HISD Board of Education to Consider Technology Plan
Proposal would rebuild HISD’s network infrastructure
to help teachers and principals use data to drive instruction  

HISD teachers and principals would have quick access to a broad range of detailed student academic data under a $10.3 million plan to create a more efficient information technology network that the Board of Education will consider approving at its regular meeting on Thursday, September 8.

The proposal comes after two reviews of HISD’s technology infrastructure by IBM security analysts and experts from the Council of the Great City Schools uncovered significant deficiencies that require a complete redesign of the system. This major technology upgrade will lead to the creation of “data dashboards” that link HISD’s many different computer systems. Doing so will allow principals and teachers to analyze various pieces of important student data (such as scores on various exams and attendance records) at the district, campus, classroom, and individual student level.

“HISD is committed to using reliable data to drive instruction in the classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier. “For that to happen, teachers and principals must have access to the most up-to-date information that helps them track how each and every student is performing.”

The proposal would also allow HISD to move forward with plans to make the district’s computer network more secure to protect student and employee data.

Other proposals the Board will consider Thursday include:

·         Revising the ethics policy to provide greater clarity regarding contracting standards and procurement methods.

·         Revising the district’s anti-bullying policy to prohibit bullying that occurs through the use of electronic means, such as the internet.

The Board’s regular monthly meeting begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, in the Board auditorium of the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 West 18th St., 77092).

The Board is scheduled to receive status updates on a number of projects and vote on several programs, contracts, and grants. For a full copy of the Board meeting agenda, click here.  The Board meeting will be carried live on HISD’s website and on the HISD Channel, which can be found on Comcast Channel 18 or AT&T Channel 99.