DISCOVERY PHASE

In the discovery phase, leaders engaged with E3 in a collaborative data analysis, a campus needs assessment, and campus improvement plan. The team used this analysis to design professional development content.

Campus leaders were introduced to protocols and processes for analyzing and leveraging data, development of systems for monitoring instructional lesson planning, and action planning that integrated with systemic accountability measures.

Campus leaders participated in face-to-face coaching, focusing on campus systems, evaluation of leadership and instructional practices, and strategies for leading change.

TRANSFORMATION PHASE

During the transformation phase, E3 provided professional development to leadership teams and teachers.

Onsite campus visits were also conducted frequently to help campus leaders refine their performance by monitoring implementation, feedback, and data collection. School leaders created a supportive and purposeful learning environment across every classroom.

An accountability system designed to include a data collection component was developed to monitor implementation. Campus leaders could then stay apprised of professional development needs and give teachers further opportunities to strengthen their skills and grow in their profession throughout the year.

Ultimately, leadership created a campus culture of lifelong learners.

SUSTAINABILITY PHASE

In the sustainability phase, E3 guided campus leaders through an evaluation of systems and planning to strengthen and sustain practices, including planning for the upcoming year and ensuring sustainability through building capacity for leadership with a campus-based team.

Campus leaders created action plans to continue the campus improvement throughout the remainder of the year and for a successful start of the next school year.

Positive Impact

Through collaborative work with E3, the leadership team crafted meaningful statements that served as the foundation for every action item taken. At the beginning of each school year, every teacher committed to the journey. They received professional development on instructional strategies and collectively determined student and staff expectations that reflected their mission and vision.

E3 guided the team through careful alignment of district and campus initiatives to ensure the highest impact on all students.

Throughout each year, the team ensured instruction was reflective of their mission; professional learning was provided at every faculty meeting; teachers had protected planning time twice a week; and they received constructive, focused feedback.

Simon became a pillar of student-centered classrooms, and teachers committed to “doing what’s best for kids.”

They created an environment centered on teacher collaboration that strategically addressed student academic needs and achieved positive educational outcomes for all students. The transformational experience empowered both students and staff alike.

Results

Carrying out comprehensive effective instruction and applying best practices for positive school culture for students and staff, helped Simon Middle School leaders meet and surpass their goals.

Specifically, Simon Middle School:

• Met and exceeded needs of its diverse student population
• Exceeded accountability targets
• Received 6 out of 7 distinctions from Texas Education Agency, including highest in Student Progress
• Distinguished as a Bright Spot in the region by E3 Alliance’s 3D Growth data for the lowest percentages of chronically absent students and achieving high scores in the region and state for math and reading
• Led the district in top attendance
• Won regional attendance awards
• Identified as a 2014 Texas and National School to Watch
• Earned Texas School of Character Award