ivan gonzalez

I knew the Houston school takeover was not a good situation, I just didn’t realize the extent of the damage being done and how urgent something needs to change. The hearing today solidified my understanding of the situation. We listened to three hours of testimony from parents, teachers, community members and even a researcher, and I have provided some of the highlights below. Thank you to Rep. Christina Morales for pulling this hearing together, and for all of the Reps who participated. -Teaching in HISD became unbearable due to the toxic/hostile work environment. -Teachers were bullied. One teacher had his desk taken away. -Nearly 4,600 staff left HISD since the takeover one year ago. -Half the principals have been removed. Some had recently earned recognition for their work. -A teacher was fired in front of a classroom of kids because one student had a phone out during class. -A disproportionate number of black teachers have been let go (fired). -30 out of 40 teachers in an A-rated school left. -Teachers experiencing depression and anxiety. -New teachers being hired no longer need to be certified. -They don’t have the resources to follow IEPs. -Administrators are unresponsive and lack a connection to the schools. -Problems revealed in the data showing improvements in student performance. -Mike Miles has lied and there has been retaliation against teachers who speak up. -Schools are in chaos. -Spanish is discouraged. The dual language program doesn’t exist, but is still getting funded. Where is that funding going? -Libraries have been closed. They were turned into detention centers, now called “team centers.” What happened to the $7 million meant for purchasing books? -Kids were reprimanded for going to the restroom. Some would drink less water so they could last all day without going to the restroom. One child got a urinary tract infection as a result. -Extracurriculars are no longer funded: debate, UIL, drama, speech. -Students have lost all motivation to learn. -Quote from a parent: “What Miles is doing is wrong for our schools.” I felt heartbroken for the teachers, students and families dealing with such a massive mess in HISD. We must fix this! #txlege