Unprecedented Growth for HISD Students

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Unprecedented Growth Seen in HISD’s STAAR Scores

HISD’s preliminary high school STAAR scores were released this week, and the results were fantastic: English I saw a 3 percentage point increase for “meeting or exceeding grade level”; a 5 percentage point increase was seen for Algebra I and English II; and Biology saw a 14 percentage point increase.

The good news doesn’t end there - while all schools saw growth, NES schools outperformed non-NES schools in growth.

By the numbers:

The Houston Chronicle’s write-up is here , and the Houston Press’ is here. You can also check out Superintendent Miles’ recent press conference announcing the scores here.

Why it matters: The impressive results are strong evidence that the NES model is working. HISD’s new high-quality curriculum, new method of instruction, and new culture of high performance have collectively resulted in meaningful gains in student achievement, especially in schools that were historically low-performing.

The fact that NES schools outperformed non-NES schools in growth means that persistent achievement gaps are finally starting to close.

What they’re saying: “[W]hile we have good data, and we’re going to celebrate for our kids and our teachers because they deserve that, we know as a district we still have work to do.” - Superintendent Miles.

What’s next: Scores for third through eighth grades will be released next week and are expected to also demonstrate strong academic progress.

Go Deeper: Facts and figures from STAAR results

“Outstanding” - Former TEA Commissioner Comments on HISD Intervention

Michael Williams, Texas’ top education official from 2012-2015, recently sat down for an interview with KPRC2 to give his thoughts on the HISD intervention. He expressed high praise for HISD’s teachers and students for embracing the reforms and for district leadership for keeping their attention focused on student achievement.

Mr. WIlliams also acknowledged that change can be difficult, but in HISD it has been necessary for improvements in teaching and learning. As long as students are learning more and achieving better outcomes, adults should stay committed to what’s working.

Click2Houston’s full interview is here.

Why it matters: Williams’ perspective is especially salient because of his former role as TEA Commissioner. Since he initiated and oversaw state interventions under his tenure, he is especially well-suited to weigh in on the HISD intervention. Williams’ positive take on the issue should give confidence to those monitoring HISD’s progress and hoping for improvements in student achievement.

What they’re saying: “It tells a good story. It tells a story about when you have strong instruction and when principals and your teachers and your students buy into it, you can have great results. I think it’s outstanding to see the kind of increases in proficiency that it’s been shown across the district.” - Michael Williams.

Bond Will Upgrade Over 40 Schools

HISD recently released the full list of schools that will be rebuilt, upgraded, or expanded as part of the proposed $4.4 billion bond package.

Over 40 schools will receive significant renovations, and all campuses will be provided HVAC and security upgrades. Since HISD’s elementary and middle schools have not seen meaningful investments since a 2007 bond, dozens of schools are overdue for improvements.

The Houston Chronicle’s story is here , and Houston Public Media’s story is here.

By the numbers:$2.05 billion would be allocated for rebuilds and renovations, $1.35 billion would go toward HVAC and security improvements, and another $1.05 billion would go toward strengthening pre-kindergarten and career and technical education.

What they’re saying: “We saw tonight that there's what, a decade of deferred maintenance? We really should have already had two or three bonds at this point. There are lots of needs in our facilities, so I think everyone wants to support it.” - Tiffany Hogue, HISD parent.

What’s next: HISD is hosting its fifth and final community meeting on the bond at 6 p.m. on Monday at Forest Brook Middle School. Voters will decide whether to approve the bond during the upcoming November elections.

Additional Instructional Days to Reduce Learning Loss

Summer will be shorter this year for HISD students, a change that HISD leadership expects to reduce summer learning loss and help bring underperforming schools back up to par.

Students will return to school on August 12 this fall, which is over two weeks earlier than last year.

The Houston Chronicle’s story is here.

Why it matters: The new calendar increases instructional days to 180, up from the usual 172. HISD leadership has argued that more days of high-quality instruction are necessary to help HISD catch up with its peers across the state and country.

Importantly, the research backs this notion. Morgan Polikoff, a USC education professor, said that there is “pretty compelling evidence” that lengthening the school year could help reduce summer learning loss.

What they’re saying: “We need more days. Kids are behind. If the district was well above proficiency for our kids, then maybe we wouldn’t need more than that, but (for) a district that’s behind, we definitely need more than (172 days),” - Superintendent Miles.

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