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What is NES?

The New Education System (NES) is Houston ISD’s comprehensive plan to transform public education—starting with the schools that need it most. NES is designed to deliver a high-quality education to every student and to prove what’s possible when high expectations for educators, staff, and students are paired with strong support.

NES schools follow a proven, research-based model that introduces a clear instructional vision, innovative staffing, rigorous accountability, and expanded academic opportunities.

HISD invests heavily in the professional development of educators, and NES implements instructional practices that create consistent, engaging, and effective learning environments for all students.

What Makes NES Schools Different?

NES schools operate with a reimagined model that prioritizes instructional quality, enrichment, and targeted student support. These are the main 5 elements in NES schools:

Innovative staffing ensures students receive high-quality instruction every day, while teachers benefit from top-notch centralized lesson planning, regular coaching, and on-campus support from apprentices and learning coaches—allowing them to focus on teaching and thriving in their profession.

Art of Thinking courses build students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and information analysis skills—essential tools for lifelong learning.

Expanded enrichment opportunities include specialty classes in music, fine arts, fitness, media and technology, and hands-on science—taught by community experts and designed to supplement existing electives and magnet offerings.

Cultural exposure through travel, at no cost to families, gives middle school students the chance to broaden their perspectives and  experience new places beyond Houston both domestically and internationally.

Ongoing learning assessments help teachers tailor instruction in real time—providing extra help to students who need it and advanced content to those ready to move ahead.

Impact of NES

When NES launched in 85 schools during the 2023–2024 school year, many of those campuses had faced years of academic challenges. The results are already significant:

  • Student achievement is rising with double-digit gains in math and reading proficiency in many NES schools.
  • Campus ratings have dramatically improved. In 2023, only 11 NES schools earned an “A” or “B” rating. In 2024, that number jumped to 53—a remarkable 480% increase.
  • Teachers and principals are better supported, receiving clear guidance and ongoing coaching on what high-quality instruction looks like.
     

At Houston ISD, we believe high-quality instruction is the foundation of student success. High-quality instruction is at the heart of how we empower our educators, and it’s how we’re preparing Houston’s students for the opportunities of the future. 

High-quality instruction means more than just delivering a lesson. It’s about creating learning environments where every student is actively thinking, problem-solving, and making connections to the world around them. When instruction is excellent, students grow faster, feel more confident, enjoy school more, and are better prepared for the future.

The Key Elements of High-Quality Instruction

  • Clear Learning Goals
    • Students know what they are learning and why it matters, with clear expectations that help students stay on track.
  • Strong Student Engagement
    • Students are listening, discussing what they heard, solving problems, and applying what they learned.
  • Purposeful, Challenging Lessons
    • Every lesson is thoughtfully planned, uses high-quality materials, and challenges students to think critically.
  • Frequent Checks for Understanding
    • Teachers regularly check to make sure students are comprehending the lesson and adjust their teaching in real time.
  • Support for Every Learner
    • Teachers provide extra help to students who need it and extend learning for those who are ready to advance.

How HISD Supports High-Quality Instruction

HISD is focused on developing teachers on every campus. We invest in high-quality professional development, consistent on-the-job coaching, and clear, actionable feedback to help teachers continuously grow in their practice. Our approach emphasizes instructional excellence grounded in state standards and research-based strategies that drive student achievement. In every school, principals are trained to be strong instructional leaders who support teacher development, monitor progress in classrooms, and hold high expectations for student learning. By building a culture of accountability and support, we are creating the conditions for effective teaching and learning in every single HISD classroom.