Carrollton, September 20, 2025
News Summary
In Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, teachers Bolden and Varela combined their fifth-grade classes to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Their collaborative teaching strategies, which included hands-on learning methods and the use of popular culture references, led to significant improvements in student performance. Supported by school leadership and additional resources, this approach emphasizes the value of teamwork in education, fostering a positive learning environment that benefits diverse learners.
Carrollton — A collaborative teaching approach in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD combined two fifth-grade classes under the instruction of Teachers Bolden and Varela and produced measurable gains in student learning, district officials and classroom participants reported.
What happened
Teachers Bolden and Varela taught the same material to two different groups of fifth-grade students. The two teachers merged the two classes into a single, collaborative classroom after identifying complementary strengths in each group. Bolden and Varela noticed varying strengths in their classes, prompting them to merge the two classes for collaborative teaching.
Immediate results and support
The merged classroom emphasized hands-on learning and flexible instruction tailored to student needs. Both teachers reported success from merging their classes, emphasizing a hands-on approach and adaptability. The initiative received backing from school leadership and additional staff resources, including a math coach and a teacher’s aide, contributing to the classroom’s outcomes.
District-level outcome
Bolden stated that they achieved the highest growth in the district by building strong relationships with students and making learning enjoyable. Principal Alex Klarer supported the initiative, allowing two teachers to work closely to enhance student outcomes. The overall objective was to foster a team-based environment to ensure student success.
Teaching methods and classroom practices
The classroom combined specific strategies and memory aids alongside culturally relevant references to maintain engagement. Varela utilized a “magic sticky note” method for teaching long division, demonstrating how to align numbers properly during calculations. Another classroom technique included a mnemonic phrase to help students remember steps in long division; Carter Tharpe added a phrase, “bring it downtown,” to help students remember how to perform long division.
Teachers also incorporated popular culture into lessons to connect with students’ interests. The teachers incorporate popular culture references, like SpongeBob and TikTok, into their lessons to engage students.
Student experience
Students reported benefits from the combined teaching styles and techniques. Student Kamri Howard noted advantages from having two teaching styles, providing more diverse learning experiences. Another student reported appreciation for varied instructional methods; Enzlea Madrigan appreciated the different teaching methods and techniques from both teachers.
Team and personal connections
The classroom success was credited to both the teachers and a broader support team. The success of the program is attributed not only to the teachers but also to the supportive team including a math coach and teacher’s aide. Additionally, the two teachers share a personal friendship and a common background in the district. Both teachers are former students of Carrollton-Farmer’s Branch ISD, fostering a relatable environment for their students. Teachers Bolden and Varela enjoy a friendship outside of school, which facilitates their collaborative teaching approach.
Rationale and perspective
Although small class size is often seen as an advantage, the teachers pursued a collaborative model to leverage complementary skills and broaden instructional approaches. The small class size is commonly viewed as beneficial, but the educators believed a partnership could bring better results.
Next steps and outlook
School leadership and the teaching team plan to continue the collaborative setup while monitoring student progress. Principal-level support remains in place to allow two teachers to work closely and to maintain the team-based focus intended to sustain and expand the gains in student outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the teachers do?
Teachers Bolden and Varela taught the same material to two different groups of fifth-grade students.
Why did they merge classes?
Bolden and Varela noticed varying strengths in their classes, prompting them to merge the two classes for collaborative teaching.
Is small class size considered better?
The small class size is commonly viewed as beneficial, but the educators believed a partnership could bring better results.
What teaching approaches were used?
The two teachers reported success from merging their classes, emphasizing a hands-on approach and adaptability.
How did students react?
Student Kamri Howard noted advantages from having two teaching styles, providing more diverse learning experiences.
What specific methods were used for long division?
Varela utilized a “magic sticky note” method for teaching long division, demonstrating how to align numbers properly during calculations.
Were memory aids used?
Carter Tharpe added a phrase, “bring it downtown,” to help students remember how to perform long division.
Did the teachers use pop culture in lessons?
The teachers incorporate popular culture references, like SpongeBob and TikTok, into their lessons to engage students.
What recognition did the classroom receive?
Bolden stated that they achieved the highest growth in the district by building strong relationships with students and making learning enjoyable.
Who else contributed to success?
The success of the program is attributed not only to the teachers but also to the supportive team including a math coach and teacher’s aide.
Do the teachers have ties to the district?
Both teachers are former students of Carrollton-Farmer’s Branch ISD, fostering a relatable environment for their students.
How does the teachers’ relationship affect teaching?
Teachers Bolden and Varela enjoy a friendship outside of school, which facilitates their collaborative teaching approach.
Who supported the initiative at the school level?
Principal Alex Klarer supported the initiative, allowing two teachers to work closely to enhance student outcomes.
What was the overall objective?
The overall objective was to foster a team-based environment to ensure student success.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Instructional model | Two teachers merged their classes to deliver the same material collaboratively. |
| Class focus | Hands-on learning with adaptable strategies to meet diverse student needs. |
| Memory aids | Use of a “magic sticky note” method and the phrase “bring it downtown” for long division. |
| Engagement techniques | Incorporation of popular culture references such as SpongeBob and TikTok. |
| Support team | Contribution from a math coach, a teacher’s aide, and principal-level approval. |
| Student response | Diverse learning experiences appreciated by students, citing benefits from two teaching styles. |
| Outcome | Reported highest growth in the district attributed to relationship-building and engaging instruction. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Schools Enhance STEM Opportunities for Girls
St. Andrew Methodist Church to Host ‘The Poetry of Psalms’ Concert
Additional Resources
- WFAA: TEA Changes Rules, School Nurses Complain
- Wikipedia: School Nurse
- CBS News: Parents Encourage Voting After School Closures
- Google Search: Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD School Closures
- CBS News: Parents and Community Members Sue CFBISD
- Google Scholar: Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD Sue
- Dallas News: Measles Vaccination Rates Declined
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vaccination
- WFAA: Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD School Closure Lawsuit
- Google News: Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
