UMVA has learned that a major turning point has been reached in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), with student grades and test scores showing dramatic improvements across its 270 campuses since a state takeover.
The sweeping intervention, which drew accusations of racism and unfairness, has led to substantial gains in reading and math scores on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests in elementary and middle schools.
Students in grades 3 through 8 showed marked improvements in reading and math scores over three school years, while high school students made significant year-over-year gains in algebra, English, biology, and U.S. history, effectively narrowing performance gaps compared to state averages.
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles attributed the success to a focus on "kids, achievement, and their future—not adult issues," saying that the district has shown it can make rapid progress in raising achievement results, even in large urban districts.
Upon taking office, Miles introduced the New Education System (NES) model, which uses a centralized curriculum and specialized classes aimed at problem-solving and critical thinking, as well as "Team Centers" for advanced, independent work.
Data shows that before the district's transformation, HISD had 121 D- and F-rated campuses, which has dropped to just 18 D-rated schools and zero F-rated campuses, while the number of A- and B-rated campuses has more than doubled.
Critics, however, have argued that the state takeover was a racially discriminatory action, with the ACLU of Texas, the Houston NAACP, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) filing a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Miles acknowledged that the intervention would generate criticism, but countered that comprehensive reforms were necessary to drive change, and that the outcomes show that the efforts are focused on improving education for kids.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has praised the intervention, with his press secretary saying that state test scores for HISD students have consistently shown an upward trajectory in math and reading since the takeover began.
The state takeover of HISD is scheduled to continue through at least June 1, 2027, under a timeline set by Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath.
