September 1st 2023.
Community Voices for Education, an advocacy group, started “Block Walking” to inform Houston residents about changes in the Houston Independent School District. In 2019, the district faced an investigation into misconduct, resulting in the elected school board relinquishing its control to the Texas Education Agency. Mike Miles was appointed superintendent and quickly implemented the New Education System. This system was designed to reform the school district, with the goal of improving reading scores and standardized test scores, largely for Black, Latino, and low-income populations.
Kourtney Revels, a parent involved in the “block walking” campaign, said to NBC that many residents, especially those with children no longer in the education system, were unaware of the changes. Several criticisms have been addressed regarding the new system, including concerns about the loss of special education contracting jobs and changes to dual language programs. Additionally, “team centers” have been established, providing virtual learning for students exhibiting behavioral problems.
Revels and other members of the community have voiced their dissatisfaction at board meetings, protests, and through community engagement. At a previous meeting, Revels and other community members were placed in an overflow room and asked to speak virtually. Revels explained the implications of this action, saying “If they’ll do it to us, our children are not above reproach.”
In response to the criticisms, Superintendent Mike Miles expressed his understanding of the angst and anxiety felt by the community, saying “I get the angst. I get the anxiety.” Joseph Sam, HISD spokesperson, recently addressed the issue of special education contract jobs being cut, saying they have an “adequate number of district-employed diagnosticians” and will continue using independent contractors as needed. This decision was made without input from parents and teachers.
The system will also include changes to library employment, with librarians being placed in unspecified positions. Community Voices for Education and the parents and teachers of the Houston Independent School District have been actively advocating for the rights of their students, making their voices heard and pushing for reform.
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