Every school district needs a bold, courageous Superintendent who is unapologetically committed to improving student outcomes, eradicating inequity in their districts, putting all options on the table to solve tough problems. They will build leadership teams and develop principals that will not accept failure as an option. Principals and their teams will never settle – continuous improvement on behalf of students must be the norm.

School leaders must build multiple avenues for parent input in all levels of decision-making. Programmatic changes or school partnerships will be previewed with parents and include opportunities for parents to offer feedback and direction on their preferences for school redesign, improvement, and/or creation. 

School districts must seize opportunities to create the kinds of school options parents want, whether that means big changes to improve existing schools or working with successful or unique partners to create new schools. This starts by replication or expanding exceptional public schools already serving Houston students, but then we can look to the rest of the state and the nation for unique models that will increase choice and opportunity for Houston families.

Our students will be more successful if they have access to high-quality PreKindergarten education options that focus on early literacy. Every Houston student must be kindergarten ready from day one, and we need more exceptional early education educators to help us accomplish this goal.

We need systems that identify teachers who know how to reach kids. We need to reward and elevate those teachers, and we need to give them incentives to teach in struggling schools in some of our most underserved neighborhoods. Districts must fully implement all state resources that allow them to invest in quality teaching. The pipeline must get bigger and stronger at every step of the way.

We must partner with the premier teacher preparation programs to get their graduates to Houston, and we must create unique pathways to teacher training that prepare teachers for the challenges and opportunities of Houston classrooms. Exceptional teachers must have the opportunity to grow professionally, and to lead effectively.

All schools must adopt and implement best in class curriculum that is proven effective in helping students master fundamental academic skills. Teachers will be given the time, resources, and coaching to develop and deliver lessons that ensure students are not just receiving content but mastering it on grade level. Finally, individualized instruction has to be the norm for all students so that children who fall behind can catch up, and children ready to move ahead have consistent opportunities to do so.

Schools will have the necessary staff, financial, and programmatic resources, including adequate mental health supports, mentoring and counseling services, and the integration of trauma-informed instructional skills. Professional development and planning time will allow teachers to collaborate and work together to build healthy cultures for students and staff.

Schools will prioritize the supports and resources to meet each child where they are. Our schools must not only recognize, but also elevate the diverse cultures, languages, and identities of the students they serve. Practices that support student growth and cultivate their identity and interests must be the norm.