HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Systemic Improvement Terry B. Grier, Ed.D. HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

A Unique District in a Unique City HISD is a true partner with a dynamic community Collaboration with the diverse energy sector Teaming up with one of the world’s top medical/ research centers Supporting a thriving international port Growing population and influx of corporations, businesses An increasingly vibrant inner city — arts, pro sports, culinary mecca 2 Houston

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT A Unique District in a Unique City HISD is a true partner with a dynamic community Collaboration with the diverse energy sector Teaming up with one of the world’s top medical/ research centers Supporting a thriving international port Growing population and influx of corporations, businesses An increasingly vibrant inner city — arts, pro sports, culinary mecca 3 HISD

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Serving One of the Most Diverse Populations in the U.S. 4 HISD LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICT IN TEXAS 282 Schools 210,047 Students 57% At Risk | 80% Low Income Seventh-largest school district in the U.S. 106 Languages are spoken across the district

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Supported by a Flexible Structure that Empowers Schools Operations run parallel to achieve uniform strategies Cross-functional teams support districtwide initiatives School choice flourishes in this structure: Magnet schools pioneer International emphasis — IB schools, dual-language programs, Mandarin Chinese academy Career academies Early college campuses Futures Academies 6

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT The Path to District-driven Flexibility and Innovation Where we were / Where we are 7 Wild West Decentralization Mixed Accountability Low Expectations Customized Coherence Data-driven Accountability High Expectations Vocational Education 21 st Century Linked Learning Rich history of magnet schools but lack of standards and no lottery Rich school choice, standards for magnet schools, and increased equity

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Wild West Decentralization to Customized Coherence 8 Six Regional Offices – Each with their own support IT and HR departments One central office with H.S., M.S., and E.S. offices run by former principals Tiered Autonomy Schools as Fiefdoms Operations

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Mixed Accountability and Low Expectations to Data-driven Accountability and High Expectations 9 Expanding required AP course offerings at campuses, requiring AP exams Making SAT tests a must and making them accessible, affordable

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Old School Vocational Education to 21 st Century Linked Learning “Shop” style training to workplace of the future Real world business and professional partnerships 10

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Tiered Autonomy The more successful a school, the greater its flexibility 11

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HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Systemic Improvement Model is Attainable Hard work to reinvent education — schools haven’t evolved Flexible, creative employees who will do whatever it takes to accomplish a mission Let leaders know if they can’t adjust, this is not the place for them Hire collaborative leaders who believe that getting credit is not as important as getting great things done Must create a Central Office with the self-confidence to work outside silos Developing a sense of urgency Ask your community to be your coarchitect 13

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT We’ve Come a Long Way, but We Have a Long Way to Go Leadership is an ethical obligation Must create a culture where superintendent and other leaders decide WHAT has to be done and campuses decide HOW to do it best for each learning community 14

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Thank you