News Summary
The Houston Independent School District has made substantial academic progress, as the Texas Education Agency announced comprehensive accountability ratings for the first time in two years. The number of campuses rated F has dropped to zero, while A and B ratings have more than doubled. Additionally, enrollment in high-rated schools has increased by 80,000 students, highlighting improvements in student performance. New leadership and a pay-for-performance model for teachers are part of the district’s comprehensive changes, although concerns remain over abrupt curriculum modifications.
Houston, Texas Celebrates Academic Gains as TEA Releases Two Years’ Worth of Accountability Ratings
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has achieved significant academic improvement as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) unveiled its first complete set of A-F accountability ratings in two years. This marks a critical development following legal delays that postponed the evaluations.
Superintendent Mike Miles highlighted the district’s noteworthy progress, revealing that the number of campuses rated F has dropped dramatically from 56 to none this year. Furthermore, the count of schools receiving A and B ratings has more than doubled, escalating from 93 to 197. HISD has set ambitious goals, aiming for all 273 campuses to earn A or B ratings within the next three years, even though 18 schools still carry a D rating.
Enrollment figures also reflect positive trends, with 80,000 more students attending A and B-rated schools compared to two years ago. This increase correlates with a rise in student performance levels in reading and math, indicating that the district’s efforts are yielding positive educational outcomes.
Operational Improvements and Stability
For the start of the 2025-26 school year, HISD reported only two teacher vacancies, a notable improvement from previous years marked by staff shortages. The district additionally reported no power, water, or HVAC outages on the first day of school, contrasting sharply with the widespread operational problems faced during the prior year.
The TEA’s latest ratings examined a total of 1,208 districts and 9,084 campuses, reflecting accountability and transparency in education following a prolonged evaluation process due to a lawsuit that delayed the 2024 ratings. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath reiterated the vital role these ratings play in showcasing educational transparency accountability.
Leadership Changes and Curriculum Changes
This school year began with significant leadership restructuring within HISD, introducing 42 new principals as part of a comprehensive change model designed to enhance instructional leadership across the district. The summer prior to this academic year saw at least 177 principal changes across 156 HISD campuses, prompting concerns about the potential impact of such turnover on student outcomes.
Moreover, the district experienced an uptick in teacher attrition, with over 2,300 teachers leaving the workforce in June alone—a stark contrast compared to the previous five years. Along with these personnel changes, HISD announced a new pay-for-performance model for teachers, along with a free METRO bus pass for eligible high school students, aiming to further support both educators and students.
Communication and Curriculum Challenges
To enhance parent engagement, HISD is introducing a new communication platform known as ParentSquare. However, recent significant curriculum changes at Durham Elementary School have aroused frustration among parents. These changes, which were implemented just days before the school year began, included the abrupt introduction of Spanish-language math instruction. Parents have voiced concerns over these last-minute adjustments, especially in light of the school’s accountability rating dropping from a B to a C.
HISD officials have stated that the changes are informed by recent performance data and stressed the necessity of adhering to HISD curriculum directives for schools identified for special focus based on performance metrics.
Conclusion
With a focus on reshaping educational leadership, improving ratings, and addressing operational stability, HISD is navigating numerous challenges while striving to enhance the academic landscape for its students. The recent accountability ratings from the TEA serve as a crucial benchmark in evaluating these ongoing efforts and setting future academic goals.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: New Principals for 2025-26
- Wikipedia: Houston Independent School District
- ABC13: HISD Sees Academic Growth
- Google Search: Houston Independent School District
- Click 2 Houston: Changes in HISD This School Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Fox26 Houston: HISD Curriculum Changes
- Google News: HISD Accountability Ratings
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
