Programs & Services

In addition to our core services, CISDR offers a variety of initiatives and programs designed to address academic areas and subject matter of particular concern to our students.

Angel Tree

The CISDR Angel Tree Program is a seasonal initiative designed to raise funds and collect toys and gifts to ensure that more than 1,500 of the neediest children in the schools served by CISDR are not left without basics such as food, warm clothing, health and hygiene products, or gifts to open for the holidays.

Bright Kids Literacy Programs

This phonics-based program addresses the literacy needs of at-risk students in first through third grades. Students in the Bright Kids Reading Literacy Program a paired with a volunteer tutor and meet one hour per week to strengthen their reading skills by focusing on letter and sound identification, writing skills and reading comprehension. The program also serves to increase parental involvement in their child's academic success by encouraging participation in school events and by providing regular progress reports.

Building Bridges

The Building Bridges to College and Career program is based on the successful CIS National Performance Learning Centers (PLC) curricula “Charting for Success” and provides a streamlined, comprehensive curriculum of college and career access information for at-risk, as well as creating a college-going culture focused on life and education beyond high school. The Building Bridges Program engages both parents and students in the planning and preparation for post-secondary education and/or training. Through the “Charting for Success” curriculum's activities and events, the key steps for future academic and career success are addressed: academic preparation, college/career exploration, college financing, and financial literacy.

ExxonMobil GEMS (Girls Exploring Math and Science)

GEMS is a math, science and technology program offering unique classroom and experiential learning opportunities to strengthen girls’ interest and skills in these academic areas. Open to economically disadvantaged students in elementary and middle school, GEMS fosters increased confidence levels and enthusiasm for the subject matter, while introducing participants to programs of study and careers that require skills in these areas.

Leading Ladies Program

The Leading Ladies Program is a bullying prevention program developed specifically for girls. This program helps targets of bullying behavior appreciate and tap into their own inner-strengths and learn how to avoid being the target of bullies. The activities are tools that encourage kindness, empathy and acceptance. Featured methods to combat bullying include: changing negative thought patterns, erasing painful memories, looking for good in ourselves and others, seeing life like a bully and creating a personalized journal.

Math Can Take You Places

This program helps students in grades 4-6 build a solid foundation of algebra readiness skills. The materials target five key focus areas identified using data analysis of standardized test scores: equivalency, measurement, patterns, problem solving, and reasonableness. Students are actively engaged in exploring mathematics as they zoom through the cosmos with their travel guide – Rocket Kid. Students explore the importance of mathematics in real life by watching the Math Can Take You Places student video series, which investigates a variety of professions. Math Can Take You Places curriculum was developed by KERA and Travelocity, originally introduced in four (4) Texas ISDs and evaluated by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Math Can Take You Places helps to better prepare Dallas region students for high school algebra and higher-level math.

Mobile Services

The Mobile Services Team works in tandem with campus staff to deliver targeted information in the areas of health and wellness, gang prevention and life skills. Programs are conducted in small-group settings at CISDR partner schools.