A message from the Region 4 Executive Director
The 2023–2024 academic year was transformative for the Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4). We completed major renovations of the McKinney Conference Center to offer a state-of-the-art experience for every guest who visits our service center, and we adopted a new and modern logo.
We supported superintendents who grappled with the complex challenges of ensuring excellent and equitable outcomes for all students amid escalating expectations and shrinking resources. To gain a deeper understanding of the needs of the superintendents in our region, I visited with them all. From the newly appointed to the highly experienced, my leadership team and I examined and assessed the leaders’ greatest needs.
We focused intently on developing robust strategies to help our superintendents reach their organizational goals and drive impactful change within their districts. We recognized that Region 4 exists to be the trusted partner and support system for our superintendents, empowering them to increase the number of high-performing campuses in their districts.
Our District Advancement Champions understand the immense responsibility that rests on our superintendents’ shoulders. Guided by our specialized knowledge and skills, we are committed to providing exceptional and expert-led professional learning opportunities, TEKS-aligned educational products, and comprehensive services designed to strengthen the infrastructure of our local education agencies.
Our Centers for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Strategic District Support; and Educator Development, Transformation, and Organizational Culture have thoughtfully cultivated rich, results-driven cultures across our region.
This work has made us a trusted partner within our community, state, and nation. We firmly believe every educator deserves a District Advancement Champion they can rely on.
As we move forward, we remain committed to innovating solutions for K–12 education while honoring the tradition of excellence that Region 4 has long embodied. We possess the essential tools and resources to ensure the success of every local education agency, and we are privileged to be their partners in achieving educational excellence.
Photo courtesy of Rony Canales
Our Partner Education Agencies
Region 4 Board of Directors
The Region 4 Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision and direction of Region 4 and ensuring that local, state, and federal standards are met or exceeded. With a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement, the Board sets goals for the Executive Director and Region 4 staff, driving progress in every program and service we offer. With a steadfast focus on our North Star Goal—supporting superintendents in increasing the number of high-performing campuses—the Board’s leadership provides a strong foundation for Region 4’s success.
On June 24, 2024, we welcomed Dr. King Davis to the Region 4 Board of Directors, succeeding Dr. Hugh C. Hayes. Dr. Davis brings a wealth of knowledge and a shared passion for advancing educational excellence, further strengthening our leadership as we continue to champion success for every district we serve.
Mrs. Linda Tinnerman Chair Representing districts in Chambers and Liberty Counties
Mrs. LaVerie Wise Vice-Chair Representing districts in Central Harris County
Mr. Victor White Secretary Representing districts in East Harris County
Mr. Andy Reyes Assistant Secretary Representing districts in Brazoria County
Mrs. Scotty Bass Member
Representing districts in Fort Bend and Waller Counties
King Davis, EdD Member Representing districts in West and North Harris County
Mrs. Carmen Moreno Member Representing districts in Galveston County
Ms. Lalla Morris Member Representing Charter Districts
Our Partners in the Greater Houston Area
On May 9, 2024, Region 4’s Executive Director Dr. Rodney Watson delivered compelling insights into the challenges and opportunities facing public education in the region during the Greater Houston Partnership’s annual State of Education luncheon. He called on business and civic leaders to take an active role in shaping the future of education by helping define the critical skills students need for success in college and careers. Dr. Watson also emphasized the importance of philanthropic investment to bridge the financial gaps caused by declining enrollment and limited revenue streams, urging the community to rally behind public education for a brighter future for all.
Our partnerships with businesses and community leaders are vital in supporting local education agencies (LEAs). These collaborative efforts foster stronger connections, enrich our shared experiences, and reinforce our collective commitment to the success of our community.
insights into the strategy behind Region 4’s Value Proposition and its customer-centered strategic plan, highlighting the organization’s commitment to driving impactful results.
Fireside chat with Mike Miles, Houston ISD Superintendent, and Steve Kean, President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership.
Dr. Rodney Watson
Dr. Watson, a renowned leader in strategic innovation, was a featured speaker at the prestigious Rice University Customer-Based Strategy Symposium on March 15, 2024. He shared
Redesigning for Success: Strategically Aligning Our Teams for Greater Impact
At the start of the 2023–2024 year, Region 4 conducted strategy assessments, gathering feedback from staff and key customers. In partnership with Dr. Vikas Mittal from Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business, Region 4 applied a customer-focused, science-based approach to strategic planning.
