Valuable discussions on student behavior management and integration strategies took center stage on Apr. 11 at Harris County Department of Education’s third annual Schools Division Update. Representatives from more than a dozen area school districts gathered at the Irvington Conference Center to learn more about HCDE’s four special schools, literacy programs and capital improvement projects.  

Assistant Superintendent of Academic Support Services Jonathan Parker delivered opening remarks boasting the Department’s impact on Harris County students with severe emotional or physical disabilities, those facing addiction and adjudicated/expelled youth.  

“Every day when we come to work, I’m reminded that our students and their families have hopes and dreams,” Parker said. “Our job is to build on those aspirations and if students and parents don’t have hopes and dreams, then it’s our job to help them find some.” 

The luncheon serves as a forum to provide information about HCDE’s data-driven behavior management techniques, STEM-focused events like the All-Earth Ecobot Challenge and the overall goal of integrating students back into their home districts. Administrators also gained insight into the Department’s business model, learning how a sustainability ratio is used to calculate the cost of services offered at each HCDE campus. 

Throughout the Schools Division Update, district leaders were given an opportunity to give feedback regarding the efficiency of current practices and programs and network with HCDE principals.