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'The Power of the Network': 2009 Houston A+ Challenge Benefit Dinner

On October 13, 2009, Houston A+ Challenge hosted its first-ever benefit dinner, honoring founding board members Maconda B. O'Connor, Ph.D., and Andrea White. Generous Houstonians made “The Power of the Network” dinner at River Oaks Country Club a sold-out event.

Oct 13, 2009

Photos: 101

2009 Critical Friends Group - New Coach Training

More than 40 educators from districts across the Houston region -- and two from New York City -- completed Houston A+ Challenge's 40-hour New Coach Training course for Critical Friends in August.

Aug 7, 2009

Photos: 10

2009 NVLA Culmination

Jun 24, 2009

Photos: 21

2009-04-03 RPLA Cohort Two Final Selection Weekend

Apr 3, 2009

Photos: 55

The Future of Math Education

The ExxonMobil Foundation presented a $1.2 million check to Houston A+ Challenge on December 17, 2008, to help expand Reasoning Mind -- an innovative, technology-based math curriculum that allows fifth and sixth grade students to self-pace their learning -- into a total of 17 HISD schools serving more than 1,100 students.

Dec 17, 2008

Photos: 44

Preparing To Dream

Nov 11, 2008

Photos: 56

New Visions in Leadership Academy Culmination, 2008

35 principals, assistant principals and school leaders from five Houston-area school districts graduated from Houston A+ Challenge's two-year New Visions in Leadership Academy in June, 2008. Renowned author Tony Wagner, co-director of Harvard University's Change Leadership Group, provided the keynote address.

Jun 24, 2008

Photos: 32

Critical Friends Group New Coach Training, June 2008

Twelve high school students, 21 aspiring principals and 24 other Houston-area educators completed the weeklong training (June 16-20, 2008) to become Critical Friends Group coaches on their campuses.

Jun 20, 2008

Photos: 15

2008 Teacher Externship Week

Jun 9, 2008

Photos: 29

Regional Collaborative for High School Redesign

Principals from 16 Houston-area high schools released a report of progress made during a five-year Houston A+ Challenge grant for school improvement, and presented school board members and superintendents with needs and requests for sustaining and strengthening efforts. High schools from Aldine, Alief, Humble and Spring Branch ISDs have participated in the Regional Collaborative for High School Redesign since 2003.

Jun 2, 2008

Photos: 41

Education 2012: Preparing Kids for a Future We Can't Describe

The 2008 Convocation on Public Education - presented by the American Leadership Forum and Houston A+ Challenge - convened more than 250 members of Houston's education community to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with teaching today's students -- and preparing them for tomorrow. Prominent educator, consultant and author David Warlick delivered a keynote address on the importance of integrating technology in the classroom. Mr. Warlick also addressed issues key to his recent book, Classroom Blogging. Houston-area school district Superintendents participated on a panel to discuss: * What does the future hold for education? * What do schools and districts need to do to prepare for the future? * What will this future require of me?

Mar 28, 2008

Photos: 40

Preparing to Dream 2008 Spring Institute

Teams of teachers, counselors, administrators, students and parents from five Houston-area school districts convened for the 2008 Spring Institute of the Preparing to Dream college access and success initiative. Dr. Chandra Taylor-Smith from Chicago Public Schools delivered the keynote address on whole-district transformation around a college-going culture, and a panel of parents, high school students and first-generation collegegoers provided food for thought during a lunchtime discussion.

Mar 12, 2008

Photos: 18

Pine Shadows Elementary: Integrating Fine Arts Across the Curriculum

Pine Shadows Elementary provides an example of developing teacher leadership and skills to infuse the fine arts into every classroom in this Spring Branch ISD school. Teachers and administrators systematically changed school culture and practice through Project AIM (Arts Integration Model), funded by a Houston A+ Challenge Focused Impact Grant.

Mar 10, 2008

Photos: 41

Parents as Partners: Spring Branch and Houston ISD

During this two-day professional learning event with Spring Branch and Houston ISDs, Kathy Leslie, APR, presented research-based strategies for engaging "hard to reach" parents.

Mar 4, 2008

Photos: 16

Houston A+ Challenge Reception for Scott Van Beck

Reception recognizing Scott Van Beck's appointment as executive director for Houston A+ Challenge, and announcing a new principal leadership academy for the Houston region.

Jan 10, 2008

Photos: 35

Sharpstown International High School Dedication

This small, international-themed charter school opened with 100 ninth graders in Fall 2007 on the campus of Sharpstown High School.

Nov 14, 2007

Photos: 16

Kashmere Beacon 2007

Students from Kashmere High School, in collaboration with the Museum of Cultural Arts, Houston (MOCAH), showcased the Kashmere Beacon Sculpture as part of the Community Arts Initiative to celebrate the 50-year legacy of Kashmere High School. Since last year, students have participated in a series of interviews, workshops and field trips related to the initiative. In addition, the project combines community outreach and art to support a project-based learning experience for the students. Houston A+ Challenge supports Kashmere High School through a school improvement grant aimed at strengthening the entire school community through student personalization.

Oct 23, 2007

Photos: 14

Eastwood Academy: Anatomy of a High-Performing High School

Houston A+ Challenge co-hosted a community visit to Eastwood Academy, in celebration of national Give Kids Good Schools week.

Oct 19, 2007

Photos: 12

Pine Shadows Elementary: Integrating Fine Arts Across the Curriculum

Houston A+ Challenge co-hosted a community visit to Pine Shadows Elementary School in Spring Branch ISD, in celebration of national Give Kids Good Schools week.