Four campuses identified for targeted improvement as district tightens instructional supports

District academic leaders told the board they started campus improvement planning in July and asked principals to select three priority areas aligned to board goals. The chief academic officer listed four targeted improvement campuses: Highlands, High Point, Lake Ridge Elementary and Cedar Hill High School and said those campuses will receive intensive supports.

“The 1st day was about the effective schools,” the chief academic officer said while outlining the two-day data dive used to develop targeted plans. She added that Cedar Hill High School was included because of concerns tied to domain 3 and closing achievement gaps: “We have Cedar Hill High School because of domain 3 closing the achievement gaps. They were part of the lowest 5% in the state.”

Staff described partnerships and supports the district will deploy, including Region 10-led MTSS work, an instructional leadership program, affinity groups by grade level, principal coaching, and new K–5 small-group materials (MCLASS) and secondary math materials aligned to STAR. A set of eight Hattie-aligned instructional strategies — described as the Hattie “Elite 8” — will be emphasized across campuses.

Trustees asked for clearer budgeted dollar amounts to be included in campus workbooks so principals can plan. Staff committed to sharing the updated workbooks and reminded the board that targeted improvement plans will be revisited in October, with a required public hearing for the targeted-improvement campuses scheduled for Oct. 19 before final approval and TEA submission.

Board members asked how monitoring will occur; staff said principals and coordinators will run monthly data meetings and report to the district. The presentation ended with next steps and a pledge to provide the board with the workbooks and targeted plans ahead of the October vote.