Nearly two years after the Texas Education Agency assumed control of Houston Independent School District (HISD), the district continues to wrestle with significant academic hurdles. Currently, 18 campuses hold D ratings under the state’s accountability framework, signaling persistent underachievement. Although the state takeover aimed to revitalize struggling schools through enhanced oversight and resource allocation, many campuses still face entrenched challenges that impede student success.

These underperforming schools often serve communities grappling with socioeconomic hardships, which exacerbate educational disparities. Key obstacles identified across these campuses include:

• Frequent teacher turnover disrupting instructional consistency
• Insufficient access to modern educational technology and materials
• Lack of comprehensive after-school support and tutoring services
• Low student engagement and motivation levels

Such factors contribute to a cycle of academic difficulty, underscoring the need for targeted interventions that address both educational and community-based challenges.