Education Outreach

I am, Michael J. Gras, M.Ed., the IT guy at White Oak Independent School District.  I plan to keep this blog to do some tracking of events in the development of an outdoor education program.  The intention is to do vertical alignment, Pre-k through 12.  The project got its start through three disconnected events that came together at an appropriate time.  White Oak ISD is a member of the SUPERNet consortium. The consortium through hard work, dedicated members and a bit of luck has built a wide area network worth millions.  We had the great benefit of securing the support of our local representatives and became part of a visionary plan provided by the University of Texas and their network consortium NETnet.   A lot of things fell together (and a lot of things were pushed by numerous experts) and SUPERNet currently teaches several online high school courses, numerous K-8 enrichment lessons, and provides access to a wealth of college courses for our students.  You would think this would be enough but SUPERNet is now reaching outside of the network and providing courses to non-member East Texas schools.  The leadership role provided by SUPERNet is nothing short of unbelievable. The creation of this network was event one.

Texas independent school districts (ISDs) have, as many school districts do, a lot of unfunded mandates and many of these mandates require expensive technologies.  Out of the blue, at least from where I stand, the Texas Education ‘Agency (TEA) created a well funded program to increase interest in careers in math and science.  This program is open to dual-use equipment and is most welcome.  Event two.

According to my understanding, a group of hunters and fishermen met regularly to swap adventure stories and share information on their craft.  In time, they felt a need to serve a broader/higher purpose.  This group of civic-minded individuals worked closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife and formed a foundation.  (TP&W is itself an incredible organization for which, after a hurricane Katrina adventure, I have immeasurable respect.).  Their foundation, the East Texas Woods and Water Foundation. seeing many needs, developed the resources needed to begin meeting some of those needs.  Event Three.

I guess this could be event four but I’ll let that go.  I happen to be a long time friend of Dave R. who must be the youngest guy in ETWWF.  Dave and I camp regularly together with our families and we decided that I should visit one of the meetings and talk to the group about the needs of my district in the area of outdoor education.  Before going I toured the nature center they are helping build on a TP&W research facility located not far from my district.  I also attended two of the TP&W lectures at the center and saw an immediate connection to the science and math program desired by TEA.  I approached SUPERNet and then the ETWWF with a program I thought would be advantages to all.  It took less than a month for my program to be ground up and spit out by powers-that-be.  Powers that do share similar goals.  But don’t despair because out of that errort an even better program emerged.  A program owned by the teachers that touch the students.  It has been a whirlwind for me but what a beginning we have.  The list of contributors to our new adventure is long and I will not mention them all at once.  But, I invite you to follow this link and this one as well to follow our adventure in learning from its very start. You will meet some great people there.   .
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