Grant supports educator and leadership training to strengthen implementation of HQIM into English Language Arts and Reading classrooms for grade level reading proficiency.
El Paso, TX—CREEED today announced a $125,000 investment in the Canutillo Independent School District to support its Literacy Improvement Project. The grant supports the strategic implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) for reading comprehension at grade level in all Canutillo ISD schools teaching grades 6-12. The program provides strategic interventions to ensure middle and high school students’ reading proficiency and comprehension skills are at grade level, improving overall literacy outcomes.
Canutillo ISD has utilized English Language Arts and Reading HQIM in grades 6-12 since August 2025. The grant from CREEED helps ensure the materials are used to their fullest potential by providing educators with training in effective classroom implementation. The initiative extends beyond teacher training. Campus leaders and district staff are also being equipped with the tools and knowledge to support educators in real time. By building capacity at every level of the system, Canutillo ISD is creating a cohesive and aligned instructional environment that drives student success.
According to 2025 Texas Academic Performance Reports, the percentage of students in El Paso who performed at grade level on the English II STAAR exam declined to 53%, down from 56% in 2024. Additionally, El Paso students scored four percentage points below the state average on the 2025 English II STAAR exam. CREEED and Canutillo ISD are working together to reverse these trends.
“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,” said Eddie Rodriguez, Executive Director of CREEED. “HQIM implementation is rooted in research and, when effectively executed, has been shown to improve student outcomes. The goal of this investment is to ensure educators and students have the resources needed to strengthen literacy and core skills across our community to achieve and sustain grade level reading proficiency.”
“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.
The initial phase of the grant supports educator andstaff development including Consistency, Coherence, and Belonging training with TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project). Future phases will in lesson internalization, deeper implementation support, and continued capacity-building for educators.
District and CREEED leaders say the ultimate goal is literacy at grade level for all students.