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Exemplary Programs and Practices
TSPR identified numerous best practices in the San Angelo ISD (SAISD). Through commendations in each chapter, the report highlights model programs, operations and services provided by the district’s administrators, teachers and staff. Other school districts throughout Texas are encouraged to examine these exemplary programs and services to see if they could be adapted to meet local needs.

  • SAISD provides incentives to Bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers—SAISD provides study sessions and a one-time $250 stipend when teachers receive their bilingual or ESL certification. Since its inception in 1995, 330 SAISD teachers have received their certifications and are now qualified to work with the district’s bilingual and ESL students.

  • The Up and Coming Scholars Program assists economically disadvantaged students—In partnership with Angelo State University (ASU), economically disadvantaged students who rank in the top one-third of their eighth grade class, successfully complete the program and graduate, are awarded an academic scholarship to attend ASU. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and required fees for four years of undergraduate study.

  • SAISD’s online training system streamlines staff development registration—SAISD staff can access the district’s Web site and register instantly for staff development, instead of registering by mail and waiting for confirmation. In addition, principals can electronically check the training that each teacher has completed and use that information as part of the teacher’s growth plan.

  • The district’s campus beautification program creates pride in the community— A local hospital funds half of the prize money awarded to staff, students and parents for improving their school grounds. The hospital judges the schools and participates in the awards ceremony. The contest has encouraged pride in the appearance of each campus by students, staff and parents, and saves the district money that would otherwise have been spent to maintain and beautify the school grounds.

  • Santa Rita Elementary principal and staff have successfully integrated technology, instruction and real life challenges into the classroom curriculum—SAISD’s Santa Rita Elementary School has implemented several programs to improve student performance, introduce students to real life challenges and build self-confidence:
    • Students use video and computer equipment to produce a daily 15-minute morning show patterned after shows such as Good Morning America.
    • Fifth grade students build their own robot vehicle from a Lego kit in the Lego Robotics program.
    • Students in a fourth-grade stock market club use computers to track stock market activity and execute mock buy/sell decisions.
    • Using a multi-media and an Alpha “Smart Board” in the computer lab, students can connect to Internet broadcasts such as the space shuttle launching.

  • SAISD’s Transportation Department and the City of San Angelo successfully share a vehicle maintenance facility—Beginning in the 1970s the city and district built a shared vehicle maintenance facility. The city donated the land and the city and the district split the construction costs. SAISD and the city also share a vehicle wash system, fueling system and oil storage facility. Shared diesel fuel purchases alone are saving the district $9,000 annually.

  • SAISD’s alternative education programs are comprehensive and multi-dimensional, taking into account a broad range of needs for at-risk students— SAISD’s programs address the special needs of students who cannot function in the traditional classroom, who need a short term-disciplinary setting or who might need more intense instruction/counseling in a military setting. Its Preparing Area Youth for Success (PAYS) has been recognized nationally and statewide for its innovative teaching strategies. Programs are individualized and self-paced as long as students make suitable progress.