Good Reason Houston convened representatives from philanthropic partner organizations – The Powell Foundation and The Brown Foundation, Inc. – to visit four Aldine ISD schools that are exemplary campuses leading the way in innovation. The visit included introductions and school overviews with principals, classroom visits with the chance to engage with students, and Q&A sessions.
Each campus showcased unique models for delivering education to students:
Impact Leadership Academy
The Impact Leadership Academy is Aldine ISD’s first all-boys school. Principal Jonathan Kegler provided an overview of the school and its success in empowering boys to develop their leadership skills.
Ermel Elementary
Ermel Elementary implements the Additional Days School Year model, with 210 days of school each year instead of the standard 180. Principal Erik Torres (himself a proud graduate of Ermel Elementary!) led the visit and introduced a fifth-grade student ambassador named Emma. The visit included classroom visits and an engaging Q&A session.
Goodman Elementary
Goodman Elementary is an Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model school. Principal LaDon Ward discussed the success of the ACE model and how it has positively impacted student achievement at the school. Within its 3 years as an ACE campus, Goodman has improved to a current B rating from the state, defying COVID challenges.
Good Reason Houston has served as the technical assistance provider for Goodman through the campus’ TEA ACE grant.
La Promesa
La Promesa is a newcomer and dual language experience for students who have recently arrived in the United States. Principal Fernanda Flores-Bolívar showcased the unique features of the school, including its focus on providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
During the visit, there was a discussion about centering community voice and needs in conversations about school choice. La Promesa will soon increase the number of students per grade from 150 to 200 to accommodate demand, which is an example of how schools can respond to the needs of their community.
Spotlighting Success
The campus visits provided an opportunity to learn more about these school models and the importance of supporting and retaining excellent teachers. The partnership between Good Reason Houston and philanthropic organizations in Houston highlights the value of collaboration in driving positive change in education.
What’s next for Good Reason Houston and Aldine ISD?
Reimagining High Schools
Good Reason Houston will support Aldine ISD with planning and implementing Eisenhower Ninth Grade Center’s school improvement model.
- Eisenhower Ninth Grade and Senior High School will launch as Eisenhower College Prep during the 2023-2024 school year.
- Good Reason Houston is also supporting Aldine ISD with updating and standardizing their Course Catalog to streamline student and family planning for high school.
Strategic Planning
Good Reason Houston continues to support Aldine ISD with progress monitoring their strategic plan, A New Way Forward.
- This includes supporting Aldine ISD to set strategic priorities and goals and facilitate ongoing stepbacks.
- Good Reason Houston team members also work closely with district leaders to provide thought partnership and align resources to deepen impact and remove potential barriers.
Teacher Incentive Allotment
Aldine ISD officially received TEA approval for their Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) design.
- The TIA outlines a pathway to six-figure salaries for high-performing teachers and recognizes effective teachers on three different levels: Recognized, Exemplary and Master. High-impact teachers with demonstrated student growth will earn additional compensation in an effort to attract and retain excellent teachers in Aldine ISD.
- Aldine ISD established their TIA teacher designation system and data analysis processes with support from Good Reason Houston.
New School Model Stakeholder Engagement
Good Reason Houston continues to support Aldine ISD with exploring new school models to drive equitable school choice in the district.
- Good Reason Houston has helped facilitate stakeholder engagement, which entails listening and learning from students and families regarding their interest in and need for different types of school models and learning environments.
- Aldine ISD leaders and Good Reason Houston have also engaged in various new school model learning visits.
Find out how Good Reason Houston has supported multiple districts in the Houston area by visiting our impact page.
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