San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) announced Wednesday that it is relaxing parts of the district‑wide “High 5” instructional model that sparked criticism from teachers and the San Antonio Alliance union.

What the High 5 model required

The High 5 system, rolled out in September by Superintendent Adrian Bustillos, standardized teaching practices, data reporting and classroom setups across the district’s 80 schools. Teachers were expected to use the same check‑for‑understanding strategies—such as turn‑and‑talk discussions and student whiteboards—attend weekly professional learning communities, and administer daily exit tickets. A separate initiative also mandated district‑created slide decks and lesson plans for every classroom.

Changes for A and B schools

After weeks of vocal opposition, SAISD said A and B schools are no longer required to use the district‑created lesson plans and presentation slides. The materials remain available and are encouraged, but schools may now choose whether to adopt them, SAISD spokesperson Laura Short said.

Short added that the curriculum‑resource changes for higher‑performing campuses are distinct from the High 5 framework, which continues to apply district‑wide.

Flexibility for checks for understanding

While the core “checks for understanding” remain mandatory, teachers now have greater leeway to employ strategies beyond whiteboards and turn‑and‑talks. “These strategies are intentionally emphasized because they promote student discourse and provide additional opportunities for written expression,” Short wrote, noting that turn‑and‑talk and whiteboard use remain priority practices.

Other expectations stay the same

There are no changes to expectations for classroom board configuration, professional learning communities, student data trackers or strategic walkthroughs. Daily exit tickets and prominently displayed learning objectives remain required for all campuses, including in‑district charter schools that may opt in.

Seating arrangements, which had caused confusion after teachers reported being forced to pair desks, are now clarified: teachers may determine group size and desk layout based on instructional activity, classroom space and student needs.

Union response

The San Antonio Alliance called the adjustments a “start” but said more rollback is needed to end what it described as a “micromanaging and hugely unpopular central office mandate.”

Superintendent Bustillos reiterated that High 5 is not a top‑down model and that teacher input continues to be considered as the district refines its approach.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.