School Calendars to Change

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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New School Calendars Proposed

On Tuesday, HISD proposed four options for new school calendars that all call for school to start earlier and finish later than in years’ past.

The extended calendar options come on the heels of the District Advisory Committee and Board’s decision to become a “ District of Innovation ”, paving the way for HISD to add more instructional days.

Why it matters: Additional days of high-quality instruction are needed to close the persistent achievement gaps that HISD has experienced over the years.

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

What’s next: HISD’s board of managers will discuss the proposed options over the next several weeks, and a new calendar is expected to be approved at the February 8 board meeting.

ICYMI: HISD Board President Highlights Changes

Earlier this week, the Houston Chronicle published an op-ed by HISD Board President Audrey Momanaee in which HISD’s new goals and strategies are discussed. You can check it out here.

President Momanaee highlighted some changes that are on the horizon, including increasing the number of instructional days and the expansion of the NES system.

Why it matters: These remarks describe the new direction that HISD has taken since the state intervention began in June 2023. The district has prioritized directing resources toward the highest-need schools and students.

By the numbers: Momanaee: “[P]er HISD’s analysis, we have over 100 schools which would be rated D or F under the Texas Education Agency’s proposed rubric.” Momanaee acknowledged the present challenges that necessitate a new approach toward student achievement.

What’s next: Expect more days of high quality instruction, additional NES campuses, and a focus on data-informed decision-making.

What they’re saying: Momanaee: “[W]hile change can be hard, we cannot let that get in the way of our duty to focus on results for our students.”

Pre-K Investments Incoming

HISD revealed new plans to strengthen pre-kindergarten teaching and learning ahead of yesterday’s board meeting. The board agenda described new measures that will reduce class sizes, provide support services, and increase capacity.

Why it matters: Investments in pre-kindergarten will help more students build strong foundations in reading, math, and science. By directing additional resources toward early-childhood education, more students will get off to a great start in their educations.

By the numbers: HISD has hired one teacher assistant for every two pre-kindergarten classrooms in order to decrease teacher-to-student ratios.

Go deeper: HISD is adding pre-kindergarten classrooms to its elementary schools, and also adding pre-kindergarten partnerships at childcare centers in areas with high demand and limited building space.

The Pre-K enrollment process has also been simplified, with one application being removed entirely from the application process.

The bottom line: HISD’s new measures will make it possible for more pre-kindergarten students to access high-quality instruction.

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