Note From The CEO
Dear Partner,
As the new school year gets underway, I’m inspired by the conversations we’ve been having in the community. From discussing career, college and military readiness at the Greater Houston Partnership’s Upskill event, to unveiling newly renovated spaces at two campuses, we’re encouraged by the community’s commitment to ensuring every student has the support they need. The work continues into October.
From campus infrastructure upgrades to performance metrics, this month offers even more opportunities to understand Houston’s evolving education landscape.
One key topic is the Houston ISD bond. To help everyone stay informed, we’re launching an informational series with clear details about the bond. You can find more information in our By the Numbers section below.
Last month’s webinar focused on debunking common myths about school accountability ratings. If you couldn’t attend, be sure to check out the replay in Closer Look for insights into how ratings work and what they mean for our schools and students.
I’m also thrilled to highlight our Houston Loves Teachers initiative. This month’s Houston Education Spotlight showcases the recent renovations in Aldine ISD and Pasadena ISD, where the newly renovated spaces are making a difference. These upgrades are already making a positive impact and it’s a testament to the difference investing in our schools can make.
Warm regards,
CLOSER LOOK
Accountability 101: Debunking myths around A-F school ratings
Last month, the Texas Education Agency was blocked from releasing the 2023 school accountability ratings, leaving many questioning the state’s accountability system and wondering about the implications of not having access to transparent school performance data. Good Reason Houston hosted a webinar to address common myths about Texas public school accountability ratings, with guest speaker, Chief of School Improvement and Accountability Rayyan Amine at Alief ISD.
Some of the myths addressed include:
Accountability is meant as a performance tool used to evaluate students and teachers
Accountability ratings are not valuable because they don’t tell the full student story
If a school is rated an A or a B, it means all students are performing on grade level
The work stops when accountability is delayed
BY THE NUMBERS
What to know about the Houston ISD bond
A $4.4 billion bond will be on the ballot in November focused on improving our students’ health, safety, and college or career readiness in Houston ISD schools.
The bond will be used towards 40+ schools to address urgent needs like clean water, updated HVAC systems, and increased school safety. It also includes funding for career and technical education, student technology, and pre-kindergarten programs.
HOUSTON EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
School makeovers in Aldine ISD and Pasadena ISD
Earlier this month, teachers and students at Eisenhower Ninth Grade School (Aldine ISD) and Fisher Elementary (Pasadena ISD) were welcomed into newly renovated spaces on campus, as part of Good Reason Houston’s Houston Loves Teachers initiative.
In addition to the unveilings, both schools were surprised with checks to support their highest-priority campus needs. A total of $8,000 was distributed, including $1,000 each to teachers Yvonee Guerra from Fisher Elementary and Krystle Dawson from Eisenhower, in recognition of their contributions to the campus and their students.
2024 UpSkill Houston Summit
Good Reason Houston team members joined the Greater Houston Partnership at the 2024 UpSkill Houston Summit to explore key strategies for enhancing workforce readiness in our city.
Sweet start to the school year
Our District Partnerships team kicked off the back-to-school season by distributing cookies to schools across the city, celebrating with our partners and showing appreciation as we head into a new school year.
