On October 12 and 13, Ector County ISD hosted a System of Great Schools (SGS) Learning Lab that was attended by representatives from 11 school districts from across the state and the Texas Education Agency.

SGS is district-wide problem-solving approach to school improvement. By understanding community demands and school performance, the SGS strategy is to expand what works, replace what doesn’t, and pursue all options to create high-quality, best-fit schools. Learning Labs are on-site sessions allowing participants to visit innovative campuses of the host district (ECISD) and participate in strategic and tactical sessions.

The visiting group of about 50 people visited Noel Elementary to see Opportunity Culture and Blended Learning in action; Milam Elementary to visit a high-quality Choice School with a unique fine arts program that includes offerings like Harp and Suzuki Violin; and Ector College Prep, a Senate Bill 1882 partnership with Third Future Schools. The Learning Lab attendees also saw videos giving them a look at   New Tech Odessa, a high-quality Choice School that utilizes Project Based Learning; and OCTECHS, another high-quality Choice School with an innovative at Odessa College that is focused on Career & Technical Education preparing students for college or career.

The Texas Education Agency reached out to ECISD about hosting a Learning Lab because of the increases in scores and accountability ratings.

District visit ECISD for learning labs (OA-subscription required)