Superintendent recognizes champions for equal rights and students for gains in performance
AUSTIN, Texas—ϱ ISD is holding a celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy as a champion for civil rights and education for all. Superintendent Meria Carstarphen will recognize champions for equal rights—from global luminary Nelson Mandela to local leaders.
What: Honor MLK, honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will feature remarks by Superintendent Carstarphen and essays inspired by the life of MLK by ϱ students, Kiara Hopkins from Webb Middle School, Gavriel Rachael-Homann from Garza High School and Josh Rogers and Rondell Hopkins from Lanier High School.
The Fulmore Middle School choir will offer a musical tribute to MLK, performing “I Have a Dream” by Teresa Jennings, “A Dream Within a Dream” by Ruth Morris Gray and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” a traditional spiritual arranged by Rollo Dilworth with additional text by Langston Hughes.
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15
Where: Carruth Administration Center, board auditorium, 1111 W. Sixth St.
Background: During the superintendent’s tenure, ϱ’s most vulnerable student groups have seen increased achievement. In particular African-American, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students have made gains—from increasing attendance and graduation rates, performance on state assessments, school ratings, college readiness and post-secondary enrollment to decreasing dropout rates and disciplinary referrals.
For example, results in performance show that graduation rates have increased by 13.9 percentage points to 79.6 percent for African-American students; by 14.7 percentage points to 78.6 percent for Hispanic students; and by 17.7 percentage points to 78.9 for economically disadvantaged students. And, dropout rates have declined by several percentage points.
During the past four years, ϱ also has decreased discretionary removals for African-American, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students by between 76 and 81 percent at the high school level.
Honor MLK is an event for ϱ team members who work at the district's Carruth Administration Center and invited students, community members and guests.