Stratonomics, developed by Dr. Mittal, helped Region 4 strengthen its understanding of customer needs resulting in realigned internal structures to position Region 4 as District Advancement Champions. Our superintendents know that we are their partners of choice because we have their backs and create value through delivering highquality products, services, and programs to their staffs.
The six strategically engineered Centers within Region 4 include the following:
Center for Educator Development, Transformation, and Organizational Culture (CEDTOC)
Led by Deputy Executive Director Julie Hill, JD, this center focuses on
• certifying, training, and professionally developing aspiring, new, and current teachers, counselors, and principals;
• supporting districts in strategically creating and implementing career pathways, effective teacher development programs, compensation plans, and grow-your-own programs for talent pipelines and succession planning; and
• promoting a supportive and productive Region 4 work environment through a comprehensive human capital management system for recruiting, hiring, developing, and recognizing Region 4 employees.
Center for Strategic District Support (CSDS)
Led by Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Staff Kelly Ingram, EdD, this center is committed to
• serving as district advancement champions for superintendents, providing strategically aligned comprehensive support that propels LEAs forward;
• developing a Strategic Support Ecosystem (SSE) that integrates services across Region 4, engaging District Advancement Champion teams and creating aligned service pathways for LEAs to drive meaningful change; and
• providing a strategic hub for central office leaders to engage in thought leadership, share insights and best practices, and discuss challenges to develop innovative solutions to common educational issues. This includes training, coaching, and support for all levels of central office leadership to drive sustained excellence.
Center
for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)
Led by Chief Jennifer Brock, EdD, the center is dedicated to
• enhancing the academic experience and strengthening educational programs that prepare all students for college, career, and military readiness;
• delivering professional learning experiences and technical assistance services to ensure excellent, equitable student outcomes; and
• providing TEKS-aligned resources that incorporate research-based instructional strategies, complement high-quality instructional materials, and meet the diverse needs of all students.
Center for Finance and Business Services (CFBS)
Led by Chief Jorgannie Carter, this center is responsible for
• managing and optimizing financial resources to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability,
• providing comprehensive business services that support operational efficiency and effectiveness, and
• ensuring compliance with financial regulations and promoting transparency in financial operations.
Center for Strategic Communications and Engagement (CSCE)
Led by Chief Stephanie Noriega, the center focuses on
• developing and executing strategic communication plans and initiatives to enhance internal and external stakeholder engagement,
• managing public relations and media relations to build and maintain a positive image of Region 4, and
• facilitating effective internal communication to ensure alignment and collaboration across departments.
Center for Technology and Operations Services (CTOS)
Led by Chief Jeff Kohrman, this center is focused on
• implementing and maintaining robust technology infrastructure to support Region 4 business and administrative needs;
• providing technical support and training to ensure effective use of technology across the organization; and
• enhancing operational efficiency by integrating innovative regional, state, and national technology solutions.
Region 4 is driven by the desire to improve the quality, relevance, and efficiency of the services we offer. This structure allows us to be agile, responsive, and aligned with the changing needs of our districts, ultimately leading to improved support for customers and increased excellent, equitable outcomes for all.
Pictured left to right: Julie Hill, JD; Jennifer Brock, EdD; Kelly Ingram, EdD; Jeff Kohrman; Rodney Watson, PhD; Stephanie Noriega; Jorgannie Carter
Strategic Horizons: Turning Vision into Meaningful Outcomes
As District Advancement Champions, we are committed to helping our Superintendents advance their districts toward the attainment of higher levels of academic excellence, thereby ensuring a brighter, more equitable future for all within our region. The graphic below illustrates Region 4’s strategic planning journey. By focusing on our Theory of Action, we have defined our value proposition, amplified our impact, and set new goals to propel our work forward. Our six strategically designed centers, guided by our core values, are key to achieving our North Star Goal and driving meaningful progress.
Region 4 by the Numbers
Region 4 Profile
Enrollment 2023–20241
Staff Profile 2023–20241
Championing School Districts to
Increase High-Performing Schools
When you [have] a partner that has the same mission, the same vision, and is able to stand beside you and [understand] some of the challenges and the work we have as superintendents— it’s invaluable.
