Tag: houston schools

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Third Annual Newcomers Guide to Houston: Thursday’s Show (September 1, 2016)

Posted on · On this special edition of Houston Matters, we offer our third annual Newcomers Guide to Houston! Whether you’re new to town, or just want a refresher on the basics of life in the Bayou City, this is a must listen. We cover absolutely as much territory as we can in an hour, presenting the lowdown on everything you need […]

Houston Matters

How Prevalent Is The “Summer Melt” Among Houston Students?

Posted on · In the summer between high school and college, some graduates enroll but never show up in the fall. In higher education circles, the phenomenon is called “summer melt.” The U.S. Department of Education estimates as many as 10 to 20% of students nationwide plan to go to college, and then don’t. Some do so for financial […]

Good, Bad and Ugly

Blue Bell Recall and Pulitzer Awards: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of Houston News

Posted on · We take up the notion of teaching to the test in this week’s edition of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, as our “non-expert panel” (Lisa Falkenberg, Fred Goodall, and Vlad Davidiuk) considers the good, bad, and ugly of the STAAR exams, and some Houston parents refusing to allow their kids to take the […]

Houston Matters

Grass-Roots Efforts Work to Improve Houston Schools

Posted on · 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 […]

Houston Matters

What Should Newcomers Know About Getting Around and Choosing A School?

Posted on · We continue Houston Matters’ annual guide for newcomers by discussing everything new Houstonians need to know about transportation and education in Greater Houston, with News 88.7 transportation reporter Gail Delaughter, and education reporter Laura Isensee.

Houston Matters

Would Year-Round School Ever Work Here in Houston?

Posted on · School is still a few weeks away for most Texas students, but classes have already begun for some in the state. That includes in El Paso, where students within Socorro ISD started attending class on Monday. They’re in what’s commonly referred to as “year-round” education. Instead of a long summer break – students get shorter breaks during […]

Houston Matters

What’s the Value of Outdoor Education?

Posted on · Fifth graders in Houston public schools have, for nearly 40 years, participated in Outdoor Education Programs at two centers, in Forest Glen and Olympia. But future funding for the programs may be in doubt. We learn about such outdoor education programs, and both their benefits and challenges. Then, we discuss research examining the impact of […]

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Cultural History and the Bayou City Food and Film Festival: Houston Matters for Friday, May 2, 2014

Posted on · Last month, the Houston school board voted unanimously to support teaching Mexican-American history and culture to more high school students. The resolution means the state’s largest school district wants the Texas Education Agency to include this kind of cultural class in the state’s new graduation plan. HISD Superintendent Terry Grier said in a statement that in […]

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Uber and Lyft, Pre-K, HISD closure update, and Seaweed: Houston Matters for Thursday, March 6, 2014

Posted on · Recently, a pair of Houston City Council committees began hearings on the possible entrance of Uber and Lyft, two ride-sharing services that use apps to attract customers, into the city of Houston. Council chambers were packed, mainly with supporters of established taxi and limousine companies. Council members heard a comprehensive study by Administration and Regulatory Affairs on proposed changes to […]

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Primary Election Preview, HISD Closure Update, and Sports Monday: Houston Matters for Monday, February 17, 2014

Posted on · Early voting begins this week for a March primary election which will determine the major party candidates for a number of statewide offices. While it’s clear who both Republicans and Democrats will put forward for Governor, the Lieutenant Governor’s race appears up for grabs. On this edition of Houston Matters, we’ll learn about that and […]

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Technology in Classrooms, Texas Gunslingers, & Passing Time in Traffic: Houston Matters for Tues., Dec. 3, 2013

Posted on · Many Houston schools embrace the use of technology in the classroom. Earlier this year, for example, Spring Branch Independent School District announced it was earmarking nearly $40 million for technology in its schools. Officials said tablets and iPads would be some of the devices more widely available in classrooms and libraries. But while many Houston […]