How One Texas School Doubled National Academic Growth Rates

The study, titled The Power of Connectedness, highlights how the school overcame significant hurdles—including high teacher turnover and a large population of emergent multilingual students—by shifting away from isolated initiatives. Instead, leadership established a shared instructional vision that defined clear expectations for every classroom. This vision was transformed into daily practice through weekly 90-minute curriculum-based sessions where teachers rehearsed strategies and anticipated student needs.

Dr. Susan Kowalski, lead research scientist at NWEA, noted that while individual components like coaching and professional learning are common, the school’s success stemmed from their intentional synchronization. Consistent classroom walkthroughs, sometimes occurring 14 times a week, ensured that feedback loops remained tight and that instructional quality stayed uniform. By focusing on systemic support rather than relying on individual veteran educators, the school created a sustainable model for growth that remains relevant for districts facing similar staffing instability.