“I don’t buy that” – Faculty Skepticism
Despite the reassurances from HISD administrators, faculty members remain skeptical about the freedom to teach as they see fit. Principal Samantha Woods pointed out that last year, her school’s performance evaluations improved only after implementing changes aligned with Myers’ reform plan. This experience has left many teachers questioning whether true autonomy will be granted.
Similarly, former English teacher Jennifer Blessington, who resigned from Bellaire High School, expressed frustration with the constraints imposed by classroom directives. She highlighted the pressure to use specific engagement strategies, especially when district officials were present, raising doubts about the level of autonomy teachers will have.
New Directions in Teaching
To address concerns and provide clarity, Myers’ team has released a new manual outlining quality teaching practices for specialized programs like Montessori and International Baccalaureate schools. This manual aims to offer a variety of plans and interpretations for school leaders and district administrators to effectively evaluate these schools based on specific criteria.
By focusing on specialized programs and providing guidance on quality teaching, HISD aims to support schools in maintaining their unique educational approaches while still striving for improvement. This shift in focus signals a new direction that recognizes the importance of autonomy in teaching and learning.
Operational Freedom and Continuous Evaluation
In addition to teaching methods, the new framework emphasizes operational freedom for top schools and staff, allowing them to design their own training programs and manage classroom activities without micromanagement. Furthermore, the requirement for administrators to observe classrooms regularly, while continued from last year, emphasizes the importance of continuous evaluation and support for teachers.
Overall, the changes in HISD’s approach to education reflect a commitment to balancing accountability with autonomy, ensuring that teachers have the flexibility to innovate while still meeting the district’s standards for quality education.
