Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) is solving the need for culture and climate strategy on high-needs campuses. The new model is so successful it was featured at the International Social & Emotional Learning Exchange, 2023 and its Executive Sponsor, Dr. Cherie Washington, received a 2023 District Administrator Leadership Institute Annual Distinction Award. Working with EduSolve, the team used a collaborative developmental methodology and created a common delivery framework that establishes the foundation for equitable outcomes to meet the individual needs of each and every child.
The project began by organizing cross functional teams that represented academics, behavior/climate, schools, equity and inclusion, and technology solutions to catalyze their shared vision for MTSS and promotion of emotional health. As a team, we piloted a new practice guide with priority schools showing a high level of culture challenges. These schools are identified using a composite score of attendance, discipline, and academic performance outcomes. FWISD has reduced the number of these schools from 17 to 13 in the first six months of implementation.