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Hearne ISD strives for student success

Hearne ISD is on "Improvement Required" status by the state of Texas. But, officials in the district are working to make sure their students, make the grade.

HEARNE, Texas -- Earlier this year, Hearne ISD, like every other school in Texas, was graded by the Texas Education Agency.

The district as a whole received an “F.” The elementary school and high school failed to meet the state requirements. However, the junior high met the standard.

The district was put under “improvement required” status by the state of Texas.

According to the Texas Education Agency, schools that earn an “IR” rating show unacceptable performance, saying schools need to offer more academic support for students.

School officials in Hearne looked at data of their students and closely examined where students struggle the most.

“We wanted to look at what are our problems, why might those problems exists and what steps should we take to put in place,” said Bruce Hill, principal for Hearne High School.

From the data, school officials created campus improvement plans.

These plans included creating an intervention time - time that is designed specifically for students who are struggling.

“In our attack period, we have set aside time during the day so students can get that structured time to help them become successful,” Hill said.

These plans were already on the junior high campus – and brought major improvements. The school had been under “IR” since 2014, but last year, met the standard

“Even though we are no longer on “IR,” we met standard, we know we have a long way to go,” said junior high principal Lucinda McDaniel.

Now this set-aside time is on all campuses in the district. Because faculty and staff said they believe creating a strong foundation is crucial to students.

“Our goal is to make sure they are prepared when they step out of this campus, “ Hill said.

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