From 69% to 89%
Green Valley's Third-Grade Growth Story
How a team of dedicated teachers, an instructional coach, and Curipod transformed STAAR ELA results and student confidence at Green Valley Elementary — Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, Region 20, northeast of San Antonio.
A Familiar Challenge
At Green Valley Elementary in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, northeast of San Antonio in Region 20, third-grade teachers Kimberly McDaniel and Luanne Retzloff faced a familiar challenge: lagging STAAR scores and high student anxiety.
After more than a decade teaching together in third grade, Kimberly and Luanne knew the toll of testing could take. They wanted a way to help students build skills and confidence, without the stress that testing season can bring.
“We trusted the process. After that first lesson, we were all in.
— Luanne Retzloff, 3rd Grade Teacher
The Green Valley Teaching Team
The Green Valley Team
How They Made It Happen
Instructional Coach Carissa Livingston modeled a Curipod lesson in their classrooms. What began as curiosity turned into conviction. With the support of their visionary principal, Trina Simmons, the team began using Curipod twice a month, then ramped up to weekly sessions ahead of STAAR.
By spring, Curipod had become a staple in both ELA and social studies, helping turn dry textbook lessons into interactive, formative learning experiences.
“It gave our kids something new to look forward to. Every day we did Curipod, it was a different challenge.
— Kimberly McDaniel, 3rd Grade Teacher
Five Ways Curipod Changed the Classroom
Immediate, Actionable Feedback
“It's the same advice I've told them a million times, but when they read it in feedback, they act on it. Literally in five minutes, their writing goes from this to this.”
— Kimberly McDanielEngagement and Joyful Challenge
“That variety and immediacy transformed writing practice from something students dreaded into something they wanted to do.”
“They love the podium and the voting. It motivates them to improve.”
— Kimberly McDanielConfidence and Inclusion
“A super quiet boy is one of the top-voted answers every time. He doesn't want to speak out loud, but he's proud when people read his writing.”
— Luanne RetzloffCalibration and Coaching
“We needed consistency at STAAR rigor. Curipod removed bias: same prompt, same rubric, same standard for every student. Teachers even learned by writing and scoring themselves first.”
— Carissa Livingston, Instructional CoachCollaborative Culture
“They encourage each other. ‘Let's look at your feedback. What can you do?’ That community piece has been huge.”
— Luanne RetzloffHighest Scores in the District
Green Valley's third graders achieved the highest scores in the district, catching the attention of Superintendent Paige Meloni.
“She came to our PLC and asked what we were doing. We said, Curipod.
— Kimberly McDaniel, 3rd Grade Teacher
Along with their impressive growth in Meets and Masters, teachers noted a major rise in students scoring above zero — from 39% up to 61%. That shift reflects more than better writing; it shows growing confidence and a willingness to try.
Green Valley third-grade students
Why It Matters
For Green Valley's third-grade team, Curipod didn't just boost scores. It shifted the mindset. Their results prove what happens when strong teaching meets the right tool. And it all began with trust — trusting the process, trusting one another, and helping students learn to trust themselves.
Teaching team
Third-grade students
Student spotlight
It's not just about numbers. Our kids believe they can do hard things now.
— Kimberly McDaniel, 3rd Grade Teacher