‘Pandemic created additional gaps’: YISD working to close learning gaps during fall intersession

EL PASO, Texas -- This week, many Borderland students are currently out of the classroom and on a short break as the fall intersession is underway, but this time isn't going to waste as some students are now getting some much needed extra help.

About a quarter of all Ysleta Independent School District students have been "invited" back to the classroom from the fall intersession, specifically those who did not pass the STAAR test.

Due to state legislation, students who did not pass the STAAR test last year during the height of the pandemic are required to complete no less than 30 hours of tutoring this school year.

"There's always gaps and the pandemic created additional gaps that we are now working on in closing," said Ruben Cadena, principal at Alicia Chacon International School.

YISD schools using the fall intersession to help students who need additional support in the classroom.

Many YISD schools are now mirroring Alicia Chacon International School, which has been operating under a year-round school calendar for 20 plus years now.

Cadena said during the first week of the intersession, around 200 students out of more than 800 will be coming in, working on reading, writing, or math for half a day.

"The intercession which has been in place for quite some time, just (to) assist us in moving kids fluency levels (up) and improving their comprehension."

The school also focuses on providing small group instruction, which "allows teachers more time to individualize and to provide assistance to kids," Cadena said.

All YISD teachers who work during the fall intersession will be compensated extra.

YISD students return to classroom from the fall break on October 18.