Q: Why the change?  

A: El Paso ISD is committed to whole child development where every child can explore their unique strengths and interests at the elementary level. In El Paso ISD, choice is key to supporting the individual needs of students. Based on an overwhelming response from parents and students, the district has designed a schedule that offers more choice and creates more learning opportunities for students.

Academics and School Leadership has worked to design an instructional schedule that ensures consistency and alignment to curriculum, equity and access for all students, system dependent vs people dependent, and movement towards a school system vs a system of schools. In addition to creating more choice and academic support for students, EPISD has created more physical activity opportunities for students. 

Q: How does this change impact academic excellence? 

A: This change is intended to enhance academic excellence by providing students with additional options for electives while still prioritizing core instruction. The new structured instructional schedule includes a dedicated daily WIN class (What I Need) that is designed to address the unique needs of students. This class offers opportunities for enrichment or intervention, allowing students to receive targeted support in areas where they require additional assistance or to explore enrichment activities that will further enhance their learning. By offering a flexible and tailored approach to instruction, we aim to promote academic growth and ensure that all students have the opportunity to excel. 

Q: Are we cutting P.E.? 

A: No. 

Q: What is the process to gather feedback and decide what model to use? 

A: To gather feedback and decide on the best model, we have implemented a multi-step process that involves active engagement with stakeholders throughout the district. Our primary focus for the upcoming fall semester is to foster meaningful conversations with parents, teachers, and students in order to gather their input on a range of choices for the long term. We see these discussions as a valuable opportunity to understand the desires and requirements of our community. We will be providing numerous avenues for parents to share their feedback on student programming. This will include surveys, open houses, and information meetings where parents can express their preferences between Option A and Option B.  

The information collected through these channels will be closely considered by campus leaders when determining the option that best aligns with the needs and aspirations of their specific campus community. By including and soliciting feedback from our community, we aim to make well-informed decisions that prioritize a high-quality educational experience for all. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our chosen model reflects the wants and needs of our district as a whole. 

Q: What is WIN? 

A: The WIN (What I Need) period is a time when teachers will be personalizing instruction to further meet the unique needs of each learner in every classroom. It is a period of reinforcement, support, and/or enrichment. In understanding the purpose of the WIN period, it is important to know what WIN time is not. 

In understanding the purpose of the WIN period, it is important to know what WIN time is not. WIN time is not “free time” or “study hall”; WIN time is not time for the completion of that night’s homework; and WIN time is not a time for extra “busy” work. These daily periods of time will be utilized to further support the individual child’s academic or social emotional learning growth in identified skills. For students who do not need interventions, this time can be devoted to providing additional time for students to master/reinforce or enhance/enrich their skills through personalized, targeted learning goals using one of the district’s many web-based programs focused on grade-level or above grade-level standards.   

Additionally, the inclusion of this period allows students to be pulled for supplemental services (e.g., MTSS reading, MTSS mathematics, speech, dyslexia, occupational therapy, ESL) with minimal interruption to core instruction. 

Q: Are parents able to pick the option they want for their child or is this one model per campus? 

A: El Paso ISD is actively gathering input from all stakeholders, including parents, in order to make informed decisions about the best model for each campus. The information collected will be used to assist campus leaders in identifying the option that best aligns with the needs and aspirations of the entire campus community. 

Q: How does this impact special population student groups? 

A: Special population student groups will also have the opportunity to receive reinforcement support and/or enrichment. Our goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of their specific needs, are provided with the necessary resources and support to thrive academically. We are committed to promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every student has access to the educational opportunities they require to succeed. 

Don't see an answer to your question? Email us at elemschedule@episd.org