SISD SWEEPS CREEED’S AIM HIGH AWARDS FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW
As part of CREEED’s focus on ensuring more students in El Paso County are college-ready with the ability to pursue, excel in, and complete a college degree beyond high school, we launched our AIM High initiative in 2023. AIM High (Algebra In Middle School) recognizes the educators and staff at the five middle schools in El Paso County who perform the highest in Algebra I and have at least 90% of their 8th graders enrolled in Algebra 1.
For the past three years, all five top schools have been in Socorro Independent School District, underscoring the district’s consistency in excellence in preparing students for advanced math and college readiness. Three schools (Col. John O. Ensor Middle School, Montwood Middle School, and SPC. Rafael Hernando III Middle School) have been in the top five schools each of the three years, emphasizing the schools’ dedication to excellence in Algebra I.
Why focus on Algebra 1?
Algebra I is considered a “gateway” course because it helps students understand complex concepts that they will apply to other math and science courses – including geometry, physics, statistics, and chemistry – along their academic journeys. Additionally, students that perform at the MEETS level on the state algebra exam become eligible to take dual credit courses while in high school, giving them a head start on completing college credits even before they graduate from high school. For these reasons, CREEED has invested more than $850 million to ensure more students across El Paso are able to take and complete Algebra while in middle school.
What sets these schools apart?
With a regional average of only 33% of students passing Algebra I in middle school, the schools recognized as part of AIM High have a passing rate of at least 82% and all enroll at least 90% of their 8th graders in Algebra I. Many of the schools have gotten creative in how they support their students to succeed in Algebra, providing coaching and tutoring, extending classes, and ensuring all staff are committed to the success of all students. CREEED understands that the entire school plays a role in student success, as part of this initiative, all staff at each of the top five middle schools receive a monetary gift card, including educators, administrators, front desk staff, custodial and food service staff, bus drivers, and beyond. This year, CREEED awarded $54,850 to the following schools:
- Col. John O. Ensor Middle School – $16,750 (86% passing rate)
- Montwood Middle School – $9,200 (84% passing rate)
- Jane A. Hambric Middle School – $8,700 (83% passing rate)
- SPC. Rafael Hernando III Middle School – $8,550 (83% passing rate)
- SSG. Manuel R. Puentes Middle School – $11,650 (82% passing rate)
“Three years in a row is no accident,” said Richard A. Castro, CREEED Board Chair. “This tradition of excellence proves that Algebra I is a priority for Socorro ISD middle schools, which allows students to gain skills that open doors to higher education and careers.”
“We are beyond proud of the outstanding performance of our students in Algebra I. The faculty and staff at these top five middle schools are 100 percent dedicated to student success, and it shows with this three-time success in the AIM High initiative,” SISD Superintendent James Vasquez said. “I thank CREEED for recognizing the amazing achievement of our students, faculty, and staff in leading the region at unprec
edented levels. We are committed to giving our students the best opportunities for success at the secondary level and in college and career readiness.”
