Page 26 - 2025 GPISD Honor Board Application

03 SUPPORT FOR EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN ACCORDANCE

WITH STATE-ESTABLISHED STANDARDS

Instructional Programming
Instructional programming in GPISD is designed to offer a wide variety of academic and
extracurricular opportunities and target delivery to promote success for each student� From a
well-designed Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which targets local workforce
needs, rich course catalog, state championship athletic programs, abundant extracurricular
activities, award-winning fine arts programs, dual credit scholarships, and Advanced
Placement (AP) course offerings, Galena Park ISD students’ options are endless�

Six Out of Eight (6/8) for Teachers
The Board of Trustees also approved providing an extra conference period for secondary
teachers� This costly initiative ensures instructional teams have adequate time to plan together
while still allowing each teacher enough time to plan individually, grade student work, or
attend Special Education meetings� Teachers instruct 75% of the instructional day under this
arrangement� This recommendation did not come without a cost; however, the GPISD Board
values teacher opportunities to plan in an uncompressed space fostering innovation for
addressing complex instructional challenges�

Block Scheduling
Because of their desire for students to have additional academic and enrichment
opportunities, the trustees unanimously supported the decision to implement a block schedule
for high school students� Galena Park ISD students in this 4x4 block schedule can earn four
additional credits during their high school career when compared to a traditional seven-
period schedule, and teachers find it especially beneficial for fine arts, athletics, CTE, and
remedial courses� The Board’s understanding of this advantage exemplifies their commitment
to providing the best opportunities in this community�

The Galena Park ISD Board of Trustees has shown tremendous support for the District’s multi-
tiered dual credit program� In addition to approving the implementation of an Academic,
Technical (CTE), and Modified Early College Academy (MECA) within the instructional
program, the Board’s approval of Academic Advisors and Career and Technical Education
(CTE) Counselors on high school campuses has been invaluable� These individuals assist
students with class registration, financial aid applications, scholarships, tutoring, and navigating
the college process� Additionally, the CTE counselors provide students with academic support
and interventions each Friday when dual credit courses are not in session�

The Board has been instrumental in supporting the Advanced Academics Program by
reducing financial barriers and making it possible for all students to participate in Advanced
Placement exams� Students on free or reduced lunch pay only $12�50 per exam, while those
who are not economically disadvantaged pay $42�50� This subsidy ensures equity for all
students� Additionally, recognizing the need for motivation, the Board rewards students who
earn a score of 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam with a $50 gift card� This not only acknowledges
a student’s hard work but also invests in their future� The support provided by the Board of
Trustees has led to an increase in the number of students participating in the AP Program as
well as the number of students scoring a 3 or higher on AP exams�

Page 26 | Galena Park Independent School District | Building On A Legacy