At Least Three Sharpstown Schools May Become Part of Superintendent Miles’ “New Education System”

Originally, Superintendent Mike Miles’ HISD takeover involved implementing a New Education System (NES) at 28 schools—nearly all on the northeast side of Houston. Only one, Sugar Grove Academy Middle School, was in Sharpstown.

But now, at least 50 more schools have voluntarily applied to become “aligned” with Miles’ NES, according to the Houston Chronicle.

At least two of those schools are in Sharpstown.

Those two are Jane Long Academy, a middle and high school, and Las Americas, a specialized middle school for English language learners. Myra Castle-Bell, principal of both schools, wrote in an email that the decision to apply has support from her staff.

It is unclear if any other Sharpstown schools have applied. The Sharpener is still waiting for responses from other local principals after reaching out the morning of July 7.

According to the Chronicle, here are some things that will be different about NES-aligned schools:

• They will follow the “hospital model” where “teacher apprentices” and “learning coaches” do most of the grading and classroom prep so that teachers can focus on classroom instruction.
• Teachers will not have to create their own lesson plans.
• The district will have more control over individual school budgets.
• The schools will all follow the same “master schedule.”

According to HISD, the full list of NES-aligned schools will not be finalized until the end of Monday, July 10. Schools have until Monday at noon to confirm or withdraw their decisions to align with the NES.

The Sharpener will follow developments as they arise. Subscribe for free using the button at the bottom right corner of this page.