Students at five Fort Worth ISD campuses are back in the classroom, part of a groundbreaking effort in PK-8 education – a first-of-its-kind partnership between a school district and a university, which promises to take schools that have already made remarkable academic turnarounds to unprecedented levels of success.
This fall, the Leadership Academies at Como Elementary, Maude I. Logan Elementary, Mitchell Boulevard Elementary, John T. White Elementary and Forest Oak Middle School officially become part of the newly formed Leadership Academy Network.
This collaboration between Fort Worth ISD and Texas Wesleyan University is designed to sustain and enhance the positive outcomes seen at those campuses since the District implemented a unique approach to education in 2017.
Prior to that time, the schools were facing considerable academic challenges, despite the hard work of students and teachers.
In response, the district introduced a unique model that tailored instruction to meet the exact needs of each campus. The schools, designated as Leadership Academies, were infused with highly effective teachers and administrators, heightened focus on daily academic mastery, an extended school day and programs that improve social-emotional well-being.
In just one year, every school came off the Texas Education Agency’s “Improvement Required” list. The Leadership Academies also demonstrated levels of growth that placed them among the top half of campuses across the state.
Texas Wesleyan is the perfect partner to help Fort Worth ISD build on those results.
Under a new agreement, Texas Wesleyan’s School of Education is tasked with operating and managing the Leadership Academy Network, bringing additional expertise, resources and support to Fort Worth ISD students and educators.
At the same time, schools will maintain the dedicated staff, resources, framework and performance targets of Fort Worth ISD. It is the best of both worlds, and certainly students richly deserve a comprehensive approach to education that enhances their ability to succeed and thrive.
That’s what this partnership is about. We believe our work with the Leadership Academy Network in the months and years to come is going to solidify a learning model that will have great impact, not only in Fort Worth but across the country.
Texas Wesleyan and Fort Worth ISD are committed to providing a culture that builds character and integrity while giving children, teachers and principals the tools to excel.
What is happening on these campuses is changing young lives and preparing students for college, career and community leadership – win for all of us.
Frederick G. Slabach is president of Texas Wesleyan University. Kent Paredes Scribner is superintendent of Fort Worth ISD.