Houston ISD teachers recently gathered for a convocation at Delmar Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. This event comes on the heels of a state takeover of the district triggered by a string of failing accountability ratings for Wheatley High School. However, if the preliminary data unveiled by Superintendent Mike Miles is any indication, it may not be long before HISD is returned to local control.
During the convocation, Miles shared districtwide data that showed significant improvements in accountability ratings. According to Miles, HISD reduced the number of D- and F-rated campuses from 121 to 41, while increasing the number of A and B schools from 93 to 170. This progress is crucial as the state intervention criteria require zero schools with multiple years of D and F ratings for HISD to regain local control.
While Miles did not reveal the forthcoming ratings for individual schools or the district itself, he emphasized that HISD’s improvements were significant compared to other districts. He stated, “I guarantee you no other district raised their accountability score or decreased the number of D and F campuses like Houston ISD did.” This positive trend bodes well for the district’s future.
The data presented by HISD compared expected 2023-24 ratings to those from the 2022-23 academic year, the year before the state takeover. Despite the TEA not publicizing accountability ratings for that school year due to legal issues, HISD’s calculations show promising results. For instance, 20 schools that were previously F-rated are expected to receive Bs in the upcoming ratings.
Miles attributed these improvements to his New Education System (NES), which includes premade lesson plans, higher pay for teachers, and a greater emphasis on discipline and testing-based performance. The NES model will expand from 85 to 130 campuses for the upcoming school year, with a significant decrease in D and F ratings for NES schools.
However, Miles’ reforms have also led to widespread teacher turnover and the dismissal of popular educators, sparking community protests. Despite some resistance from students and teachers, many acknowledge the positive impact of the reforms. Dawson Hassell, the band director at Furr High School, mentioned that students have been hesitant to adapt but recognize the benefits. Ivra Warren, a teacher at Kashmere High School, expressed support for the system, stating that it is working for her.
Overall, the data presented at the convocation paints a hopeful picture for HISD’s future. With continued progress and commitment to improvement, the district may soon see a return to local control and further success in academic achievement.
