As the height of the global pandemic seems to be nearing an end, the adverse effects on education are apparent

The Wichita Falls Independent School District (ISD) received a $513,500 Block Grant award from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) under the Competitive Grants: Promoting K-12 Student Achievement at Military-Connected Schools program (CFDA 12.556). The grant will fund a comprehensive initiative through May 2027 to address learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic at Sheppard Elementary School and support the well-being of educators.

Key services include implementing outdoor classrooms, extracurricular activities, and technology resources to boost math and reading achievement for military-connected students. Certified tutors will provide one-on-one instruction to free up teachers for small group work. The project also focuses on improving teacher mental health and working conditions through professional development, functional workspaces, and additional planning time. Outcomes will be determined by analyzing assessment scores and interviewing student focus groups to track academic development. The goal is to recognize and retain high-quality educators equipped to close achievement gaps for all students.

Even though sheppard elementary is the highest performing school in the region, we are plagued by the devastating realities of academic gaps in student learning, teacher burnout, and staffing shortages. Wichita falls ISD is developing a holistic plan addressing the needs of our military-connected students, as well as our weary educators. We will create new learning opportunities that engage students with outdoor classroom spaces, extracurricular activities, and technology resources to increase academic growth in math and reading. In-class supports, such as certified tutors, will provide students with one-on-one instruction while allocating time for teachers to work with small groups in the classroom. Uniquely, this project not only focuses on student enrichment but also explores the need to improve classroom teachers' mental wellness and working conditions. Since student success is directly impactedby the mindset of our teachers, we must examine our efforts in supporting the overall well-being of these valuable educators. Our vision is to implement a comprehensive system of teacher support, including but not limited to: professional development opportunities, functional teacher workspaces, and additional planning/collaboration time during the school day. Outcomes will be determined by a quantitative analysis of end-of-year assessment scores and qualitative analysis of academic development through interviewing student focus groups. The overall mission of award impact is to recognize and retain high-quality educators, giving them the necessary tools to close achievement gaps for all students.