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| CASE Report
Smart Brevity ®
count: 3 mins...743 words
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.
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HISD Delivering on Special Education
 An investigative report by Houston Landing
showed that special education services in HISD and across the state have steadily improved over the past several years. Investments in staff, training, and facilities have made it possible for record numbers of children with special needs to get the support they need.
Why it matters:
HISD must meet three "exit criteria" in order for the state intervention to end.
The three factors are:
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Make sure no campus receives Ds or Fs for multiple years;
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Create a school board that is "highly focused on student outcomes”; and
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The district's special education program must also be in compliance with federal and state requirements.
The fact that special education services are becoming more effective and serving more students is a signal that the intervention is on the right track.
By the numbers:
HISD has seen an increase in the number of special education students served, from 17,320 last school year to 18,909 this school year. HISD attributes this uptick to Superintendent Miles’ focus on increased special education staffing and training.
What they’re saying:
“More kids are being served. More kids are getting their needs met. That’s only going to have a positive outcome for kids in Texas public schools.” - Justin Porter, Texas Education Agency.
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Nineteen Schools Opt Into NES
 Superintendent Miles announced on Friday that 19 campuses opted into the NES model, raising the total number to 130. Miles originally expected to allow just 14 campuses to join, but due to an overwhelming response from principals, additional campuses were permitted to join NES. Houston Chronicle’s story is here.
Why it matters:
The expansion of NES is a necessary step toward closing achievement gaps and ensuring resources for students and teachers at historically underserved schools. With additional schools joining, that means more students will get the focused attention and extra resources that they need.
What they’re saying: “A lot of the other parents were immediately on board because our school is a small campus. Under (the principal’s) leadership and the extra support that they can have throughout the day and the year, our kids will really benefit from NES on an educational level.” - Tyisha McCray, PTO President at Reynolds Elementary.
The schools opting in are:
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Austin High School
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Bell Elementary School
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Deady Middle School
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Foerster Elementary School
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Frost Elementary School
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Gross Elementary School
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Jefferson Elementary School
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Ketelsen Elementary School
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Marshall Middle School
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Montgomery Elementary School
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Navarro Middle School
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Neff Elementary School
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Petersen Elementary School
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Reynolds Elementary School
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Ross Elementary School
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Sanchez Elementary School
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Southmayd Elementary School
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Tinsley Elementary School
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Valley West Elementary School
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Teacher Talk: “I love these kids so very much.”
In Case You Missed It:
Isaacs Elementary School was recently featured in an HISD video chronicling real experiences at NES campuses.
What They Are Saying:
Yolanda Young, Teacher at Isaacs Elementary School, says, “I love these kids so very much. The transition from last year to this year has been a really great transition.”
“I’m seeing changes in the academics, in the way [the kids] think, in the way they approach things. The problem-solving skills are there.”
Worth your time:
View the full video
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Student Speeches Honor Black History
 In honor of Black History Month, Houston ISD recently hosted its annual MLK Oratory Competition.
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This competition provided the opportunity for HISD students to write, memorize, and present a speech on this year’s theme of "How Would Dr. King Reflect on the 60 Years Since his ‘I Have a Dream' Speech." The event served to honor the legacy of Dr. King as well as challenge students to sharpen their public speaking abilities.
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Check out Houston Public Media’s write-up on the event here.
Why it matters:
Public speaking equips students with a diverse range of skills and experiences that are not only relevant during their academic years but will also serve them well throughout their entire lives, contributing to their personal growth, professional success, and overall well-being.
By the numbers:
20 HISD schools participated, including 165 students. After several preliminary rounds, 12 finalists were chosen to compete for the top prize. Ultimately, the winner was Montoia Murray, a fourth grader at Blackshear Elementary.
CASE congratulates all the participants and thanks Foley and Lardner law firm for sponsoring.
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