Ramirez said she used cereal boxes to teach students the difference between fact and opinion, which they say will help them differentiate between the two in their reading. Teachers encourage students to do well in their classes by giving them positive incentives, which they testify works better than discipline. Instructional facilitator Jill Cabrera said that the increasing focus on incentives and positive feedback has contributed to declining discipline problems within the district. Ramirez said she uses is allowing her students to take off their shoes while she reads to them if students complete their assignments on time. The school also holds awards ceremonies to acknowledge student attendance and good grades.
Students gain confidence knowing they can succeed.
Communication between administrators and teachers is another element that makes the district successful. Dora Ruiz, the district s parent involvement director, publishes a monthly newspaper to let teachers and parents know what is happening on their campuses. That helps tie us together as a community. The communication is really extremely important, and I think the people in our district do an excellent job of it. The administration also asks teachers to help design instruction materials for the district.