[ii] Source: https://www.lwisd.org/departments1/teaching-learning/career-and-technical-education
[iii] Source: Texas Performance Reports System (TPRS) 23-24 https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/texas-performance-reporting-system
Related Posts
