Crystal Carranco

Stagecoach Elementary School
Cabot, Arkansas
crystal.carranco@cps.k12.ar.us

Best Practices

1) Proactive Teacher-Student Support: I review pacing guides and student performance data weekly to serve as a second set of eyes for teachers, allowing me to identify trends, spot struggling students early, and provide targeted resources that align with their current units. This proactive approach ensures that students receive timely interventions before gaps widen. Additionally, I share scaffolded lessons for students with IEPs, helping to lighten teachers’ workload while ensuring inclusive, high-quality instruction. By embedding supports within Tier 1 instruction, we are better able to meet the diverse needs of students and prevent unnecessary referrals to special education. This data-driven, collaborative approach has contributed to significant student growth, including the uncommon achievement of several students being dismissed from academic IEPs. By focusing on strong Tier 1 instruction, targeted interventions, and continuous progress monitoring, we have helped students develop the skills needed to perform successfully without specialized instruction. Rather than seeing an IEP as a permanent placement, this process reinforces the goal of providing the right supports at the right time, ultimately empowering students to gain independence in their learning.

2) Behavior Intervention: This year, I set out to approach behavior support from all angles, focusing on proactive strategies and individualized interventions. Through my Special Education coursework, I have gained valuable insights into behavior management and student support. Alongside my principal, I co-facilitated building-wide behavior training, where we identified major and minor behaviors, developed clear flowcharts for addressing them, and created lesson plans for proactive behavior management. Recognizing the strong connection between behavior and learning, I work closely with teachers and students to implement a structured Check-In/Check-Out system. This system incorporates daily goal-setting, self-reflection, and positive reinforcement, leading to a noticeable reduction in classroom disruptions and improved student self-regulation. I have also collaborated closely with our district social worker and school counselor to connect families with essential resources. This includes facilitating access to counseling services, assisting with immediate physical and health needs such as glasses and clothing, and helping young parents navigate Medicaid. We have observed a strong correlation between students requiring behavior intervention and those in need of support in these areas. By addressing these underlying needs, we create a stronger foundation for student success both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, I have implemented targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions based on individual student needs. By providing the right support at the right time, we ensure that students receive the interventions necessary for success while minimizing instructional disruptions for teachers. This multi-tiered approach fosters a positive learning environment where both students and educators can thrive.