Crockett Middle School has earned national recognition as a Texas School to Watch, a prestigious designation awarded through a partnership between the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. The honor places Crockett Middle School among approximately 70 campuses statewide recognized for excellence in middle-school education.
The Schools to Watch designation recognizes campuses that demonstrate strong performance across four key areas: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structure and processes. Schools selected through this rigorous process reflect best practices in teaching and learning while maintaining a focus on continuous improvement.
Crockett Middle School will be formally recognized at the Making Middle School Matter Symposium hosted by TASSP in Austin from March 1–3, 2026. The campus will also receive national recognition at the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, D.C., scheduled for June 25–27, 2026.
“This recognition reflects the intentional work happening every day at Crockett Middle School to support students during one of the most critical stages of their academic journey,” said Superintendent Brent Jaco. “We are proud of the leadership, educators, and staff who remain focused on high expectations, strong relationships, and student growth. Being named a Texas School to Watch affirms that our middle school students are being prepared for long-term success.”
State leaders cited Crockett Middle School’s collaborative leadership, strong instructional practices, and commitment to equity and accountability as key factors in the designation. Teachers at CMS work closely together to continuously improve curriculum and instruction, using data and assessments to guide student support and progress.
Principal David Credille said the designation is a shared accomplishment rooted in teamwork and purpose. “This honor belongs to our students, staff, and families,” Credille said. “Our teachers are deeply committed to meeting students where they are, challenging them academically, and supporting their social and emotional growth. Being named a School to Watch affirms that our focus on continuous improvement and student-centered practices is making a meaningful difference.”
Dr. Joe Coleman, Texas State Director for Schools to Watch and TASSP associate executive director for middle-level services, praised the campus for its approach to middle-level education. He noted that Crockett Middle School exemplifies how high-performing middle schools balance academic growth with attention to adolescents' unique developmental needs while ensuring access to high-quality instruction for all students.
The Schools to Watch selection process includes a comprehensive written application aligned to national criteria developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Campuses that meet initial benchmarks then undergo an in-depth site visit by trained state teams, which observe classrooms, review student work and achievement data, and conduct interviews with administrators, teachers, students, and families. Schools earn the designation for a three-year period and must demonstrate progress toward specific goals to be re-designated.
Launched in 1999, the Schools to Watch program identifies and elevates middle schools that successfully implement research-based practices. Today, the program operates in 20 states and has recognized more than 480 middle schools nationwide.
The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform is a coalition of educators, researchers, and national organizations dedicated to improving education for students in the middle grades. Its work centers on advancing policies and practices that support academic achievement, equity, and healthy development for young adolescents.
For Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, the designation demonstrates the district’s continued focus on strengthening school experiences and ensuring that every student has access to engaging, high-quality learning environments that support both academic and personal growth.