Before Graciela Marquez became principal of Anthony Elementary School in Anthony, students were dropping out or underperforming, and the school was failing to make adequate yearly progress (AYP). All that has changed thanks to her leadership in implementing effective new programs and strategies, and the school has now achieved AYP two years in a row. Ms. Marquez uses assessment data to drive decision-making, has provided effective professional development opportunities for teachers, and has involved parents and the community as partners in her students' development. She assumed an aggressive role in piloting Governor Bill Richardson's Rural Education Initiative at Anthony, working actively with the community on academic and economic improvement. Having been an English Language Learner (ELL) student when she was a child, Ms. Marquez understands how to help her predominantly Hispanic students prepare for the challenges ahead of them. Known to her colleagues as Grace, she is one principal who truly lives up to her name.