—Dr. Anthony Mays Superintendent of Alief ISD
Recognizing and Celebrating Dynamic Leadership
Region 4 is honored to celebrate current superintendents and retirees at the annual Superintendents’ Recognition Ceremony. Through thought leadership, collaborative partnerships, and strategies for fiscal efficiency, we stand beside superintendents every step of the way.
Generous sponsors, including Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, ODP Business Solutions, Omnia Partners, PBK, TCG, and Thompson and Horton LLP, helped celebrate the exceptional achievement of this group. During the event, Superintendents H.D. Chambers (Retired Alief ISD), Dr. Mark Henry (Retired Cypress-Fairbanks ISD), and Dr. King Davis (Retired Sheldon ISD) were honored for their years of dedicated service to public education. Superintendents can count on Region 4 for a strong sense of community and a valuable peer network, providing the connection and support they need to thrive in their demanding roles.
Honoree H.D. Chambers
Honoree Dr. King Davis
Dr. Jenny McGown, Klein ISD Superintendent, and honoree Dr. Mark Henry
Our Superintendent Partners
Public School Superintendents
Aldine
Lupita Hinojosa Spring Branch ISD
Dr. Jennifer Blaine
Stafford MSD
Robert Bostic
Sweeny
Tarkington ISD Dr. Elna Davis Texas City ISD Dr. Melissa Duarte Tomball ISD
Martha Salazar-Zamora
Waller ISD Mr. Kevin Moran
Charter School Superintendents
Elevate Collegiate Charter School
Ms. Rebecca Jones
Étoile Academy Charter School
Ms. Kayleigh Colombero
Excel Academy
Mr. Henry Gonzales
George I Sanchez Charter School
Mr. Adolfo Melara
Harmony Public Schools—Central Office
Mr. Recep Yilmaz
Harmony Public Schools—Houston North
Mr. Emin Cavusoglu
Harmony Public Schools—Houston South
Mr. Ramazan Coskuner
Harmony Public Schools—Houston West
Mr. Ramazan Coskuner
Heritage Classical Academy (Houston)
To be announced
Houston Classical Charter School
Mr. Deyvis Salazar
Houston Gateway Academy, Inc.
Dr. Francisco Penning
Houston Heights High School
Ms. Erica McCready
KIPP Texas Public Schools
Ms. Sehba Ali
Legacy School of Sport Sciences
Dr. Kerrie Patterson-Brown
MeyerPark Elementary
Ms. Julia Wright
NextGen Innovation Academy (Houston)
To be announced
Odyssey Academy, Inc.
Dr. Jennifer Goodman
Raul Yzaguirre Schools For Success
Dr. Adriana Tamez
Rêve Preparatory Charter School
Dr. Toscha Dickerson
SER-Niños Charter School
Ms. Charmaine Constantine
Southwest Public Schools
Dr. Felicia Adams
STEP Charter School
Mr. William H. Clark
The Lawson Academy
Ms. Cheryl Lawson
The Pro-Vision Academy
Ms. Janelle James
The Rhodes School for the Performing Arts
Ms. Ashley Miller
The Varnett Public School
Dr. Nita White
Two Dimensions Preparatory Academy
Ms. DeAteria Akan
UP Excellence Academy (Houston)
To be announced
Yellowstone College Prep
Dr. James Mosley
YES Prep Public Schools, Inc.
Mr. Mark DiBella
Celebrating Visionary Leadership: Recognizing the Texas Superintendent of the Year and Finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Schools in Tomball ISD, was honored as the Texas Association of School Administrators Superintendent of the Year, and as a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year at the National Conference on Education on February 15, 2024. Known for her trailblazing spirit and visionary leadership, Region 4 proudly celebrates her remarkable dedication to the education community and the inspiring impact she continues to make.
Congratulations to Dr. John Moore, Superintendent of Galena Park ISD, for his selection as the Region 4 Superintendent of the Year. Under Moore’s exemplary leadership, Galena Park ISD has thrived. Moore played a key role in navigating successful partnerships to support families in his district and embodies the whole-child approach to learning. Region 4 proudly supports Dr. Moore as he drives meaningful change and academic achievement for the district’s 21,000 students.
