Testing changes coming for all Texas high schools

Despite struggling with cutbacks and financial challenges, the Grapevine-Colleyville and Carroll school districts pushed ahead in 2013 on educational initiatives and student achievement.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD administrators implemented parts of the district's LEAD 2021 strategic plan while Carroll won the University Interscholastic League's 5A Lone Star Cup again, added School Resource Officers and had a record number of National Merit Scholars.

The Lone Star Cup is awarded each year to five high schools, one in each classification.

GCISD Superintendent Robin Ryan mentioned opening of the district's first virtual school and new college and career readiness initiatives as highlights of 2013.

Moving into 2014, all Texas school districts will have to implement legislation approved last year that provides for less high school testing and more flexible graduation requirements.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD

The district launched iUniversity Prep in 2013, a state-accredited school that combines online and face-to-face instruction. It is open to students across the state.

GCISD also opened its Technology Education & Career Center at Grapevine High School, which offers programs in automotive technology, health careers, culinary arts and journalism.

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD schools ramped up security with a new visitor check-in system in 2013.

A major initiative ahead is the opening of Early College High School in partnership with Tarrant County College, beginning in the 2014–15 school year. GCISD students will have the option to earn an associate's degree, with as many as 60 college credits, at the same time they receive their high school diplomas.

Carroll ISD

Among the major changes in Carroll in 2013 was the launch of Operation SAFEdragon to increase security. The program included hiring School Resource Officers at all schools through funding from the city of Southlake, issuing ID key cards to high school students, safety training for staff, surveillance cameras on high school shuttle buses and an anti-bullying initiative targeting fifth- to 12th graders.

The district enrolled about 50 new students by opening its boundaries to Southlake residents who do not live in Carroll ISD.

Academic accomplishments include recording 14 National Merit Semifinalists, 14 National Hispanic Semifinalists and 40 Commended Students based on standardized test scores.

Officials are hoping for a "three-peat" in the Lone Star Cup competition among 5A high schools in Texas.

Changes are ahead in UIL competition for both districts as Carroll and Colleyville Heritage high schools step up to the new, large-school 6A level and Grapevine High stays in 5A based on lower enrollment.

A realignment will be put into place in 2014.