Douglas Intermediate One Met All Six TEA Distinction Designations in Final Year for School

Douglas Intermediate School 2017-18 was one of more than 400 campuses that achieved a Met Standard rating in the 2018 state accountability system also earned all distinction designations applicable to their individual school. Up to seven distinction designations can be earned for: Academic Achievement in English Language Arts/Reading; Academic Achievement in Mathematics; Academic Achievement in Science; Academic Achievement in Social Studies; Top 25 Percent: Comparative Academic Growth; Top 25 Percent: Comparative Closing the Gaps; and Postsecondary Readiness.

With the potential to earn six TEA Distinction Designations, the Douglas campus received all six distinctions including:

  • Academic Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading
  • Academic Achievement in Mathematics
  • Academic Achievement in Science
  • Top 25 Percent: Comparative Academic Growth
  • Top 25 Percent: Closing Performance Gaps
  • Postsecondary Readiness

Holly Folmer, former Principal at Douglas Intermediate School and current Principal of Sulphur Springs Elementary School,  commend the Intermediate School teachers, staff and students for this accomplishment. She stated, “All members of the campus including leaders, teachers, support staff, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers and custodians worked diligently to reach the goals of the campus.  Even though these results are achieved from STAAR Scores and formulated by the Texas Education Accountability System, this is not just about the STAAR test – it’s about student learning, purposeful curriculum and instruction, great teaching, much progress, relationships with students and staff and a whole lot of love!”

Folmer noted two critical factors that played a role in the achievement of distinction designations. 

  • Extended Learning Time was incorporated into the Douglas school day a few years ago and provides students with an opportunity for enrichment or needed interventions. 
  • Science LIVE is another important part of fifth grade which provides hands-on learning in science.  Student success on the Science STAAR has improved with the implementation of a science lab setting for students. 

She said ELA/Reading and math classroom instructional processes and interventions are more ways in which student learning is promoted and success is achieved.  In fact, fifth grade students in SSISD performed above the state averages on the STAAR Reading, Math and Science. 

Because of the restructuring of campuses in SSISD, Douglas Intermediate School students and staff made history in 2017-18 as the last year to be a fifth-grade campus.

Folmer said, “I was honored to be the Douglas Principal for 5 years and I have witnessed the work of many great teachers and paraprofessionals.  As I began my first year, I had a dream to grow Douglas Intermediate School to be the best and we succeeded!  Students, staff and parents should be extremely proud of this notable achievement!”

Author: Staff Reporter

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