Effective School Board Governance in Texas
Effective school board governance in Texas revolves around advancing student achievement through defined roles, responsibilities, and accountability. Recent legislation, including House Bill 1842, has reinforced this focus by clarifying the primary responsibility of school boards: setting and monitoring measurable student outcomes while establishing guardrails for district operations.
Lone Star Governance: A Framework for Student Success
As the Houston Independent School District (HISD) works to improve student outcomes, it has adopted the Lone Star Governance (LSG) framework. This model aligns school board governance with academic achievement, prioritizing measurable progress, accountability, and community engagement. HISD’s embrace of LSG underscores its commitment to ensuring every student reaches their full potential.
The framework empowers boards to focus on long-term goals, delegate day-to-day management to superintendents, and actively engage the community in decision-making. By prioritizing academic success and aligning with LSG principles, Texas school boards operate strategically, transparently, and with a clear focus on improving educational outcomes for all students.
HISD’s Implementation of Lone Star Governance
HISD’s adoption of the Lone Star Governance framework focuses on ambitious goals to drive improvement in key areas:
• 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency: Increasing the percentage of students reading at or above grade level.
• Math Achievement: Enhancing math proficiency across elementary and middle school grades.
• College and Career Readiness: Preparing high school graduates with the skills and certifications needed for post-secondary success.
• Special Education Growth: Promoting academic progress for students receiving special education services.
These goals reflect HISD’s determination to address achievement gaps, foster equity, and prepare students for future success.
A Student-Centered Approach
Under LSG, HISD focuses on outcomes over inputs, shifting discussions from operational details to measurable student progress. This ensures that every decision supports enhanced learning experiences and academic achievement.
Engaging the Community
Community involvement is a cornerstone of the LSG framework, and HISD is prioritizing transparency and collaboration through:
• Transparent Communication: Providing regular updates on progress and areas for improvement.
• Listening Sessions and Forums: Actively seeking input from parents, students, and community leaders to align district priorities with community needs.
• Partnerships for Success: Collaborating with local organizations to bring additional resources and opportunities to schools.
Get Involved
To learn more about HISD’s goals and how you can support student success, visit the district website or attend an upcoming community engagement session. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our schools!
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