Top Tennessee Republicans have heralded Houston’s intervention as a model they want to replicate in the Memphis-Shelby County district. In the first two years of the takeover, more Houston students achieved proficiency on state reading and math tests, and no school received an “F” rating in the state accountability system.

The schools effectively engaging families aren't sending more messages, they're sending smarter ones.

Under the four-day-a-week model, districts still must still meet the same requirements for minimum instruction time, so school days are longer.

Superintendent Kelly May-Vollmar details how she reaches everyone on Desert Sands USD with the help of board members, educators, parents and students.