The debate over public education usually revolves around funding or testing or statewide curriculum. But at the grass-roots level, there are often efforts taking place that move beyond policy debates.
On this edition of Houston Matters, we hear about steps some Greater Houston schools – and the communities that surround them – have taken to try to improve the education they offer.
First, we talk with Rick Gardner, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Humble Independent School District, about that district’s use of a new screening tool designed to help hire better teachers.
Then, we talk with Katherine Heinrich, a parent of a fourth grader who volunteers at her neighborhood schools in The Heights. She’s among a group of parents who, through their “Learn Local” organization, are seeking to establish a “bridge” for their kids between what they see as successes in their elementary schools and Hogg Middle School. We find out what that means.
Also this hour: Once a month, this fall, up until the November election, we’re discussing the latest developments in some of the major statewide political campaigns. Debates will take place this week in the races for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. We discuss what’s at stake for the major party candidates with political scientists Paul Brace from Rice University, and Jay Aiyer from Texas Southern University.
And: The Houston Texans overcame an early 10-0 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Bills 23-17 Sunday. The Texans improve to 3-1 on the season, already an improvement over last year’s dismal 2-14 campaign. We discuss the Texans, and the conclusion of the Houston Astros’ season, with CultureMap Houston sports columnist M.K. Bower.
