The Research and Evaluation Institute (REI) team remains at the forefront of data analysis and solution-based assessments that empower educators and fellow Harris County Department of Education divisions. School districts and organizations strengthen their programs by utilizing the information, while the research is proven to be more cost effective and tailored through REI’s work.

Presenting at the Southwest Educational Research Association’s 49th annual conference this week in New Orleans, REI staff led four sessions. Among the presenters were division director Yolanda Prytle and coordinator Dr. Jesus Campos, who highlighted a case for expansion of recovery high schools as a response to substance use at the state level and nationally.

HCDE’s Fortis Academy is the Houston area’s only public recovery school and among 40 recovery high schools nationwide. Of those, Fortis became just the 11th – and only in Texas – to earn accreditation by the Association of Recovery Schools.

Research coordinator Jonathan Khandaker examined growing AI integration in education, which includes growing concerns regarding academic integrity, data privacy and equitable access.