The merits of the Opportunity Culture initiative to enhance State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores have not gone unnoticed by Midland Independent School District (ISD).
According to a news release, the Opportunity Culture initiative models redesign schools to reach more students with excellent teaching. Teachers with a record of student growth lead teams that include innovative teaching roles, paraprofessional support, and increased tutoring time. As a result, students learn more.
The news release states that two-thirds of campuses implementing the program saw improved STAAR scores from 2023 to 2024. South Elementary and Pease Communications and Technology Academy individually improved scores by 25 and 22 points. Multi-classroom leaders can also secure a stipend of $17,000 annually.
Emily Terry, a teacher at Long Elementary School with 25 years of teaching experience across multiple grade levels, participates in the program. "Helping students surpass their goals and achieve beyond their expectations has been the driving force behind my career," said Terry. "Seeing both teachers and students grow affirms my belief that I am exactly where I belong."