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Houston ISD’s New Education System (NES): Meeting Mandates to Close Achievement Gaps

Writer: Janice ThomasJanice Thomas

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Houston ISD (HISD) is required to implement an effective intervention model to meet federal and state mandates focused on closing achievement gaps and prioritizing high-need student populations. In response, HISD has adopted the New Education System (NES) as a targeted intervention model that aligns with these mandates and supports the district’s commitment to equitable education. The NES model plays a vital role in identifying and addressing the specific needs of high-need student groups, ensuring that all students have access to the support they need to succeed academically.


Understanding the Mandates for Intervention


Federal and state mandates, including requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), emphasize the need for districts like HISD to prioritize intervention for schools and student populations facing the greatest academic challenges. Programs such as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) and Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) specifically require districts to provide intensive resources and support to schools with persistently low performance or subgroups of students who are not meeting state standards. These mandates require HISD to focus on closing achievement gaps by implementing a structured intervention model that ensures high-need students—such as economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, and those receiving special education services—are given priority.


HISD’s Response: The New Education System (NES)


To meet these mandates, HISD has adopted the NES model, a comprehensive approach that combines data-driven strategies and targeted resources to address the unique challenges faced by high-need student populations. Through the NES, HISD directs resources to CSI-designated schools with lower overall performance metrics, providing additional instructional support, professional development for educators, and curriculum enhancements tailored to these schools’ needs. This approach not only addresses federal and state requirements but also demonstrates HISD’s commitment to a long-term strategy for academic improvement in high-priority schools.


For TSI-designated schools, which require targeted intervention for specific subgroups such as English language learners or students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the NES model enables HISD to tailor support directly to these student populations. By implementing focused interventions, the district works to address educational disparities and ensure that these students receive equitable opportunities to succeed. In this way, HISD fulfills the mandate to close achievement gaps and meet performance goals for each subgroup.


A Focused Commitment to Student Outcomes


HISD’s New Education System is more than a compliance measure; it’s a dedicated approach to transforming student outcomes by prioritizing high-need populations. The NES allows HISD to fulfill the requirements set by federal and state mandates while fostering an inclusive, supportive educational environment. By positioning the NES model at the heart of its intervention strategy, HISD demonstrates a clear commitment to closing achievement gaps and creating equitable learning opportunities for all students.


In Summary


The New Education System reflects HISD’s response to federal and state mandates that prioritize closing achievement gaps and supporting high-need students. Through the NES, HISD provides comprehensive and targeted interventions, ensuring that the necessary resources are directed to the schools and student groups most in need. This model enables HISD to meet mandated goals while actively working toward an equitable education for every student.


This information is provided for educational purposes only, without endorsement or opposition to the bond measure.






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