Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles and the district’s board of managers are working diligently to improve standardized test scores through the implementation of the New Education System (NES). The NES model has shown promising results in improving test scores, particularly at historically low-performing NES elementary schools. These schools have undergone significant changes, including centralized curriculum, longer school days, and increased emphasis on discipline and testing-based evaluations.
However, the board of managers is concerned about the performance of students at non-NES schools, especially those who are disadvantaged. While some schools have seen declines in the percentages of students meeting grade-level standards, particularly among African-American and Hispanic students, as well as those with disabilities, bilingual students, and economically disadvantaged students.
Board member Cassandra Auzenne Bandy expressed disappointment in the disparities between high-performing schools and the performance of sub-groups within those schools. The board is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed and grow academically.
To address these concerns, Superintendent Mike Miles and the board are exploring ways to allocate resources to non-NES schools and replicate successful strategies from NES schools. The district has allocated an additional $27 million to fund NES schools, despite serving fewer students, in an effort to support their continued success.
Miles acknowledged that reversing declines among disadvantaged groups at non-NES schools may require tough choices and a more hands-on approach from district administrators. While NES schools have seen improvements in teaching staff and curriculum, non-NES schools have more autonomy over these decisions.
The board of managers emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students have access to quality education and pledged to work with the administration to address these disparities. Superintendent Miles reiterated his commitment to the district’s motto of “all means all” and expressed optimism that with continued focus and collaboration, they can achieve their goals over the coming years.
In addition to discussions about student performance, the board meeting also addressed various concerns raised by community members. Public speakers expressed disapproval of the district’s reforms, the upcoming bond proposal, and issues such as unassigned bus routes, overgrown school lawns, and malfunctioning air-conditioning units. The board also approved several items, including updates to the student code of conduct, a potential partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and a policy to make opioid antagonists available at every HISD campus.
Overall, the board of managers and Superintendent Mike Miles are committed to addressing disparities in student performance and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. By focusing on equity and collaboration, they aim to create a more inclusive and successful educational system for all students in Houston ISD.