Leading the Way: Region 4 Loves Our Principals
School leaders bear immense responsibilities for their teams, students, and communities. Region 4 supports them to develop systems to recruit and retaining talented teachers, providing professional development to enhance the skills of their teams, and fostering winning cultures that ensure student success. Celebrating the achievements of these exceptional leaders validates their contributions and highlights their well-deserved moments in the spotlight.
The Principals of the Year from Region 4 were honored for their outstanding leadership at the Principals’ Recognition Ceremony held at the Hotel Derek on April 10, 2024. The event was emceed by Deborah Duncan, the KHOU-11 news anchor and host of Great Day Houston. Generous sponsorship from Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, KHOU-11, ODP Business Solutions, and Omnia Partners helped celebrate our VIPs—Very Important Principals.
Kevin Moran, Waller ISD Superintendent
Deborah Duncan and Dr. Rodney Watson
Lisa Campell, Klein ISD’s 2024 Elementary Principal of the Year
A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating Our Region 4 Board of the Year and TASA Honor Board
The Klein ISD Board of Trustees was recognized as Region 4’s Board of the Year. Their dedication to student achievement and commitment to community engagement, earned them a well-deserved spot as one of only five Honor Boards in Texas at the TASA School Board Awards competition. We’re proud of Dr. Jenny McGown, Superintendent of Klein ISD and their Board.
School Boards Champion District Success
Region 4 provided customized coaching and training to 22 school district governance teams—comprised of school board trustees and the superintendent of schools. Additionally, 49 school district boards participated in open enrollment training sessions, covering new board member orientation, legislative updates, and governing for improved student outcomes.
These sessions enhance board members’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities, including vision and goals, policy development, financial oversight, and community engagement. By investing in school board training, these governance teams are empowered to better serve their districts, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes for students across the region.
Columbia-Brazoria ISD School Board School Board Training Participants Texas City ISD School Board
Fostering a Culture of Excellence with Texas Strategic Leadership
Christopher Mayes, CEO and Superintendent of Beatrice Mayes Institute (BMI) has been in education for 27 years, and it’s personal to him. “I’m serving in the community that I grew up [in], and making an impact is crucial to me.”
His charter school is piloting Region 4 Education Service Center’s Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) Program. The foundation of the TSL Program is the Effective District Framework, six levers whose framework provides guidance and action plans for improvement and advancement of school districts and their leaders, educators, and students.
BMI had a strategic plan in place, but the plan had gaps. Mayes worked with his TSL partner, Region 4, for guidance to bridge the gaps and improve leadership. Dr. Natasha Watson and Dr. Miguel Perez listened to Mayes describe his school’s singular story and challenges. They shared their own relatable stories that helped Mayes gain insight into his school’s specific leadership needs.
“That part of it was really mind blowing,” Mayes shared. “We were able to share personal experiences about what it’s like to be the leader.” The personalization of the program struck a chord with Mayes, “I know that they were working with other schools, but I never felt like we were an addition to [other schools]. It felt like that experience was solely around us. It felt really customized, catered to where we are, and the accessibility [to the Region 4 TSL team] was phenomenal.”
Mayes explained that an unexpected benefit of working with the Region 4 TSL team was the buy-in from members of BMI’s leadership. He specifically called attention to how BMI principals are incorporating the TSL strategic actions by being more intentional about their walkthroughs. Prior to the TSL work, the walkthroughs were about observation, “but now they’re more specific in that ‘This is what I’m looking for when I’m walking through.’ This action is connected to this goal [of accountability],” says Mayes.
Each district and charter school has unique challenges and needs. Their leaders need expert, customized support to pinpoint the distinct challenges and build strategic plans to set and achieve organizational goals.
The District Advancement Champions of Region 4’s TSL department are uniquely qualified to help superintendents guide a course to actionable solutions to improve the number of high-performing campuses in their districts.
Empowering Districts, Elevating Outcomes: Texas Strategic Leadership
What is TSL? Region 4 has assembled a team of expert former central office leaders who partner with superintendents and other district leaders to drive student performance and progress through systemic change, guided by the Essential District Framework (EDF). This Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) work is built on the belief that superintendents, like Mr. Mayes, deserve personalized, highly effective executive coaching to gain a deep understanding of the systems shaping the current student experience.
