Best in Southwest Literacy Network Strengthens Regional Collaboration in Session #2 at Cockrell Hill Elementary
Leaders from DeSoto, Duncanville, Cedar Hill, and
Lancaster ISDs came together on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, for Session
#2 of the 2025–2026 “Best in Southwest” Cross-District Literacy Learning
Network. The session, hosted at Cockrell Hill Elementary School in
DeSoto ISD, marked another important step in the network’s ongoing effort to
ensure that all early learners in the region receive high-quality literacy
instruction.
“This partnership reflects our shared belief that literacy
is the foundation of academic success,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers,
Superintendent of Schools for DeSoto ISD. “By working alongside our
neighboring districts, we elevate strategies that help every child—no matter
their ZIP code—gain the skills needed to read, learn, and thrive. This
collaboration strengthens all of our school systems and brings unity to our commitment
to early literacy.”
The full-day session brought together instructional leaders
and administrators committed to advancing early literacy across the Southwest
Dallas County region. The day focused on collaborative learning, actionable
feedback, and alignment of instructional practices to drive measurable
gains for students in kindergarten through second grade.
“Participation in the Best in Southwest Literacy Network
provides our leaders and teachers with invaluable opportunities to learn from
peers, refine instructional practices, and return to their campuses with
strategies that make an immediate impact,” said Dr. Raul Peña, Executive
Director of School Leadership for DeSoto ISD. “The experience reinforces
that together we can accelerate student progress more effectively than we can
alone.”
A Day of Collaboration and Progress
Throughout the session, participants engaged in activities
designed to build on the momentum of previous years and sustain progress in
foundational literacy instruction.
Key highlights included:
- Instructional
Walkthroughs (K–2): Leaders visited classrooms to observe instruction,
collect evidence, and compare current practices to Fall 2024 and Spring
2025 data—showing measurable gains in foundational literacy skills.
- Actionable
Feedback Practice: Participants strengthened their ability to
translate classroom observations into targeted, bite-sized action steps
that teachers can implement immediately.
- Small-Group
Instruction Focus: Attendees deepened their understanding of effective
small-group instruction, which supports targeted student needs and
increases engagement.
- Regional
Commitment: Leaders reaffirmed their shared mission to provide every
scholar—regardless of their home district—access to consistent,
high-quality literacy instruction.
Regional Momentum
Session #2 of the Best in Southwest Literacy Learning
Network underscored the power of cross-district collaboration to tackle
common challenges and share best practices.
“We share teachers and we share students. The more unity we
have across districts, the more we are able to accomplish together at Best in
Southwest,” said Stephanie McCloud, Chief Academic Officer for DeSoto ISD
capturing the day’s spirit—moving from isolated district efforts to collective
regional impact.
The event’s focus on real-time data use, evidence-based
instructional strategies, and shared accountability reflects the network’s
dedication to ensuring every young learner in the region builds strong
foundational reading skills.
“Session #2 showed that the partnership among our districts
continues to grow stronger,” said McCloud. “By sharing insights and
aligning practices, we’re better equipped to accelerate literacy outcomes for
all scholars.”
About Best in Southwest Literacy Learning Network
Launched in 2023, the Best in Southwest Literacy Learning
Network brings together leaders from DeSoto, Duncanville, Cedar Hill,
and Lancaster ISDs to collaborate on improving early literacy instruction.
Now in its third year, the network continues to foster professional learning,
strengthen instructional practices, and drive collective impact for scholars
across the Southwest Dallas County region.
For more information, please visit www.desotoisd.org.