top of page


Houston's comeback: Structure, direct instruction are paying off
Students are learning more at Houston schools that stress teacher-guided classrooms, structure and order.

Joanne Jacobs
Apr 212 min read
6 comments


Teach the children well: From rural Oregon to Houston, students are learning more
Third-graders at Adrian Elementary School, in the poorest county in Oregon, have the highest reading proficiency scores in the state,...

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 28, 20242 min read
2 comments


Can Mike Miles remake Houston schools?
Houston's radically redesigned elementary and middle schools posted higher math and reading scores in nearly every grade level in the...

Joanne Jacobs
Jul 22, 20243 min read
2 comments


Houston's revamped schools: 'ruthless efficiency,' lots of engagement
After a state takeover of Houston schools, Superintendent Mike Miles has launched a very ambitious set of reforms for the city's...

Joanne Jacobs
Sep 7, 20233 min read
5 comments


Houston school plan: No disruptive kids in class -- and no librarians
Teachers will earn more and have "apprentices" and aides to handle mundane chores. They'll use scripted curricula instead of spending...

Joanne Jacobs
Jul 31, 20232 min read
6 comments
bottom of page