Imagine the wonder of a child walking into a library containing endless worlds and possibilities. In a world where libraries are just another workspace, that child is just a figment of imagination. Since state appointed superintendent Mike Miles took control of Houston ISD, this is a policy he’s implemented as part of his New Education Plan, designed to raise state test scores and accountability ratings. In the past Houston schools have famously struggled to meet Texas standards with Wheatley, the school that triggered this change in leadership, receiving an F in student improvement for many years. When this was first announced, it seemed an excellent idea. However, when COVID forced the world into lockdown, offending schools began to catch up. By the time the state takeover could take place Wheatley received a B in state accountability.
But soon after that B was retroactively changed to a C, thanks to recent changes in the rating system. New scores would be based on the lowest performers, measuring how schools managed to serve their disadvantaged students. These new standards were not made clear when they were implemented. For example, Alamo Heights ISD went from an A to a C. Instead of measuring CCMR success as they had done in years past, the standards focus on passing rates of AP exams, percentage of dual credit enrollment and certifications in industry. Even those in favor of a large-scale change expressed wishes for preparation time instead of throwing districts into upheaval.
In addition, in many places there are private schools more highly rated nearby. In his past tenure at Dallas ISD, Miles pushed for a voucher system allowing families to send their children to private schools using government grants. He advocated this alongside board member Mike Morath, the current Education Commissioner who placed Miles in charge. Though Morath wouldn’t openly admit favoring private schools, he accepts 75% of charter school applications that cross his desk, even in cases where companies’ previous schools regularly score Ds or Fs in the accountability system.
“It does hurt schools to not have certified librarians on campus, but HISD was already short-staffed,” Clear Springs librarian Amy King said. The situation is complex, and HISD has far from a perfect past. It likely has a very limited budget as well. However, the way changes are being handled is raising concerns that perhaps not everyone involved has the students’ best interests at heart.