Aldine ISD officials have announced that the ACE (Accelerating Campus Excellence) model will be extended for another two years at Goodman Elementary and Worsham Elementary. The extension will run through the 2023-24 school year.

Goodman and Worsham were designated at ACE campuses at the start of the 2019-20 school year.

Aldine ISD selected the ACE model to demonstrate what is possible. By extending ACE, the district is showing its commitment to its students to do what is in their best interests, academically and socially, especially considering the impact of the pandemic.

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney has evidence that shows the ACE model school concept is working and she is excited the model will be extended for another two years.

“These uncertain times, while challenging for us all, have not diminished our commitment to providing our students with the best education possible so that they graduate from our district with choices and opportunities,” she said. “The ACE model was intended to support a positive trajectory for our students’ educational journey to help them reach their full potential. Originally a three-year commitment, the pandemic posed challenges to the program’s full implementation and we believe additional time is needed to reach the established goals. Aldine ISD remains committed to maintaining its same level of academic rigor and high expectations. Therefore, we will be extending the ACE program at both campuses through the 2023-24 school year.”

While Dr. Goffney is proud that the data shows the ACE model is benefitting students, there is another factor that excites her about extending the ACE model for another two years.

“The real measure of progress isn’t solely based on achievement data. I can feel and see the difference when I step onto each of these campuses and when I talk to Goodman and Worsham leaders, teachers and students, I know that they are fighting to make a difference in the lives of our students through big and small measurable actions every single day. I am grateful for everything the two staffs are doing to impact our young students and inspire them to greatness.”

The ACE model, which has been applied in several school districts throughout the state including Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Garland ISD and Richardson ISD, is designed to bring the most accomplished educators to struggling schools.

Even though the two campuses had to deal with the challenge of the pandemic, the ACE model is proving to be a strong model at both Goodman and Worsham.

The following data indicates that the ACE model is working:

  • In year one (2019-2020), the two ACE campuses exceeded district growth at the beginning of the year (BOY) to the middle of the year (MOY) by 3-4 times in reading and math. The ACE campuses had higher remote learning engagement than other schools in the district.
  • In year 2 (2021-22), ACE campuses outperformed the district in reading and math and they exceeded other schools in the district in STAAR math and STAAR reading results.
  • The two ACE campuses have shown a high talent retention rate among its staff beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

The district has decided to extend the ACE model for the following reasons:

  • Commitment to Equity – Extending the ACE model enables Aldine ISD to further student growth and achievement toward A/B accountability ratings and demonstrate what is possible with school-based intervention, effective leaders and teachers and additional resources.
  • Leader and Teacher Development – ACE has helped leaders build instructional leadership capacity and has created teacher leaders with experience closing student gaps.
  • Demonstration School – ACE campuses collaborate, and their learning and best practices are then shared and implemented across the district.
  • Choices and Opportunities – ACE is a high-quality school option within Aldine; Students at ACE campuses are able to develop a strong foundation in both academics and character and have access to additional learning through extended day and afterschool enrichment.

The five pillars of the ACE model will continue to be implemented for the next two years. Those pillars are:

  • Effective principals and teachers
  • Instructional excellence
  • Extended school day
  • Social and emotional support
  • Parent and community partnerships

LaDon Ward is the Principal of Goodman Elementary, while Jacqueline Beas is the Principal of Worsham Elementary.

For more information on the ACE program, individuals can visit the ACE Program website.