DISCOVERY PHASE

District and school leaders communicated with E3 about the explicit priorities they had for their school. They knew their struggles and were clear about their goal. Together with the E3 team, they conducted a needs assessment to evaluate the systems that supported their goals and targets. District and campus leaders participated in virtual and in-person coaching, focusing on their campus leadership systems, instructional practices, and strategies.

TRANSFORMATION PHASE

In the fall of 2021, the E3 team provided support with professional learning and leadership tools tailored to the staff’s unique circumstances. The leadership team at Benito Martinez, with the support of E3, collaborated on the refinement of their systems to ensure they were aligned to their goals.

During in-person coaching visits, they used the School Leadership Systems Checklist to support the implementation of their plan, evaluate their progress, and develop next steps. Together, they developed a Campus Instructional Playbook focused on researched-based teaching strategies that best supported their students and aligned their walkthrough system to the Playbook.

Their new walkthrough system outlined prescriptive feedback, allowing teachers to understand specific changes to make and how to make them. Through these supports, campus leaders and staff were empowered to create an environment of continuous improvement.

By the second year of system implementation, district and campus leadership fortified an energized team of teacher leaders that strengthened their capacity and ability to create high-quality instruction for their students.

SUSTAINABILITY PHASE

The team at Benito Martinez Elementary continues to collaborate with the E3 team to ensure the systems perform well under unexpected circumstances and fluctuating student needs.

In addition to creating systems that work for this campus, the district began a process to clearly identify their district framework, laying a foundation for years to come. They continue to work on building a community of aligned instructional practices that best serve the unique student population of their district. The alignment of these strategies builds instructional capacity and districtwide understanding of Fort Hancock ISD’s priorities.

Positive Impact

The collaborative work between staff at Benito Martinez Elementary and E3 coaches significantly impacted students' academic development and teacher growth.The collaboration ensured the alignment between instruction and campus goals, which enhanced the impact on student academic success.

Development of leadership systems aligned to effective instruction gave the principal support needed to lead instruction and help teachers create an environment where students are more engaged and motivated learners. Overall, the Benito Martinez community operates in a more supportive and comprehensive learning environment that continues to promote both teacher and student success.

Results

After 2022 STAAR testing, Benito Martinez Elementary earned two distinctions and an improved overall rating of a “B”. They received an “A” for School Progress and a “C” for Closing the Gaps, along with distinctions for Academic Achievement in English/Language Arts/Reading and Top 25%: Comparative Academic Growth.

The improvements created a positive school culture that values collaboration, continuous learning, and student success. Their hard work and collaboration with E3 benefited both teachers and students by promoting a supportive and encouraging learning environment for years to come.