Curriculum Testing

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction supports and oversees the development and implementation of academic and CTE curriculum in grades Pre-K-12. The department works closely with teachers, administrators, and other staff to assure that our students receive the education they need to succeed in all areas of their lives. We are dedicated to providing the best possible academic experience for the students of OCISD and provide them with the tools needed to enjoy a successful future. The key component to our district-wide efforts to consistently improve the education for all of our students is the absolute necessity for our teachers to have and use a “guaranteed and viable curriculum."

Ore City ISD currently uses Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for Reading/Language Arts in Grades K-2 and Mathematics in Grades 6-8/Algebra I with plans to expand into other areas/grades each year. High School Mathematics curriculum is Agile Minds, another TEA HQIM-designated program. The TEKS Resource System (TRS), which is a systematic K-12 curriculum model, designed, maintained and continuously developed by various Education Service Center personnel along with district educators throughout Texas is available for other areas of curriculum. The Vertical Alignment Documents (VAD), Year at a Glance (YAG), TEKS Verification Documents, and Instructional Focus Documents (IFD) comprise most of the Ore City ISD curriculum documents. These documents provide a consistent scope and sequence for instructional delivery and are the foundation for all instructional planning.

The curriculum itself is non-negotiable since we are legally bound as educators to implement the state standards. However, the actual journey the teachers plan with their students may look quite different in that it will be responsive to differing student interests, abilities, and teachers’ creativity.

TIA -- Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment

State Assessment and STAAR Testing

T-TESS Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System

New Teacher Mentoring Program

Program Overview and Purpose

The Ore City Independent School District is committed to providing new-to-the- profession teachers and teachers making a significant change in assignment support through individualized and small-group mentoring during their first years at OCISD. The goal is to provide concentrated training, resources, and feedback using small group meetings and one-on-one mentoring to build relationships, enhance specific instructional skill sets, and provide knowledge to successfully impact student and teacher growth.

According to a report published by The Cicero Group in 2019, “the evidence-based impact of teachers is called the “teacher effect.” Repeated studies have demonstrated that a high-quality teacher can measurably improve student learning more than any other variable within the purview of a school. In fact, research shows that a high-quality teacher can elevate student learning by two and even three grade levels in one year. Effective teaching, therefore, must be a central feature of any state-guided strategic plan to help students master 21st-century knowledge and skills and obtain a post-high school credential.”

Additionally, research from Sandra Craft of ThinkImpact reported in March, 2024 that over 30% of new teachers will leave the profession within the first 5 years. By providing a strong campus-based mentoring program, OCISD can continue to support student outcomes and the success of the individual educator and the profession itself. The purpose is to implement a support system for beginning teachers and provide structured supports to increase classroom effectiveness and teacher retention through professional development, peer coaching, and multi-level administrative support.

Program Goals

Provide New to Profession teachers with a one-on-one, campus-based mentor and needs-based professional development.
Foster an effective transition into the teaching profession for beginning teachers.
Provide New Hires with a campus contact for a direct line of support.
Assure awareness of OCISD expectations and professional practices.
Assist teachers in attaining high and rigorous teaching standards.
Provide tools and training for teachers to understand, utilize, and access district curriculum frameworks.
Construct and foster effective classroom management practices.

TEA Reports and Certifications

TEA Accountability Reports

Substitute Teacher Program

Substitute Training

Ore City Sub Orientation 2025-26

Attachments:

About Mrs. Mc

Amy McFatridge joined the staff of Ore City ISD in July of 2023. She served one year as the Assistant Principal at OCHS and moved to the Curriculum Department in 2024. She is a graduate of Blackwell High School in Blackwell, Texas. She then attended college in Abilene, earning a Bachelors Degree in Education, specializing in English and Psychology from McMurry University in 1994. After over 25 years as a classroom teacher, she earned her Masters of Education, with Curriculum and Instruction focus from Texas A&M University, Commerce in 2021. Her favorite part of being an educator is helping people grow to their potential and the first day of school.

Amy and her husband, Aaron, live in Longview and have two grown children, Matthew and David. In her free time, Amy enjoys baking, reading, writing, boating, and time with her loved ones.