ACE model brings expanded support to three San Antonio ISD schools

Three San Antonio Independent School District campuses are using the state’s Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) initiative to provide additional support for students and teachers.

Poe Middle School, Hot Wells Middle School and Crockett Academy are operating as resource campuses under the ACE model, which matches highly skilled teachers with students facing the greatest challenges. At Poe, 70 percent of core teachers hold a Teacher Incentive Allotment designation from the Texas Education Agency, while the remaining teachers are working toward the designation.

The model provides designated teachers with an additional strategic stipend for extra office hours during the school week and 11 additional teaching days each year. All faculty receive intensive, data-driven coaching and daily planning blocks.

At Poe, teachers stay until 5:30 p.m. twice a week for tutoring, evaluation and planning through weekly Professional Learning Communities, or PLCs. Teachers review student performance, plan reteaching and develop cross-curricular connections.

The school also tracks student performance in a third-floor “Data Room,” where results are organized by grade level and achievement in core subjects. Teachers use the visual data to monitor progress toward STAAR performance levels, from “did not meet” to “masters.”

Principal Justin Watwood said consistent systems across classrooms have helped reduce behavior incidents and support learning. Social studies department chair Villanka Stroud said having many highly qualified educators on campus makes it easier to establish schoolwide routines.

The 11 additional instructional days will include targeted enrichment and interventions for students. The first is Friday, Sept. 18, when teachers can work with smaller groups based on individual needs.

Poe is also introducing more than 15 enrichment clubs, including creative writing, Esports, pickleball and crafts. Teachers said the clubs will give students opportunities to build connections with peers and staff beyond academic instruction.

Poe raised its accountability score by 10 points last year and is approaching a C rating. Watwood said students are showing growing confidence and engagement in their academic progress.