Houston ISD Seizure: Teacher Suggests Better Resources and Professional Development on Texas Education Agency Intervention

Houston, Texas (KTRK) – This is an uncertain time for educators. Many of them met with lawmakers in Austin this week, and they brought a long list of things they want to help them do their jobs. a state takeover It wasn’t near the top of it.

“I think what’s most important are the resources that help kids and the resources that help teachers,” said Holly Berry, who teaches kindergarten at HISD, adding that she has the experience and knowledge about what she and the students need to be successful. “(We need) professional development targeted and led by quality professionals for teachers, as well as having resources for children such as materials for math or high-quality books for independent reading.”

Leaders critical of the Texas Education Agency’s plan to take over the Houston Charter School District questioned whether the state was making the right decisions to meet those needs.

“I really believe there is a better solution to HISD than the board of directors,” said US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston. “What do you tell the students? That they didn’t work hard? What do you do about school funding?”

SEE ALSO: ‘The country deserves an F’: Mayor Sylvester Turner, other leaders react to TEA takeover of HISD

Although spending per pupil is lower compared to other states, the Conservative HISD report From last month, the district is on track to improve overall scores for math and reading, as well as the percentage of students deemed eligible for work and college.

However, the district lags behind when it comes to ensuring that every campus has a targeted improvement plan. The report also stated that there is a lack of synergy and teamwork between the supervisor and the board. They will all be replaced over the summer.

“Having the rug pulled out from under us is scary,” Perry said, “because I feel like I don’t know what’s going to happen next or what they might ask me or my students to do.”

There is also a fear of losing more teachers. Berry said that talented teachers and administrators may not want to remain and work under the microscope of the state, especially if immediate changes are introduced without interference from them and society.

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s nothing to do with politics’: Politicians on both sides speak loudly about what the HISD takeover means

“We know what’s best for our children, and we’ll continue to work to help make sure our students continue to improve and be the best they can be and help our families navigate this,” Perry said. “But we’re going to need help dealing with it, too. And I hope anyone who comes along will be willing to learn from us and work with us.”

Jackson Lee also said she is working in Washington to get the Department of Education to get involved and possibly investigate whether the state has the right to proceed with the acquisition.

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