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History of Program
During Fall 2006 and again in 2007, the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) applied for and received two awards from the Texas Education Agency, through Rider 59 - High School Initiative funds, to design the Exemplar Grant program. The purpose of this grant was to support the school improvement work of THSP grantees, as well as other Texas educators, by providing access to organizations demonstrating successful programs and processes that achieve rigor, create relevance, or drive personal relationships with students and educators.
The Texas High School Project was charged with 1) Identifying organizations with exemplary programs in some aspect of highly effective school operation; 2) Fund identified organizations to document their work and share it broadly; and 3) Support the work of the identified organizations to ensure consistent high quality of documentation, hosting of visitors, and reporting. As a result of this funding, THSP was able to award 20 grantees in the first round and an additional eight in the second round.
 “These entities exemplify the innovation and commitment that the Texas High School Project is working to implement across the state,” said John Fitzpatrick, executive director of the THSP at the Communities Foundation of Texas. “We are certain that they will inspire other schools to set high expectations for their students and give them the tools to meet those expectations.”
The THSP identified secondary schools, universities and nonprofits with exceptional programs providing innovative instruction to enhance college readiness, career and technology education, and professional development designed to serve high-need students including low-income, high minority, Limited English Proficient (LEP) and special education populations. Grant recipients were encouraged to demonstrate a proficiency in use of data for the design and implementation of these programs.
“From specialized math and science education to leadership programs to pre-college centers, these schools are leading the charge in producing students who are ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” said Fitzpatrick.
Throughout the year, exemplar grantees have shared their expertise and inspired other schools online and in their communities. Exemplars listed here are featured on the THSP website, with many containing either audio or video resources.
“We stand ready to support anyone interested in implementing or learning more about Collegiate Challenge through webcasts or other professional development mediums,” said Linda Buchman of Spring Branch ISD, which received a grant for its Collegiate Challenge Program, adding that the school district already has expanded its award-winning program to a second high school, with plans to add a third in 2008. “We have succeeded in our most important local way.”
CFT administers the grant funds, which were provided by the Texas Education Agency. Through these grants, schools are able to provide detailed information about the formation, implementation, funding and process for replicating their respective exemplar programs so that they can be easily understood by and accessible to other schools and non-profit organizations. In addition, these schools develop the capacity to host and educate visitors who want to learn about the featured program. Funds have helped selected organizations to expand the scope or depth of their respective programs to foster an atmosphere of continual growth and adapt to fit students’ changing needs.
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