Katy ISD Superintendent Dr. Lance Hindt’s first year has proven itself full of progress and innovations. One of the newest projects he has put together, which is already in full swing, is the Educational Summit, a community gathering where people’s voices are taken into account as part of a bigger process called the Strategic Design.
“Summits provide opportunities for the community to voice what our students should be able to know and do when they graduate. We need community input to inform the Strategic Design,” said Dr. Hindt.
Educational Summits are open to all individuals from the community. Usually held at various locations throughout the district, community members have the opportunity to be informed about the steps taken as the Strategic Design moves forward, while sharing their highest hopes and aspirations for their children’s futures. The final gathering took place on Thurs. March 30 at the Educational Support Complex from 11 a.m to 1 p.m and at Cinco Ranch High School from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.
“The interactive process allows for all attendees to provide input. Everyone has a voice through discussion and comment cards. Student panels, comprised of students in grades 9-12 representing each high school in the District, provide for insight into what students think their learning should be like,” said Dr. Hindt.
The goal of the Educational Summit is to offer better opportunities for students to prepare themselves as they enter the real world. Whether the input leads to more variety in classes offered at the high schools, or a complete change in the system’s approach towards education, one promise is assured: to build a community of skilled students who can take on leadership roles.
“We want to make sure our students are prepared to succeed as they move on to college, technical schools and the workforce. The goal is to gather broad input and create actionable steps for the District to prepare students to thrive beyond high school,” said Dr. Hindt.
*this story is in collaboration with Drew’s story, which covers the actual gathering that took place on March 30th. It will be a two part story.
