McAllen ISD reports academic gains and approves Escandon Elementary improvement plan to address target group gaps

District instructional leaders presented a broad update on academic progress and interventions, and trustees approved Escandon Elementary’s Local Improvement Plan to address an Additional Targeted Support (ATS) designation.

Associate Superintendent Janet Nino emphasized foundational work in kindergarten through second grade and district strategies embedded in master schedules such as a 45‑minute daily Reteach & Enrich block for targeted, prescriptive instruction. "Our focus is tier 1 instruction," Nino said, describing tools like Amplify diagnostics, daily intervention time, and student‑level monitoring.

Presenters highlighted middle school and high school interventions: targeted 'power groups' at middle schools, expanded tutoring and Saturday programs, CTE‑embedded practice TSI exams and efforts to increase TSI completion as part of CCMR goals. District staff noted gains on recent benchmarks; examples included improved eighth‑grade benchmark performance and progress toward CCMR targets that contributed to the district’s overall A rating.

Escandon Elementary’s local improvement plan (required under TEA rules for schools designated for Additional Targeted Support) was presented by district staff. The plan prioritizes strengthening Tier 1 instruction, daily 45‑minute intervention blocks, data‑driven PLCs, weekly walkthroughs and monthly leadership progress checks. District targets include a 10% increase in third‑grade reading 'meets' (from 45% to 55%) and growth measures in math and science. Trustees voted to approve Escandon’s plan (motion passed 6–0).

Administration said the plan will be monitored through required documentation (lesson plans, PLC agendas, intervention logs) and ongoing district‑campus collaboration with the accountability department.