Fort Worth ISD News

M.L. Phillips Elementary School

Principal: Christina Nandayapa

Small Groups Making Big Impacts

One of the most effective strategies M.L. Phillips Elementary School Principal Christina Nandayapa used in transforming her campus was small groups. 

She and her staff spent a lot of time analyzing student data and making data-driven decisions. With that data, teachers started identifying where each student needed to be to achieve growth. Specifically, the campus needed to perform better in Domain 3: Closing the Gaps.

By putting the students in small groups and setting specific goals, teachers were able to elevate students to where they needed to be. Teachers knew exactly what scores each student needed, by naming it, they could achieve it.

Everyone worked with the small groups, even the principal and assistant principals. The campus even hired a Title 1 teacher specifically for small groups with a focus on students in second grade preparing for the STAAR test in third grade.

D. McRae Elementary School

Principal: Antoli Sanchez

Looping Up to Get Achievement Up

At D. McRae Elementary School, Principal Antoli Sanchez says teachers are advancing grades with their students. By putting teachers where they feel most comfortable, they can thrive with their students. 

Some teachers have moved up in grades with their students for three years, meaning they could be with them from first grade to third. By staying with their students, the teachers already know their strengths and weaknesses, giving them a head start on closing the gap.

Principal Sanchez is doing what he can to make sure teachers feel informed, supported, and successful. Changes happening at the district and campus level can make teachers unsteady, but his open door policy and transparent communication help put teachers at ease.

Cesar Chavez Elementary School

Principal: Monica Ordaz

Collaborating for Success

Cesar Chavez Elementary School is using teacher collaboration to accelerate success for students. Principal Monica Ordaz said the campus created time and space for teachers to practice true collaboration.

In their collaboration time, teachers talk about their strengths and areas for growth. Principal Ordaz also spent a lot of time building a culture of trust on the campus so teachers feel comfortable asking for help or to move to a different class if needed.

Sometimes, teachers wanted to observe a colleague teach a lesson, sometimes they needed more planning time, others wanted to co-teach with another teacher. Whatever it was that the educator felt they needed, Principal Ordaz made it happen so kids could succeed.