BY: Eddie Rodriguez, Executive Director, CREEED
At CREEED, our work has always focused on increasing educational attainment and preparing students for what comes next. From expanding access to advanced coursework through AIM High to investing in dual credit certified educators, we’ve seen what’s possible when systems are aligned around students’ success.
But none of that matters without strong literacy skills. Reading proficiency is the foundation that allows students to take on more rigorous coursework, earn college credit, and pursue meaningful career pathways.
That’s why we’ve invested $125,000 in Canutillo Independent School District’s Literacy Improvement Project, an initiative focused on strengthening reading level outcomes for students in grades 6-12, breaking the cycle of below grade level reading. This investment goes beyond materials – it’s about ensuring that educators and leaders are equipped to deliver high-quality instruction consistently across every classroom.
A SYSTEMWIDE APPROACH TO LITERACY
Across El Paso, literacy outcomes highlight both progress and urgency. According to the 2025 Texas Academic Performance Reports, just 53% of students met grade level on the English II STAAR exam – down from 56 % the previous year – and trailing the state average by four percentage points.
These numbers aren’t just data points. They reflect a gap in critical skills like comprehension, analysis and communication – skills that determine whether students are truly prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce.
While we have seen some improvement in Reading STAAR exam scores, our region continues to struggle with English II. Mastery in this area strengthens critical communication and analytical skills that every student needs to succeed. This investment is about ensuring educators and students have the resources needed to attain high-level literacy across our community.
Canutillo ISD is taking a different approach. By implementing High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) across English Language Arts and Reading classrooms, the district is aligning curriculum, instruction, and expectation. But materials alone don’t drive results – execution does.
INVESTING IN EDUCATORS AND LEADERSHIP
This initiative is designed to ensure HQIM is implemented effectively at every level of the system. The grant supports:
- Training for educators on how to deliver high-quality lessons in the classroom
- Development for campus leaders and district staff to support teachers in real time
The first phase focuses on building a strong foundation through Consistency, Coherence, and Belonging training in partnership with TNTP. From there, the work deepens – ensuring that instructional practices are aligned, supported, and continuously improving.
This is what system-level change looks like: not isolated efforts, but a coordinated strategy that strengthens teaching and learning across an entire district.
A MODEL FOR WHAT’S POSSIBLE
Canutillo ISD’s approach demonstrates what can happen when a district commits to doing the hard work – aligning materials, training educators, and building leadership capacity to support students at every level.
“By investing in high-quality instructional materials and the training required to use them effectively, we are equipping our educators and leaders to support every student in reaching grade-level reading proficiency and long-term academic success,” CISD Superintendent Dr. Josue Borrego said.
This is the kind of investment our region needs more of – one that doesn’t just address symptoms, but builds the systems required for lasting impact.
Because when we get literacy right, everything else becomes possible.