Through our TSL services, we assess how student outcomes are influenced by rigorous and supportive campus-level experiences, which rely on well-aligned district-level systems. As a result, participating districts emerge with a customized, reflective strategic plan that captures their vision, goals, and priorities for the next 3-5 years.
In today’s demanding educational landscape, which calls for courageous and strategic leadership, we help district leaders focus on what truly matters for dramatically improving student outcomes. In its inaugural year, the Region 4 TSL team provided year-long, extensive strategic planning services to superintendents and their leadership teams at four districts across the region. In the upcoming second year, we will introduce planning and performance management to support the implementation of these strategic plans. Unlike services provided by other entities that conclude with the creation of a district plan, Region 4 is committed to providing targeted, ongoing support throughout the plan’s implementation phase to ensure lasting success.
Christopher Mayes, CEO and Superintendent, BMI
McKinney Conference Center a State-of-the-Art Facility
The Region 4 renovation increased customer value and transformed the space into a modern, functional, and comfortable environment. By enhancing technology, improving accessibility, and creating flexible room arrangements, the upgraded center provides an effective and satisfying customer experience. This makes the conference center a valuable resource for educators and aligns with our commitment to supporting their professional growth and development.
Where Renovation Meets Innovation
• Skylights in the atrium allow natural light to flood the space. Natural light can improve a person’s mood and reduce the energy needed for artificial lighting.
• Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) offer high-resolution image display with no glare while consuming less energy and producing less heat—increasing environmental sustainability.
• Chromatic glass in the conference rooms can switch between clear and opaque modes, allowing users to create privacy or visibility as needed, with the flip of a switch.
• Comfortable seating in the atrium provides a pleasant environment for guests to enjoy lunch or take breaks between professional learning sessions.
• All 28 conference rooms, which can accommodate more than 2,600 participants at capacity, are equipped with cameras and ceiling-mounted and tabletop microphones, to facilitate the hybrid delivery of professional development sessions.
• Kiosks and wall-mounted touch screens facilitate digital sign-in, which speeds up the check-in process and reduces wait times to enter sessions.
• Motion-activated water faucets and hand dryers help reduce the spread of germs in shared spaces.
Skylights
Conference Room
Guest Seating
Check-in
Kiosk
Photo courtesy of Lenworth Johnson, Region 4
Empowering Educators
for Success in the Classroom
I just want to say thank you to Region 4 for all your support with curriculum and instruction and also implementing our strategic plan. Region 4, you are true District Advancement Champions.
—Herbert O’Neil Jr. Superintendent of Hempstead ISD
Shaping the Future: Region 4 Loves Our Teachers
Region 4’s annual Teachers of the Year Appreciation Ceremony was held at the Hilton Americas Houston in August. The event was a true testament to the profound impact educators have when they are grounded in purpose and driven by strong leadership. Houston Astros Hall of Fame Broadcaster Bill Brown served as the event emcee. We recognized 95 outstanding Champions of Change from 47 districts and selected an elementary and secondary Teacher of the Year to compete in the TASA Texas Teacher of the Year contest.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous business partners—Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, Omnia Partners, Royal Luxury Events, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Picture Me Houston, HEB, ODP, and Roar Over Texas—for making this day truly memorable for teachers. Your investment in education is invaluable, and on behalf of educators across the region, we thank you for your support.
ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Taylor Brock from Sheldon ISD
“In the end we know and understand that ultimate cost resides in our hope that every student regardless of race, creed or color will have the opportunity to be all they were meant to be in this world and the unconditional love when they fall short.”
SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Jessica Brink from Sweeny ISD
“The classroom was the one place I felt safe enough to be silly, bold and flourish... I knew from an early age that I wanted to provide that same type of space for my students.”
Dr. Rodney Watson and Bill Brown at the Teachers of the Year Luncheon
How Region 4 Is Helping to Solve the Teacher Vacancy Problem: Teacher Residency Grants
Region 4’s Teacher Pipeline Initiatives team proudly awarded three $80,000 grants to fund and help develop a sustainable teacher apprenticeship and residency program in Fort Bend ISD, Spring ISD, and Odyssey Academy. The grant funds were made available to Region 4 through the generosity of the Houston Endowment, a private foundation supporting efforts to increase the number of well-prepared teachers who improve student outcomes and stay in the classroom.
“Region 4 exists to support our local districts as they tackle complex challenges, and so we are proud to enable the creation of these highly effective teacher residency programs. With nearly 20 applicants, it was a difficult decision to choose three recipients. However, their success will be a model and a call to action for more investment from our community.”
–Dr. Rodney Watson Region 4 Executive Director
Homegrown teacher programs help districts strengthen their pipeline of educators, which is critically important during a time when many school systems are facing shortages in talent and need to reimagine their recruitment efforts. Participating districts will hire a coordinator to establish a registered apprenticeship program for their district with expert support from the Teacher Pipeline Initiatives team at Region 4, which is part of the educator development workstream.
“The evidence shows that when teachers are trained and certified in a high-quality program, students are more successful, and teachers stay in the classroom longer. Having well-prepared teachers in every classroom is essential to the success of all of our region’s students and to the future growth and prosperity of Greater Houston,” said Ann B. Stern, Houston Endowment President and CEO. “This innovative partnership between Region 4 and local school districts will help to transform the educator preparation landscape and build a more impactful teacher workforce.”
Elevate and Certify: How Region 4 Develops Outstanding Teacher Evaluators
Through T-TESS training, Region 4 supported 850 school leaders to build leadership capacity, ensure rater reliability within the teacher evaluation system, and support effective educator growth and development. Leaders attend a 3-day training to prepare for a T-TESS certification exam.
T-TESS provides teachers with tailored and consistent feedback and support throughout the year. The support system fosters a partnership between the teacher and administrator and has an immediate impact on student success. Region 4 is proud to help implement this calibrated and reliable evaluative system across districts, regions, and Texas.
“I was not looking forward to three days of Zoom training, to be honest. However, I was so pleasantly surprised by how engaging your training is, in spite of the online format. Your passion for what you do enhances the engagement, and I truly appreciate all the tips you have shared!”
–Crystel Ware, Assistant Principal of Lamar CISD
T-TESS Certification Participants Advancing Educational Leadership Training
Literacy for Every Learner with Reading by Design®
Laura Dowdy Northcutt, Director of Responsive Services for Humble Independent School District, advocates for implementing tools to help students conquer educational challenges. “My philosophy is any time you think you know everything, you’re probably in trouble. There’s always more to know about any topic, and there are always more tools to have to support our students.” The tool she’s talking about is Reading by Design® (RbD), a 5-volume professional learning system designed to support teachers at every grade level help students with dyslexia and related disorders at every literacy level.
Humble ISD used other dyslexia intervention programs before Reading by Design®, but the district needed a program that offered efficiency in training and costs that could meet students where they were on their path to literacy. The district had an opportunity to pilot Reading by Design® at about the same time her son, a second grader, was identified with having dyslexia. So, not only was she reviewing its performance from an administrative level, but she was also reviewing it on a more personal level.
For the past two years, teachers have also been using the RbD app, and the district is exploring ways to leverage the app to support compliance and fidelity. It helps administrators to examine district and campus trends which is essential. Dowdy Northcutt, herself a parent of a student with dyslexia and dysgraphia, appreciates how family-friendly the app is, too. “They can see the growth and skills.” Parents can view the scope and sequence, the overview of the program, what students are studying, and progress reports which enhance parental engagement. “It’s really been a partnership with Region 4 as we’ve adopted the program. They’ve been great about supporting us. Each district has unique challenges based on different needs, and Jan [Cook] is always willing to customize with us. That support is essential. I can’t imagine moving to another program without that support. We can call her for any training needs, even if it’s a custom session. Jan has helped me so much.”
And what about Dowdy Northcutt’s son? She volunteered him when the district decided to pilot RbD because she felt the program was tailored to his needs. RbD provided ways for his teacher to keep in contact and worked on his fluency skills. Now, in eighth grade, he is reading on grade level. “He did not think that he wanted to go to college, and this year, he’s really started talking about college and his plans. That’s been great to see his skill growth but also his confidence grow, and that’s what I can say about Reading by Design® as a parent. “I appreciate Jan, not only for my district, but for my son. He’s better because of you, so thank you,” said Dowdy Northcutt.
