district. We use CTAE funds or the CCMR funds to cover tuition, cover the books at UTEP, and we pay for their transportation. The kids really take advantage of those opportunities.” A PROACTIVE APPROACH Technology is another area where Tornillo ISD has invested deeply, long before it became a widespread necessity. Superintendent Vega-Barrio stresses, “We’ve been very fortunate that we have sought different grants to be able to provide all of our students with a device even before COVID hit.” That early action helped the district implement blended learning strategies that are now embedded from Pre-K through 12th grade. Through a major grant awarded post-pandemic, the district has adopted hands-on, tech-integrated programs like Project Lead the Way in elementary grades.“We’re once again going back to professional development and internalizing lessons and developing lessons so that blended learning is a 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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