expansion, supported by a Texas Workforce Commission grant that funded state-of-the-art equipment. Tittle describes visiting Texas State Technical College. “What we got to see is very similar to what we have in our own lab where David Cross has access to the same materials, the same curriculum that they have at that school,” he says. “So, they’re going to be getting those types of certifications and experience at the high school level.” Students complete job shadowing at local hospitals in both Quitman and Sulphur Springs, ensuring classroom instruction aligns with actual workplace environments and equipment they’ll encounter upon employment. TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS Capital investment at Quitman ISD flows primarily toward resources that directly touch students. Over the past several years, the district spent approximately $300,000 to $400,000 outfitting every classroom with smart TVs, upgrading instructional technology to give teachers tools they need for effective teaching. “Most of our dollars go back into what we look at: are they primarily touching students?” Mason explains. “So that’s the salary for teachers, that’s instructional supplies, it’s textbooks and instructional technology.” The high school operates a one-to-one Chromebook program, while junior high and elementary campuses use Chromebook carts that provide access on a more limited basis. This tiered approach acknowledges budget realities while ensuring all students develop digital literacy. “Our high school, our junior high school students, Mr. Tittle, Ms. Park and their staff do a great job of creating 21st century skills,” Mason says. For instance,Tittle requires students to write proper emails rather than text-style messages, sending Jeffery Tittle 320 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx