Houston Matters HISD Superintendent Mike Miles (Nov. 4, 2025)
Nov 4, 2025
Mike Miles, the state-appointed superintendent of Houston ISD, dives into the pressing issues of the district, including creative strategies to combat student food insecurity as SNAP benefits dwindle. He discusses the controversies surrounding HISD's curriculum reforms, countering criticisms about the NES curriculum's rigor and effectiveness. Miles champions the 'science of reading' approach, emphasizing phonics and enhanced materials for early learners, while also addressing accountability and his vision for lasting improvements in Houston's schools.
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Emergency Food Distribution Plan
- HISD will partner with Houston Food Bank to distribute food weekly at Hattie Mae and continue pantry services at Sunrise Centers.
- Parents should watch HISD Now, email alerts, and ParentSquare for distribution dates and locations.
Books Plus Science Of Reading
- Mike Miles says HISD provides books and novel studies for K–11, plus 66 decodable books for early grades focused on phonics.
- He argues reading instruction must combine phonics, decoding, and content to build fluent readers.
Science Of Reading Is Core
- Miles frames the 'reading wars' as settled in favor of the science of reading and orthographic mapping.
- He says phonics, decoding, vocabulary, and staged content are required for reading proficiency.
