Programs and Support
With signature programs and schools with unprecedented connections to corporations in our city, our schools are preparing students to enter the global workforce. The journey from pre-K student to Global Graduate is supported every step of the way.
Focus on Literacy
Because being a skilled communicator is a vital tool to compete in a 21st century workplace, HISD emphasizes reading and writing competencies across subjects. All of the elements of literacy — speaking, listening, reading, writing, and thinking — are supported through a rich curriculum.
Dual Language
HISD has doubled the number of its Dual Language programs, allowing students to spend a portion of their day learning in English and the rest of the day immersing themselves in culture and languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish.
Contemporary Schools
In 2012, HISD passed the largest bond in Texas history, which will ensure 40 schools — the bulk of them high schools — will offer modern learning spaces that support emerging technology and contemporary teaching practices. HISD plans to have the most modern portfolio of urban campuses in the country.
Technology
By 2016, high school students in HISD will be learning on district-issued laptops they can use at school and at home — developing digital and interpersonal skills for the real world. The district is launching an online platform for educational information and curriculum that will also give parents an easy way to monitor their child’s progress and interact with teachers.
Personalized Learning
Each learner brings their own background, strengths, needs, and interests to the classroom. HISD realizes a one-size-fits-all approach does not work, and effective instruction requires unique learning opportunities for every student. Teachers receive the professional development they need to be effective in the classroom.
College and Career Readiness
HISD is combining core academics with career-based knowledge and skills in collaborative and research-intensive learning environments. Business, medical, and energy leaders across Houston are partnering with HISD to offer students work-based experiences and certifications. AP courses are offered at every high school, and more students than ever are passing their AP exams. All HISD students in grades 9-11 have the opportunity to take the PSAT test for free, and since March 2012, every HISD junior has taken the SAT exam during regular class time for free.
Early College High Schools
HISD was the first district in Texas to pioneer the concept of an early college high school. In addition to earning their high school diplomas, students also may earn associate’s degrees across a variety of subjects. HISD’s five early college campuses provide an opportunity for students to get a head start on their college aspirations, as well as save money on college tuition.
International Baccalaureate
This challenging educational program helps students develop their intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills to work and live productively as citizens of the world. Students can enter Texas public universities with 24 credit hours if they score 4 or higher on their IB exams.
Teacher & Leader Profiles
HISD’s ability to develop Global Graduates is dependent on our ability to develop teachers and leaders with the skills they need to be effective. To guide us in our work to support, develop, evaluate, and hire effective teachers and leaders, HISD has created profiles of each. Similar to the HISD Global Graduate profile, each contains a list of characteristics or competencies.
