Subscribe TodaySponsored By Chevron
Ector County ISD received the Outstanding STEM Initiative award from the Mexican American School Boards Association at the group’s annual conference last weekend.
The award recognizes the district’s “Science in Action: ECISD’s Hands-On STEM Learning Initiative.” Supported through Vernier Connections Powered by Penda, the program gives students opportunities to investigate real-world scientific phenomena, collect real-time data and analyze evidence.
“It is an honor to be recognized by MASBA,” ECISD Superintendent Dr. Keeley Boyer said. “This award reflects the innovative thinking of our team and the hard work of our teachers and students.”

Get news the Permian is reading. Delivered free to your inbox.

District officials said the initiative coincided with gains on state science assessments.
“This initiative transforms science instruction from simply learning about science to actively doing science,” Boyer said. “And we saw immediate evidence of its effectiveness as our district improved in every STAAR performance category – Approaches, Meets, Masters – in 5th grade science, 8th grade science, and the Biology End of Course exam.”
The program’s digital platform includes tools such as text translation, read-aloud capabilities, varied reading levels, interactive visuals and immediate feedback. ECISD said the features are designed to reduce language barriers for English learners and students developing academic language while maintaining rigorous expectations.
ECISD, which serves more than 30,000 students in Odessa and surrounding Ector County communities, has previously received MASBA recognition for initiatives involving workforce development, special education and English language learners, as well as an Outstanding School District honor.
Permian Proud is an online news publication sponsored by the Chevron Americas Exploration and Production Company (CAEP).
We aim to provide Permian Basin residents with information about what’s going on in the community, and to provide a voice for CAEP on civic issues.
©2026 Permian Proud.