HISD launching RISE transformation cohort at underperforming schools

As part of Houston Independent School District’s new five-year strategic plan, the district is taking the next steps to ensure there are great schools in every community while cultivating world-class talent at all levels.

In order to meet the commitment of permanently improving every D- and F-performing campus, HISD is transforming how it serves those students by launching the RISE transformation cohort beginning in School Year 2022-2023.

RISE will replace Achieve 180 as the action plan to better support, strengthen, and empower 24 underserved and underperforming campuses. A full list can be found here.

Three campuses have been designated as RISE Strong and will be implementing the Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model:

  • Highland Heights Elementary School
  • Patrick Henry Middle School
  • Phillis Wheatley High School

What unique resources will RISE campuses receive?

  • A rigorous reapplication and selection process for RISE Strong leaders and teachers
  • Financial incentives for all staff ranging between $2,500-$25,000 per year for three years
  • High-quality curriculum materials and coaching for teachers
  • All students will be offered the opportunity to participate in an afterschool enrichment program. After school programming will include transportation and evening meal.
  • RISE campuses will also receive additional staffing allocations to support transformation work (assistant principals, counselors, wraparound specialists, instructional coaches).

Part of the transformation includes a talent reset for core school leaders. These campuses will be re-constituted, and all employee groups must indicate their intent to reapply.

The following recruitment and retention stipends will be offered to staff on RISE Strong campuses in Year 1:

The following recruitment and retention stipends will be offered to staff on the rest of the RISE campuses in Year 1:

RISE schools will allow HISD to show that it is possible for all students to succeed, regardless of background. It is imperative that students of greatest need – those whose starting line in life is far behind their peers – have equitable access to effective educators and leaders to accelerate academically, socially, and emotionally.

To apply to be a RISE teacher, click here.

For more on how the district is committed to making HISD a great place for talented people to work and grow, click here.