Socorro Independent School District (SISD) serves the rapidly growing eastern portion of El Paso County. A unique characteristic of SISD is its year-round academic calendar, which can impact how Extended School Year (ESY) services are calculated and delivered. Because breaks are distributed differently than in traditional districts, regression and recoupment—the key factors for ESY eligibility—may be assessed differently here. Make sure to discuss with your ARD committee how the intersession breaks affect your child's retention of skills.
Given the region's demographics, Socorro ISD is a leader in bilingual special education assessments. If your home language is Spanish, the district has a robust team of bilingual diagnosticians and Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to ensure your child is evaluated in their native language, distinguishing between a language difference and a true learning disability. This distinction is critical for appropriate placement.
You will encounter specific acronyms in SISD. FALS (Functional Academic Living Skills) is the district's program for students with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities, focusing on daily living and vocational tasks. For students with behavioral needs, the district utilizes PAS (Positive Approach to Student Success) units, which are designed to provide behavioral structure while keeping students connected to the general curriculum.
For older students, SISD operates a highly regarded transition program at the Community Education Center. This program partners with local businesses in the East El Paso area to provide job training. If your child is approaching age 14, ask your Transition Coordinator about the specific vocational tracks available, as Socorro offers distinct pathways ranging from retail to culinary arts.