[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6242098,"mediaKeyId","3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27","parentId",3248392,"title","HISD presents DIAD (Dyad) student travel program; 211 students scheduled for spring trips","audioSeconds",313,"startMs",1333000,"endMs",1646000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27&start=1333&end=1646","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27/thumbnail_1333000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6242098/Texas/HISD-presents-DIAD-Dyad-student-travel-program-211-students-scheduled-for-spring-trips","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242098-618fb844b873333013bf10cf2d56b512/orig.mp4?Expires=1770892250&Signature=Xm43aW~nXxJFFHzC-3etmuG~S4lh97YHG8YxLztOR~rX5Tfni88s6Sfg~2nK37i6ycGvy68PEopAKYpQk3F5uku9n4Xu6dZzH3zkHCNoJVxZ0kHstePP9LokH~xRUV-BHLCxXLHb~yP5NqK40fVKOnOnaljE7WWTO1wphCOz1c1tM4yZ1dPzD~dI-iuwDqz3l22O9UB1KReujDnc5c9w8ViOidYtPSrm13Ewu3gAy2yjVUc40k0za332UhTF2cycHoZdffwnHFGEOShDafumxh6mwR3aN7CsNjVQ2bN~VI8dq6g-fiC5oM4mj2S~5Flung2XxRl2y0j-AY0zDoSftg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Houston ISD","date","2025-05-09T02:49:21Z","article","HISD staff provided an update on the district’s DIAD (Dyad) experiential learning program, which offers in‑school elective blocks and travel opportunities for students in grades 3–8.

A program presenter explained that DIAD classes run twice weekly for 60 minutes in grades 3–8 and are organized in four “buckets”: STEM, 21st‑century media, fine arts and fitness. The program partners with 27 community organizations, including the YMCA, Houston Ballet, Houston Public Library, Astros, Girls Inc., Texans and Dynamo, to deliver in‑class instruction and enrichment.

Staff reported that travel is part of DIAD for seventh‑ and eighth‑grade students in North, Central, South and West divisions: seventh graders will travel domestically to Boston and Washington, D.C.; eighth graders will travel internationally to Costa Rica or Panama. Eligibility rules require 92% attendance and no out‑of‑school suspensions; students may be removed from travel lists for behavior or opting out.

The presenter said 211 students across 27 HISD middle schools were on the travel list for the current cycle, comprising 79 flights and four destinations; trips begin May 23 with the last returns around June 14, staggered across campuses. Staff said travel programming includes pre‑travel orientation, plane etiquette and cultural briefings in partnership with community organizations.

Board members and trustees asked clarifying questions about campus lists, eligibility and timing; the presenter confirmed the schedule, destinations and the program’s reliance on community donations and partner contributions to underwrite experiences. Board members expressed appreciation for access to enrichment opportunities while noting logistics and supervision requirements.

No vote was required; the presentation was informational and will inform ongoing program planning and budget discussions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05-08-2025 School Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","District staff briefed the board on the DIAD program offering co‑curricular travel for grades 3–8; staff said 211 students from 27 middle schools are scheduled for trips to Washington, Boston and Costa Rica or Panama, subject to attendance and behavior eligibility.","taxTitle","HOUSTON ISD, School Districts, Texas","taxId",14108,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6242103,"Board approves revised goal targets after recalculating NWEA MAP results under new linking study",3422,5152000,8574000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27&start=5152&end=8574","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27/thumbnail_5152000.jpg","/articles/6242103/Texas/Board-approves-revised-goal-targets-after-recalculating-NWEA-MAP-results-under-new-linking-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242103-f64646f42bf65c87e394afaf40b096b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770892250&Signature=BeG0VnoJvGq4WLKTa-eSGFDJOEUM0h8Y25t0zCSLWzW5RFInexFov1Sfg3Ao7ZmJZCdiVnGWAXhoKXOSXzfx4-kATO6MUt-EnOm2lCGsuG5wptXeLCym4dC9~GrKgZE4KbvnHeVxqE-s1z-rSChmnhvsfUVPA1EXqjmqtL02yN~KACnlyopE-MIZ5vZNp9EJ4ijoVcvjPPtDZCaAnQ3YQwcQhW9tJcYfFy~Z9ANpLghMFwq6ZUVR3oB0medStpL8tzioC2ikPyuX1XUWFJYn3iJUobRLfMnBC4YqPKNq8jfBbeo2m9my46lQod9lFrvw5QmFSYPnWEFujUBJt9Ra5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HISD presented updated goal progress measure (GPM) targets and a recalculation of 2023–24 NWEA MAP projections based on a revised MAP‑to‑STAR linking study. The board accepted the monitoring report and approved the updated targets on May 8.

Kristen Hull and staff said NWEA published a new linking study in mid‑2024 that recalibrated MAP projected proficiency relative to the state STAR test. To keep projections comparable going forward, the district reprocessed last year’s BOY/MOY/EOY MAP results under the new study and proposed adjusted GPM targets through 2028.

Hull described three target‑setting methods the district used: align MAP proficiency targets to the district’s STAR proficiency goals where possible; require NES campuses to grow at the same rate as the full district; and where no STAR counterpart exists, use a conservative two percentage‑point increase per year as a rigorous target. The presentation showed middle‑of‑year MAP upward movement this year and staff said the increases indicate the district is on track for end‑of‑year goals in several measures.

Board members raised technical questions about denominators and why some mid‑year MAP results already exceed end‑of‑year targets; staff said targets are set against last year’s end‑of‑year results and that MAP mid‑year spikes are not guaranteed to hold through STAR at year end. Adam Ramirez and other trustees questioned whether targets should be raised now that mid‑year results are higher; staff replied the district will raise 2028 goals if the district exceeds them before 2028 but prefers stability in multi‑year planning.

Trustees voted to accept the audit committee report and later approved the updated GPM targets; the vote on the revised targets passed with one abstention and one no, per the meeting roll call. The district also presented separate monitoring data for students with disabilities showing growth toward Goal 4 targets and described coordinated special‑education training, dyslexia evaluations aligned to House Bill timelines and additional supports tied to NES interventions.

The board’s action recalibrates multi‑year targets to reflect the updated MAP linking methodology and commits staff to continue monitoring fidelity of curriculum, digital resources and accelerated middle‑school math pathways that staff said are contributing to mid‑year gains.","HISD staff reviewed MAP‑to‑STAR linking updates and proposed revised Goal Progress Measure (GPM) targets; the board accepted the monitoring report and approved updated targets after questions about methodology and campus breakdowns.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6242108,"HISD outlines ‘continuum of care’; public speakers say campus‑based wraparound supports are being cut",352,939000,1291000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27&start=939&end=1291","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27/thumbnail_939000.jpg","/articles/6242108/Texas/HISD-outlines-continuum-of-care-public-speakers-say-campusbased-wraparound-supports-are-being-cut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242108-743df89c3c0abdbf18313149c82c47aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770892250&Signature=H3DxuxMwfjVAm3EVrcESAPWqjC68uN5bInDbWbJ3fdTrcc9VO0i~jltslLLnnAicYkGFxH1DgRCUBlL3IBCDQ1Vitxz2oJh8xumaCocGDo~Q4DSVwaFAk5R5WtcbXsQfp4YtlzeXJ1ArHV7z5pqdKRKBKgCoQSVxO03Lt-JV5CQFOhNM0G1q9qaDuw~CrNIgmx0D6PczSNx~-4tA6iw7pdnXGBU-SH8oJHgrKriiM8xCjuoTJs1R8K-W51vx~cPEnbFDAMMLLQIQbw9oG~v~4VUOiPHB6mvacr0iUuydGZdZmlSw8ggdAMAC0OIgXIA8sAZH8UOfGc2k~87rd8C25g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","HISD staff on May 8 presented the district’s “continuum of care” framework that district leaders say organizes campus and centralized supports to meet students’ academic, physical, social and emotional needs.

Najah Callender, deputy chief of family and community partnerships, said the framework launched about a year earlier to align services across departments and help families access supports, and that the district is introducing an explainer video so families know how to request help. The presentation said referrals can be made via student assistance forms and that Sunrise Centers offer extended services including food distributions, clothing, counseling, after‑school programming, health services and referral to community partners.

“Every Sunrise Center has a dedicated case worker to ensure students and families get personalized support,” the video states, and the presentation named Hazel Health as a telehealth partner providing on‑campus telemedicine at no cost to families.

But multiple public speakers said campus‑based wraparound specialists — employees who had previously delivered many supports at the school site — have been cut, and that shifting services to centralized Sunrise Centers makes access harder for families. “Telling a hungry third grader their parents can get food… at a Sunrise Center is not going to help that child today,” said Brandy Doubt, citing a recent Kinder Institute study. Speakers including Sarah Rivlin and Kelly Blickery said campus specialists build daily relationships and can intervene immediately, whereas centralized centers cannot.

Several parents and community members described cases where immediate campus‑based help would have addressed urgent needs such as food, clothing or transportation. Critics said the district’s “hospital model” — locating services off campus in Sunrise Centers — reduces confidentiality and diminishes routine, everyday access. Supporters of the continuum said Sunrise Centers connect families to “community partners” for housing and employment when campus resources are insufficient.

District staff said the continuum is intended to be tiered: many needs are handled on campus, and more complex, longer‑term needs are referred to Sunrise Centers. The presentation and video emphasized a districtwide “family connection” team and local family connection centers. The board did not vote on a change to wraparound staffing during the meeting; speakers urged the board to restore campus wraparound specialists in addition to maintaining Sunrise Centers.","District staff presented a framework of campus supports, Sunrise Centers and telehealth partnerships; multiple public commenters said eliminating campus wraparound specialists and shifting to Sunrise Centers reduces access to services for students in need.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6242112,"HISD board approves district‑developed curriculum after weeks of public criticism",6252,3994000,10246000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27&start=3994&end=10246","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27/thumbnail_3994000.jpg","/articles/6242112/Texas/HISD-board-approves-districtdeveloped-curriculum-after-weeks-of-public-criticism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242112-c9aa02f728dc0258bfb9e765d41a2e44/orig.mp4?Expires=1770892250&Signature=dcrT-J8JRZqAhymDJ1467JkRpcmhy8MfRtSq41shcrVfKS7Nq7ya9mfEsoTijqVFrQ7QZNC~iXjrprNrdpg4obPJU~0~bt-MPymtC82dUwqyrZBQ5uMpSaUerr2zC9iRrjcONOI5I9MBMLXsOW9LUoCtdiNtmLI42ghyCYadNLtUoFe6zS9TSjyUn-4B11EO-p0kgn4Kt5UUI2tkhPrRDqE98Ns6cyB7LyNrfC-zfvvgIlcBqJ4VdUKzIqlg-pxiEDY4XEy3YsV5gVk35mbjlOpsem2nU2cs3veWbMmt5AO1VuRN7bSiEIljfVdUslaKtU--5bF7PxQ8Z6rnwH2eWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Houston Independent School District board on May 8 approved a motion to adopt the district‑developed curriculum for district‑wide use after a public debate at the meeting and detailed staff explanations of implementation and revision processes.

Superintendent and curriculum staff described the materials as continually revised by HISD writers and a “brain trust” of reviewers. Kristen Hull, the chief presenting the monitoring report and curriculum rollout, said the curriculum team updates materials in response to classroom feedback, adding novels and pacing cues and refining differentiation to help teachers reach learning objectives.

“Sometimes that actually requires removing stuff,” a curriculum staff member said while describing changes made after field feedback. The district reported that 214 campuses will use the HISD curriculum in five or more subjects next year and another 41 campuses will use it in one to four subjects; five campuses were listed as not adopting the materials.

Public commenters urged the board to reject or delay the approval. Retired teachers and current classroom teachers criticized the materials as “riddled with errors,” “test prep,” or insufficiently covering Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. Laura Henry, speaking on agenda item 11, said the district’s English curriculum “ignores non‑tested TEKS” and asked the board to look in classrooms at whether students had written creatively or given formal presentations.

The board moved and seconded the item at public session; the motion to approve passed unanimously, according to the meeting record. Board members said they had reviewed answers to questions and that writers continue to iterate on the materials. The district noted ongoing supports — including coaching, learning coaches in NES schools and a curriculum development team — and said campus adoption is voluntary in PUA schools while required on NES campuses.

