Introduction to Innovation Partnership Schools
Houston ISD has announced a new initiative that allows its top-performing high schools to become "Innovation Partnership Schools." This partnership gives certain high schools the opportunity to work with various organizations, including non-profits, to gain more autonomy over instruction, operations, hiring, evaluations, and more.
What is Level Five Autonomy?
Level five autonomy is the highest level of autonomy that HISD schools can achieve. According to State-Appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, "Level five autonomy is a bold opportunity for Houston ISD’s most successful and innovative school leaders to enjoy a greater level of flexibility, increased resources, and stability that comes from being managed by their own non-profit board." This means that eligible schools will have more control over their daily operations and decision-making processes.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for level five autonomy, high schools must have an excellent academic track record, including an A rating for the past four years. They must also have less than 25% Black to White and Hispanic to White achievement gaps on the ELA and Math STAAR exams. Currently, only high schools are eligible for this program, but HISD may offer it to middle and elementary schools in the future.
Benefits of Innovation Partnership Schools
The partnerships will allow eligible schools to have more control over instruction, curriculum, testing, staffing, hiring, evaluations, and the academic calendar. They may also receive additional per-pupil funding allocations from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). These schools will still be considered HISD schools and will receive services such as transportation, food services, and other back-office functions from the district.
How it Works
The partnerships must be approved by the HISD board and the Texas Education Agency, and they will operate under a performance contract with HISD. The contract outlines performance outcomes that the school must maintain to keep its autonomy. Eligible schools will have the opportunity to form or engage an existing school non-profit board, which will provide them with more flexibility and resources.
Comparison to Other Initiatives
This announcement comes as the district announced its community partners for its initiative "Houston Promise," which partners lower-rated campuses with non-profits and businesses to sponsor the campuses and elevate their ratings. While "Houston Promise" focuses on supporting lower-rated schools, the Innovation Partnership Schools initiative is designed to give more autonomy to high-performing schools.
Conclusion
The Innovation Partnership Schools initiative is an exciting opportunity for Houston ISD’s top-performing high schools to gain more autonomy and flexibility. By partnering with non-profits and other organizations, these schools will be able to make decisions that are best for their students and communities. As the district continues to innovate and improve, it will be interesting to see how this initiative impacts student outcomes and school success.
