D Magazine DISD 2008

Wherein we answer six common questions put to us by our neighbors.

The Dallas public schools were rotten. Then a semi-retired civic leader decided enough was enough.

How some business leaders step in to help kids who need hope.

How Texas Instruments tackled a South Dallas school to prove to the nation that education reform can work.

How a former real estate executive came to see that the city’s future lay in its school district.

DISD’s top man, Dr. Michael Hinojosa, has made progress. But now he faces the battle of his life.

A second revolution is reshaping public schools, as charters educate poor kids – and even make schools around them better.

DISD takes radical steps to curb its dropout rate.

To improve in all areas, DISD is grading schools—and handing those report cards to parents.

In 2008, DISD saw its number of schools rated “Exemplary” and “Recognized” more than double, to 103. This followed Dallas students improving their TAKS scores in nearly every grade and subject.

Don’t be scared to put your white kids in diverse schools.

To improve their schools, parents will do anything, from counseling kids to unclogging toilets.

It all starts with the principals. These four provide case studies in how a school can be turned around.

To create and reinforce excellence in the public schools requires plenty of civic help. Case in point: Booker T.