The school has seen an 18 percent increase in the number of students participating in general education and a 30 percent increase in the number of students placed at community-based work sites. At H.D. Hilley Elementary School, support from the school district, partnerships with outside organizations, and a focus on both students and teachers as learners contributes to the success of the school's professional development. For example, between 1995 and 1997, the proportion of third-graders mastering all objectives on the test increased from 30 to 48 percent. Multi-grade level teams involving all the teachers in the school develop strategies to support the goals, and all professional development efforts are linked to these goals. Teams of teachers meet regularly to identify, secure and assess their professional development.
Teachers believe that improving student learning is the ultimate measure of success.
To involve the community, H.D. Hilley sponsors an active parent outreach center run by parents. Collaboration with the El Paso Collaborative for Academic Excellence, the College of Education at the University of El Paso, and the National Science Foundation-funded Urban Systemic Initiative supports the school's professional development activities and commitment to academic excellence. The culture at Geneva City Schools is one in which professional growth is emphasized and teachers and staff learn from each other. Leaders at the district and school levels use data on students and continuous input from teachers to guide investments of time and money for professional development. Forty-five hours of professional development are required annually for all professional staff members.