Building Model Classrooms: Creating Supportive Classrooms for Diverse Learning and Behavioral Needs
The success of educational programs often hinges on the dedication and expertise of outstanding individuals. One such individual is Cathy Williams, an education specialist within our Special Education team. Williams has been instrumental in transforming classrooms to better support students with significant cognitive and behavioral needs. Her contributions have made a substantial impact on both teachers and students across the Region 4 area.
The Building a Model Classroom Project was born in March 2020 with a request to address challenging student behaviors in an elementary life skills classroom at Cleveland ISD. Upon observing the classroom, Williams quickly realized that the issue extended beyond student behavior; it was a matter of classroom setup and management. “Structuring the classroom for student success required materials the district didn’t have and couldn’t obtain,” Williams said. “I knew I could make recommendations, but without the necessary materials, they couldn’t implement them. Walking away from that situation just felt unethical.”
Determined to support the teacher and students, she used available funds to supply the necessary materials, transforming the classroom from the ground up. This initiative led to the creation of a model classroom, tailored for students with cognitive and behavioral needs. In a model classroom, evidence-based practices are the cornerstone, blending structured teaching and applied behavior analysis. With defined areas, labeled materials, and personalized visual schedules, students thrive on consistency and clear expectations every day.
The result? A significant decrease in interfering behaviors and an increase in student engagement and learning. Her approach balances professional development with follow-up support, ensuring teachers not only receive the materials and knowledge but also effectively implement it. Williams notes this method ensures that the benefits extend far beyond the initial training, equipping teachers with skills that impact all their future students.
Williams’ impact is far-reaching, as districts replicate her model classrooms, enhancing the learning environment for countless students. So far, Williams and her team have trained 13 teachers and provided around $44,000 in materials. “We’re not just sharing information, but we’re developing skills in teachers that they’ll carry with them forever,” Williams adds. “While numbers may not capture its full impact, the ripple effect of this project is undeniable.”
Model Classroom Materials
Model Classroom Photos at Eastside Elementary in Cleveland ISD
Steering the Future: Premier Bus Driver Training
The Region 4 Transportation Department successfully equipped highly qualified school bus drivers through our certification and re-certification programs. Our expert team educated school district transportation personnel on enhancing safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in transportation operations. We delivered tailored professional development, including mentoring for new directors, routing assessment practices, and best operational practices across 13 school districts. Participating districts identified potential efficiency and safety improvements for bus riders with Region 4’s professional support.
Region 4 specialists also provided professional development in student behavior management, customer service, and basic first aid to La Porte ISD, Channelview ISD, Tomball ISD, Tarkington ISD, and Stafford MSD. In Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Crosby ISD, and Clear Creek ISD, Region 4 assisted districts in implementing best practices in safety standards, hazardous route evaluations, fleet maintenance operations, and routing procedures.
Drive with Confidence, Certify with Pride!
How the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment is Changing the Game
The development and continued implementation of a TIA Local Designation System (LDS) allows districts to recruit, reward, and retain their most effective teachers. The TIA team provides technical assistance services to districts in the development and implementation of their LDS, a process that usually takes one to two years. Through a district’s LDS, teachers can earn Recognized, Exemplary, and Master designations, which makes them eligible to earn allotments from $3,000 to $30,000. Designated teachers improve student outcomes by setting and meeting growth targets, at the individual student level. This demonstrates the impact TIA is having on teachers coming into education, remaining in education, and earning higher salaries along with the impact on student growth and achievement because of these teachers.
The Region 4 TIA team has provided technical assistance to more than 25 districts and has partnered with nine districts through customized contracted services. Additionally, the TIA team offers technical assistance to districts via quarterly Region 4 TIA Collaborative meetings, through the T-TESS TIA Calibration sessions, and through the distribution of the monthly Region 4 TIA newsletter. This impacts 91 districts and charters in Region 4.
TIA LDS participants collaborating
Districts receive technical assistance to implement TIA LDS
Smart Data, Smart Decisions: Managing Student Data with TSDS and PEIMS
It can be challenging to navigate the data maze. Have no fear; Region 4 is here! Region 4 has a team of specialists with expertise in the Texas Student Data System (TSDS), which centralizes student data management, and the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS), which collects and reports data on public education in Texas.
In order to provide comprehensive supports through the last year, our specialists conducted site visits to deepen their understanding of how to best support our partner local education agencies. This allowed them to identify opportunities to provide customized supports in specific areas of need.
