zoo with animals from local ranchers. With 20-25 providers participating annually, the fair exemplifies Abilene’s commitment to removing barriers and building connections from a child’s earliest years. TECHNOLOGY AND STEM INTEGRATION AUSD takes a thoughtful approach to technology, balancing digital tools with developmental needs. While a one-to-one iPad district, administrators have made a conscious decision to limit screen time for younger students. “For those earliest learners from preschool through first grade, we are going to step away from having that screen time and having those devices in their hands during the school day,” explains Sprinkle. This shift reflects recent research about fostering better self-regulation in early learners. For older students, technology serves as a springboard for innovation. The district’s “We Build It Better” program, a pre-engineering curriculum for middle schoolers, completed its successful first year. “Our school board is very supportive of being progressive with our thinking and helping kids prepare for the future,” notes Brown. The district has also expanded its media production pathway, giving students real-world experience in graphic design and broadcasting. “It’s pretty impressive, some of the work that’s being done throughout our district, really, six through twelve,” Brown says, describing how students now produce content for school events. A recent staffing change created new opportunities, with Sprinkle noting,“we wanted to just go a slightly different direction, have opportunities for traditional art classes, but then also start building in that graphic design component into the middle school setting.” These programs don’t just teach technical skills, they cultivate the problem-solving abilities students need in an evolving digital landscape. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AUSD offers students 13 distinct CTE pathways that blend classroom learning with real-world application, recognized at graduation with special cover cords for program completers. From Future Farmers of programs, and special education services through OCCK. The collaborative approach ensures families can access the right resources at the right time. One of the coalition’s most impactful events is the annual Early Education Fair, which transforms school engagement into a community celebration. “We host an early education fair that brings in all those providers across the county,” Sprinkle notes. The event connects families with essential services like dental care and health screenings while making learning fun, with the most recent featuring a petting 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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