Amid growing public concern regarding Fort Worth Independent School District’s stagnant state test scores and recent superintendent transition, Frank Hernandez, dean of TCU's College of Education, penned an op-ed in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram offering solutions to address challenges and improve student outcomes.
Hernandez acknowledges the community's frustrations over FWISD’s latest state testing results but emphasizes the need to focus on and invest in the initiatives that are working to improve student outcomes.
"We know the failures. But we also need to spotlight — and invest in — what’s working in the city’s largest independent school district," Hernandez writes.
One of the key solutions highlighted in the op-ed is the Teacher Residency Program, a collaboration between TCU's College of Education and FWISD. The program places aspiring educators in classrooms for one year of hands-on experience, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary for success.
Hernandez also underscores the importance of principal development, citing TCU's Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, which aims to develop effective, values-driven school leaders. He notes that these efforts—coupled with professional development programs like the TCU Summer Literacy Institute—are vital to fostering the long-term success of educators and students in the district.
"As a leader in preparing teachers and elevating the profession, I believe several existing initiatives can be strengthened to foster immediate, efficient change," Hernandez asserts.
Hernandez calls on the community to continue investing in partnerships, resources and scalable solutions that are proven to enhance student outcomes.
Read the full op-ed here.
