Introduction to the Houston Promise Initiative
Houston ISD has launched a new initiative called the "Houston Promise" to improve the performance of its lowest-rated schools. The program, led by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, aims to pair 64 C- and D-rated schools with community partners to provide support and resources.
Community Partners
The list of community partners includes 43 organizations, such as professional sports teams like the Astros, Rockets, and Texans, as well as groups with religious affiliations. Some notable partners include:
- Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation
- Camden Properties
- Corebridge
- David Weekley Family YMCA
- Harris County Courts at Law Judges
- Houston Loves Teachers
- NFL alumni group
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
- Port Houston
- United Healthcare
- University of Houston Downtown
Roles and Responsibilities of Community Partners
Community partners are expected to provide various forms of support, including:
- Teacher appreciation lunches or breakfast twice a year
- Support for student achievement celebrations twice a year
- Hosting campus beautification projects
- Volunteering at the school
- Publicly celebrating the school and the Houston Promise initiative on social media
- Making small donations for campus principals to use at their discretion towards academic needs of students
Goals and Expectations
The ultimate goal of the Houston Promise initiative is for all HISD schools to earn A or B ratings by 2027. Superintendent Mike Miles is confident that this goal can be achieved, stating, "No other district in the nation would even attempt [this goal], but we’re the first ones that are in a position to do it." The district has already made significant progress, with no F-rated schools this year and a sharp drop in the number of low-performing schools.
Progress and Impact
For the first time since the state intervened and took control of HISD in June 2023, the district has no F-rated schools. The number of D-rated campuses has also decreased significantly, from over 100 in 2022-2023 to 18 currently. This progress is a critical step towards exiting the state takeover and achieving the district’s goal of all schools earning A or B ratings.
Conclusion
The Houston Promise initiative is a promising step towards improving the performance of HISD’s lowest-rated schools. With the support of community partners and the leadership of Superintendent Mike Miles, the district is well on its way to achieving its goal of all schools earning A or B ratings by 2027. As the initiative continues to grow and develop, it will be exciting to see the positive impact it has on the students and communities of Houston.