In collaboration with Region 4, Alief ISD received extensive training and data review services. Additionally, 28 partner education agencies participating in the TSDS Upgrade Project underwent intensive professional development to enhance effective data tracking and reporting, student success, and accountability.
Unlocking
Potential: Implementing High Quality Instructional Materials
Region 4’s expert team specializes in supporting the adoption and implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Recently, we provided comprehensive framework and implementation support to the Raul Yzaguirre School of Success and Goose Creek CISD. Our goal is to collaborate with districts to ensure all students access rigorous, grade-level content through HQIM, enhancing their learning experience and outcomes. Let’s partner to bring these high standards to every classroom.
increasing excellent,
Equitable Outcomes for All Children
Thank you, Region 4 team, for your support of Houston ISD. I know we asked you for a lot of help over the last month, especially on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, helping with certifications for hundreds of principals. So thank you for your effort. Thank you for your support. We really appreciate it.
—Mike Miles Superintendent of Houston ISD
Connecting Families: The Heart of the Family Support Network
For years, the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) has served hundreds of students across the Houston area, providing support to teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing and their students. Families longed for in-person engagement that extended beyond the classroom and provided an opportunity to share information and allow students to have experiences that might otherwise have been out of reach.
The Region 4 Family Support Network (FSN), led by Specialist Paige Hutto Kelley, focused on providing families with increased access to information on transition and accessible family outings. The FSN partnered with the Houston Zoo to train Zoo keepers to work with translators and digital modulation devices to provide keeper talks that allowed students to experience elephant baths, giraffe feedings, and more just as their hearing peers would. Hutto Kelley also helped to specially prepare museum workers at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to facilitate interactive experiences that allowed deafblind students to experience the museum’s Kinder Building.
From Need to Nourishment: Transformative Homelessness Support
Specialists supported more than 25 LEAs in Region 4 by providing comprehensive resources to students and families experiencing homelessness. Region 4 provided professional development for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and distributed school supplies, hygiene and laundry kits, air mattresses, blankets, and sleeping bags. Region 4 facilitated access to tutoring, transportation services, and college and career field trips, through the ARP II Homeless Grant.
Twiana Collier and LaShonda Evans, Education Specialists in the Accountability, Research, and Compliance Support Department distributing supplies to districts
Photos courtesy of Houston Zoo
Houston Museum of Fine Arts
Photos courtesy of Houston Zoo
Fostering a Culture of Excellence: The District Systemic Support Department
The District Systemic Support Department is committed to empowering leaders to drive positive student outcomes and equip Region 4 students to excel in a global society. We focus on continuous improvement through the adoption of high-leverage district systems and practices.
Our School Improvement Team plays a critical role in supporting district and campus leaders with the Effective Schools Framework (ESF), state-required accountability interventions, and other improvement initiatives. This year, we completed ESF diagnostics for 48 campuses and provided targeted support to 92 Comprehensive Support and Improvement campuses, guiding them in developing robust, ESF-aligned improvement plans. All plans met rigorous quality standards, underscoring our commitment to excellence and impactful support.
Education Is Our Passion. Safety Is Our Priority.
Ken Culbreath, Region 4’s Director of the Office of Emergency Management and School Safety, has built a leading team known for its extensive expertise in both public and educational sectors. Under his guidance, Region 4 has developed a robust emergency management and school safety group among Texas ESCs, greatly enhancing regional support.
Recently, the office hosted its first School Safety Expo, attracting more than 200 participants, including superintendents, administrators, campus police, and safety professionals. Attendees benefited from expert keynote presentations and hands-on demonstrations by community partners. Notable panelists included Ellen Spalding from Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois Law Firm, Laurie Christensen, Harris County Fire Marshal, Allen Otto, Chief of the 314th District Court, and John Bray, Special Agent with the FBI Houston office.
Recently, we went through the process to hire a new police chief. I want to thank District Advancement Champion, Ken Culbreath, for helping us out. Region 4, you are doing a phenomenal job of supporting our school systems. I appreciate it, and I got the best police chief around.
—Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Superintendent of Lamar CISD
Ken Culbreath, Ellen Spalding, Laurie Christensen, Allen Otto, John Bray, Dr. Rodney Watson
School Safety Expo Participants
