Paris Independent School District’s Crockett Intermediate was recently named as one of the exemplary Texas “Schools to Watch” for 2016 as part of a recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and the Texas Middle School Association.
Schools involved in this program demonstrate that a clear focus on academic growth and achievement. They also recognize the importance of meeting the needs of all of their students and ensuring that every child has access to a rigorous, high-quality education. Crockett Intermediate was selected for its academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs and interests of young adolescents, and its commitment to helping all students achieve at high levels.
According to Crockett principal Brock Blassingame, “Selection is based on an application that required us to show how we met criteria developed by the Forum. We were then visited by state teams who observed classrooms, interviewed administrators, teachers, students and parents, and looked at our achievement data, lesson quality, and student work.”
Seven schools were named and they vary in size from several hundred to several thousand students and represent urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Common characteristics of Texas “Schools To Watch” include dynamic, visionary leadership; challenging curriculum for all students; active learning environment; data-driven decision making resulting in increased academic achievement; test scores on an upward trajectory; positive, happy, involved students; small learning communities; teams of teachers and students; a culture of advocacy in which all students are known and valued; high level of faculty commitment; attention to the non-cognitive goals of education; extensive family and community involvement; and active business partnerships.
“This is a well-deserved honor,” said Paul Jones, Paris ISD Superintendent of Schools. “This designation is a reflection of the campus leadership, teachers, support staff, business partners and our parents—whose efforts are concentrated on success for all students at Crockett Intermediate School.”
Schools to Watch celebrations will be held in April and May, 2016. For complete information about Texas Schools to Watch, visit the Texas Schools to Watch website at www.texasschoolstowatch.com/.
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