Science Hall Elementary jumps three grades in state accountability rating

About Science Hall Elementary

Hays CISD

Science Hall Elementary opened in the fall of 2006 in the rapidly growing community of Kyle, Texas, a suburb of Austin. One of 14 elementary schools in Hays CISD, Science Hall is a dual-language campus and serves approximately 563 students.

The Challenge

Texas Education Agency designated Science Hall Elementary an “Improvement Required” campus in 2016-17. 

This same year, the school had a first-year principal, and 46% of their student population was identified as emergent bilingual.

“E3 has really helped me put our system and practices in place on a daily basis and systematically across the campus, specifically by implementing the Instructional Playbook.”

—Karen Zuniga, Former Principal, Science Hall Elementary

The Process

Discovery Phase

In the discovery phase, Science Hall Elementary leaders focused on four key areas:

• Teacher Effectiveness
• Instructional Leadership
• Community Engagement
• School Climate

We collaborated on a thorough data analysis and campus needs assessment based on their priorities. We used this analysis to design tailored professional development specific to Science Hall and their priorities. We co-developed a tailored Campus Instructional Playbook.

Goals:

• Improve effective instruction execution.
• Improve outcomes for emergent bilingual students.
• Improve outcomes for ALL students.

It was critical for the leaders to create an actionable, detailed plan to lead change for their campus while also creating an environment where students and staff flourished.

New Data-Driven Processes

We taught Science Hall campus leaders how to analyze and use their school data. We also developed systems for monitoring instructional lesson and action planning that integrated with systemic accountability measures.

In-Person Coaching

E3 Alliance led in-person coaching for campus leaders focused on campus systems, evaluation of leadership and instructional practices, and strategies for leading change.

The Process - Transformation Phase

Transformation Phase

During the transformation phase, we provided professional development to the leadership team.

School leaders created a supportive and purposeful learning environment across every classroom. Together, we created campus systems to monitor and support student and teacher success in and out of the classroom.

The Process - Sustainability Phase

Sustainability Phase

In the sustainability phase, Science Hall’s principal moved to a high school principal position and the assistant principal became the principal.

The new principal continued the work to sustain and expand on the school’s transformation.

In the summer of 2020, we guided campus leaders through an evaluation of systems and planning. We included planning for the upcoming year and capacity-building for leadership with a campus-based team.

Campus leaders created action plans to continue the campus improvement for a successful 2020-21 school year start.

Positive Impact

In collaboration with E3 Alliance, the leadership team created and refined their Campus Instructional Playbook, the foundation for every action taken at Science Hall. 

We 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 reflected their mission and vision. Together, they created an environment centered on student academic needs.

TEA Results

By creating support systems for all students and implementing best practices, Science Hall met and exceeded the needs of its diverse student population.

Specifically, Science Hall Elementary:

• Progressed from an “F” rating to a “B” rating in the state accountability system.
• Exceeded accountability targets.
• Received Top 25% in Comparative Academic Growth distinction from the Texas Education Agency.
• Increased student performance in every area of accountability.