HISD campuses apply to join NES

CASE is a collective of Houstonians committed to ensuring that every student within Houston Independent School District (HISD) has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. CASE emerged in response to the urgent need for a renewed focus on the fundamental goal of fostering an environment where all students can learn and thrive.

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HISD campuses apply to join NES

Dozens of HISD schools applied on Wednesday to be included in the new NES model. This comes on the heels of Superintendent Mike Miles’ announcement last month that NES would expand to more campuses.

Citing additional resources, increased salaries, and streamlined curriculum, several principals put their schools in the queue to be considered for NES inclusion. Check out Houston Chronicle’s write-up here.

Why it matters: While originally met with hesitation due to its unfamiliarity, the NES model has proven to be a benefit to students and staff alike. Now that the opportunity is open for additional schools to adopt the model, many schools that were not initially NES-aligned are now seeking to join in.

By the numbers: Superintendent Miles announced that 26 schools with low rankings would be added to NES, and that 24 other schools would have the option to join. Only 14 of the applying schools will be permitted to join, prioritized based on student need.

Setting the Record Straight: Principal Retention

Despite the negative headline and tone, the Houston Chronicle’s recent story on principal turnover is actually a positive one. It highlights several new policies and procedures that are designed to keep students safe and engaged as well as innovative professional development opportunities for principals.

Principal turnover: The article begins by stating that there are at least 58 new principals across the district. This is welcome news, since most of the new principals are at historically low-performing NES schools.

Data matters: While the Chronicle utilizes a quote from a subject matter expert linking leadership turnover to lower test scores, they failed to note their own story which says that HISD NES “campuses saw slightly more growth in math and reading than students at non-NES campuses.”

Culture shift: The article also mentions a shift in the culture at Madison High School that was pursued due to school safety and discipline concerns. Any policy that prioritizes school safety should be embraced, regardless of its reception by adults.

Go deeper: The article continues by outlining HISD’s new Principal Academy, an innovative professional development program that allows rising principal apprentices to "serve alongside proven HISD principals in a co-principal capacity” as they learn how to lead and manage schools. This year-long residency provides intensive training and preparation and will serve to establish bench of quality principals to lead the district into the future.

The bottom line: Few things matter more to improving student outcomes than effective campus leadership. HISD should be commended for their commitment to ensuring every campus has a strong principal.

Extended Calendar Approved

Last night, the HISD Board of Managers approved changes to the school calendar.

Why it matters: The additional days of instruction will serve to help students catch up that are behind, and help excelling students stay challenged.

By the numbers: Over 4,000 community members provided feedback on the calendar changes. HISD also consulted with the District Advisory Committee, Principal Advisory Committee, and the Teacher Advisory Committee.

Go deeper: The district was careful to consider religious holidays in the new calendar, which also allows for a full week off for students and staff during Thanksgiving as well as two full weeks of winter break.

What they’re saying:"We are making bold changes to improve instruction and help students develop the competencies they will need to succeed in the future.” - Superintendent Mike Miles.