A new report and podcast are casting a national spotlight on one of the most important education stories in the state – the dramatic turnaround at Houston ISD under Superintendent Mike Miles. The Manhattan Institute's City Journal's 10 Blocks podcast, which features public policy conversations, recently interviewed education analyst Neetu Arnold about her report on the reforms at HISD. Arnold discusses the New Education System, which has raised teacher pay at underperforming schools, expanded instructional time, and created a more structured learning environment. These changes have already shown promising results, including improved student outcomes and fewer disciplinary actions. In January, the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results also showed the progress the district has made. Here are a few of the highlights: Fourth-grade reading proficiency saw a 4% rise compared to flat or declining trends nationwide.  In Fourth-grade reading, Black students reversed a long-standing decline, achieving an 8-point increase in their scale scores. Economically disadvantaged students, who make up 78% of HISD’s population, outpaced growth rates in comparable districts. For fourth-graders, the proficiency rate is approaching HISD’s historic high of 24% from 2011. In middle school, the 21% proficiency rate represents the highest reading performance in the past two decades. “The 2024 NAEP results speak for themselves and continue to validate the tremendous achievement gains we saw throughout last school year. This is a testament to our students and especially the teachers and staff who work every day in the classroom, providing high-quality instruction to every student.” - Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said in January. The Partnership recognizes that a strong public education system is essential to creating economic opportunity, strengthening families, and securing Houston’s long-term competitiveness. Arnold acknowledges the initial resistance to these reforms, but points to the data-driven improvements as evidence of why bold action was needed. Her podcast interview makes the case that Houston ISD’s turnaround can serve as a model for other large urban districts across the country.    

Texas policymakers, educational leaders, and parents all have a vested interest in ensuring public schools meet high standards—and that starts with a transparent, reliable school accountability system. Recent court rulings and legislative developments are shaping how performance is measured and how school districts are held accountable across the state. On April 3, the Texas 15th Court of Appeals overturned a lower court injunction, clearing the way for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to release its 2023 school accountability ratings. The A-F Accountability ratings system, established in 2017, is designed to help parents, communities, and lawmakers better understand school quality and student outcomes. While the 2023 ratings are now set for release on April 24, the 2024 ratings remain under legal seal pending a separate ruling. In a concurring opinion, Chief Justice Scott Brister called on the Texas Legislature to prevent future lawsuits from stalling the accountability process, suggesting that these disputes should be addressed through an internal agency process rather than judicial means.  Lawmakers are actively considering legislation to strengthen the accountability framework. Senate Bill 1962 (SB 1962), authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt, recently advanced through the Senate Education K-16 Committee. This bill would prohibit school districts from using taxpayer dollars to sue the state over accountability ratings and would enhance the TEA Commissioner’s authority to enforce performance standards. A similar proposal, House Bill 4 by Chairman Brad Buckley, is under consideration in the House. The Greater Houston Partnership testified in support of SB 1962, reinforcing our belief that a rigorous, transparent accountability system is essential for Texas’ economic competitiveness and long-term workforce readiness.  For more updates and alerts on the Texas Legislature, click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.