Dr. Joe Coleman, Texas Schools to Watch director and associate executive director for middle-level services with the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, said the program gives schools an opportunity to showcase the work happening on their campuses. “A big part of the Schools to Watch program is continuous improvement. Schools earning the designation also become part of a state and national network of Schools to Watch campuses. “Recognized schools serve as model schools for other schools needing support,” Coleman said “[And] schools get recognized by an external group for (providing) excellence programs for middle grade students.” “This really is an opportunity for schools in [the] Tyler area to showcase their overall middle school program,” Coleman said.