District staff described the approval as part of a broader rollout intended to align instructional materials with research‑based approaches, including “science of reading” elements in literacy blocks and digital resources for math and reading. Several speakers and some board members urged additional time for teachers to review materials and requested continued transparency as the curriculum is revised.

The board’s approval sets district expectations for the HISD curriculum to be available to campuses next year and frames continuing debate about autonomy, pacing and how materials are used in classrooms across NES and PUA campuses.","The board approved district‑developed curriculum for systemwide use; critics at the meeting said the materials reduce teacher autonomy and amount to test‑preparation, while district staff described ongoing revisions and campus uptake.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6242117,"HISD meeting sees sustained public outcry over teacher nonrenewals, NES changes",9369,1908000,11277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27&start=1908&end=11277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3248392-ae646e37320d9698bd7360e4883f5e27/thumbnail_1908000.jpg","/articles/6242117/Texas/HISD-meeting-sees-sustained-public-outcry-over-teacher-nonrenewals-NES-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6242117-2b2d038ccb827f9605ef7c150919b2ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770892250&Signature=UkyjsVsMkKZJd1NmQGJi4cu1rfMTbAHHILFAEz8Mzsr9PtohUhElcvwkdIq1fb4Kjn~~3n1CqpG89kNEyByaDF4nb7ynN0dDQ1MIfJysLAIckCLOUlRx0kVM3GauvFm7f5jcah6lBDavYUlSh2hRCJN6P3BL6mrAoybdQh~EeUXS8EVgZ13vkGvg8xmaZclqXgIquC56rs7WzBB8ULhvg7fUsbRz8iuvOXLJkpWd0Nsy4~gLbpNQsc4R5MmT7YGKTQrMXGYeaGfQbC3-Ao1OogWEg9mcBo0ja7blFFUssng32Mq3ssf7LjDZJgenVe8b8wonWXUrExlqcAxgQQE~pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of students, parents and union leaders used public comment at the Houston Independent School District (HISD) board meeting on May 8 to press the district over recent teacher nonrenewals and changes tied to the district’s New Education System.

Speakers told the board that the departures are harming classroom instruction and student well‑being. “We’re asking for better learning. We want classrooms that feel human again,” said Jalen Carruthers, a 10th‑grade student at Sharpstown International School. Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, said teachers have “stood tall” despite “a year where creativity was stifled” and urged the district to stop pushing educators out.

The comments built on testimony earlier in the meeting from students who described teachers being replaced by staff who “follow orders, but don’t connect with our students,” and from parents who said beloved teachers were being reassigned or let go during Teacher Appreciation Week. Students read poems and letters to illustrate the personal impact; one speaker said a teacher “helped me learn math, reading and writing, but also how to work in teams, lead and be kind.”

Union and community leaders framed the personnel actions as part of a larger dispute over NES and district management. Jackie Anderson told the board the union “honors” teachers who have remained through “frustration, exhaustion and lack of support,” and called public attention to reassignment and nonrenewal decisions affecting special‑education and veteran staff.

Board members did not take a personnel vote in the public session. Several speakers also called for the superintendent to appear at consultation meetings and for state intervention to end; those requests were public comment rather than formal board actions. The district’s executive leadership responded to some questions in separate agenda items earlier in the meeting but made no personnel announcements during public comment.

The public testimony underscored broader tensions about instructional approach, the pace of change in NES campuses, and district supervision. Students, parents and organized labor urged HISD leaders to reverse or slow personnel changes and to expand supports so teachers can deliver the kind of instruction witnesses described as “human” and creative.","Dozens of students, teachers and union leaders told the Houston ISD board that recent nonrenewals and New Education System (NES) changes are harming classroom instruction and morale; the board heard public comments but took no vote on personnel changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

HISD presents DIAD (Dyad) student travel program; 211 students scheduled for spring trips

Board approves revised goal targets after recalculating NWEA MAP results under new linking study

HISD outlines ‘continuum of care’; public speakers say campus‑based wraparound supports are being cut

HISD board approves district‑developed curriculum after weeks of public criticism

HISD meeting sees sustained public outcry over teacher nonrenewals, NES changes