El Dorado achieves 7 out of 7 TEA distinctions

El+Dorado+achieves+7+out+of+7+TEA+distinctions

By Madi Parker

Aztecs in 1.75% of secondary campuses to achieve all distinctions

By Madi Parker

 

The Texas Education Agency awarded El Dorado with seven out of seven distinctions, under their new accountability standards Thursday. This means that El Dorado is one of the only secondary schools that has met all seven achievements, gaining a rating of B as an overall grade. The school is the only campus in SISD to have been awarded the distinctions.

“Only 1.75 percent of secondary campuses in the entire state of Texas received all seven distinctions,” Principal Cynthia Retana said in a faculty announcement.

Only 1.75 percent of secondary campuses in the entire state of Texas received all seven distinctions

— Principal Cynthia Retana

The distinctions are measured in three components: Student Achievement, School Progress, and Closing the Gaps. El Dorado has accomplished all three, putting the school in the highest level of fulfillment. Without all content teachers, this reward would not have been possible or even considered in the district.

 

EOC English I teacher Belinda Ortega took many steps throughout her career to guarantee the learning capabilities of her students. By being a core teacher, she has played a major role in obtaining the seven out of seven distinction. Despite her years of experience, she still takes the chance to learn from others and guide her fellow English I teachers through the year.

“I love being a part of the English I team,” Ortega said. “We work collaboratively on a daily basis, if not from class to class. I feel very much supported.”

 

While core teachers prep students for the EOC, elective teachers provide a more creative outlook on high school that benefits their students. Art teacher Allison Vega feels there would be no creative opportunities for Aztec students without electives. The fine arts department gives the students a chance to let their minds run wild, contributing to the school’s achievements.

 

“Creativity is a huge factor in anything that you do,” Vega said. “Whether it’s creative in math or in science, it makes a good person even better.”

 

The prestigious distinction was celebrated Friday morning before school started in the theater. Teachers were congratulated by the administrative team and treated to cupcakes, juice and burritos. Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Carmen Crosse attended the morning celebration to personally thank the faculty. The drumline and cheerleaders performed.

 

Overall, the campus has made a great achievement in the district by gaining seven out of seven distinctions. The administration team and the teachers serve a purpose to influence their students to do better in their lives by dedicating their best efforts each day to the job.

I want my students to leave El Dorado knowing that they can, and they will, conquer anything they choose to

— Principal Cynthia Retana