Houston A+ Challenge

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Houston A+ Challenge

Houston A+ Challenge Our role in Houston-area education is singular and crucial. No other organization exists to seek out the best ideas in education and put them into practice.
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Founded in 1997 as part of the nationwide Annenberg Challenge, Houston A+ Challenge is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that has supported public school improvement in the Houston area for nearly 20 years. Since our founding, A+ has: • Trained more than 13,000 teachers and school leaders • Impacted more than 1,000,000 students across the 62 Houston-area school districts • Helped launch dozens of innovative initiatives, including Houston’s first early college high school, public international school, and mobile middle school. • Built a reputation as a connector of education stakeholders and a clearinghouse for best practices We act as both a convener of stakeholders and as an incubator of ideas. We bring people together to discuss public education’s most pressing challenges, today and in the future, and then we launch, test and accelerate solutions to these challenges. When these incubated solutions show signs of strong success, we work to ensure they become fully integrated practices in K-12 public education throughout the Houston metropolitan area.

Mission: Our mission is to be a catalyst for change and a model for innovation in public education in the Houston area and beyond to ensure that every student is prepared for post-secondary success.

Operating as usual

10/22/2020

Come learn with us!

https://www.houstonaplus.org

10/16/2020

🗣🗣🗣Calling ALL teachers!!! Let's engage in some learning to get students talking and writing in all content areas! Contact us today to learn more about this learning module.

10/14/2020

Six Lessons from Six Months of Leading Virtual Professional Learning

Check out our latest blog post at www.houstonaplus.org/news and subscribe today for future updates!

Houston A+ Challenge shifted its professional learning supports to a virtual space as our partner schools transitioned to online learning. After more than six months of working with teachers online, we have learned many lessons about how to best respond to teachers' demands amid a global pandemic. W...

10/06/2020

Small yet powerful. Meet the team.
Top row (left to right): James Dirden (Math Coach), Erica Milson (ELA Coach/Marketing Manager), Jen Mascheck (Math Coach), Tom Monaghan (Executive Director/Leadership Coach), Imelda Cardoza (Volunteer Admin.)
Bottom row (left to right): Donna O’Neil (Business Manager), Susanna Fontenot (Director of Development/ELA Coach), and Susannah Young (ELA Coach/Tech Specialist) #smarterandstronger #lifelonglearner #studentgrowth #mathematician #realreaders #writerscommunity

10/05/2020

www.youtube.com

Ms. Young is back! Click below to see her tips on how to duplicate slides in Google. Happy Monday!

https://youtu.be/2NDHQQSrWpI

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

09/29/2020

"Finally! Aligned resources to the standards where the answer choices tell me abut the student thinking!" ~Mathematics teacher in Aldine ISD.

Have you checked out the sample math assessments? Click on the link below, scroll down to free resources, and print a sample math assessment today.

https://www.houstonaplus.org/shop

09/26/2020

THANK YOU!! Yesterday wrapped our #apluswriting10for10 Challenge, and we appreciate all who joined us on the journey. Please see these slides for resources and daily share spaces from the last ten days. #writerscommunity

09/25/2020

We can't say it enough, but that doesn't mean we won't try! Thank you to all our donors and supporters. You make possible change and innovation in Houston area public schools. #donorlove #thankfulfridays

Final Share space on Padlet for day ten is here: https://tinyurl.com/y2vrv5jl #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writersco...

09/25/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Ten Share

Final Share space on Padlet for day ten is here: https://tinyurl.com/y2vrv5jl #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/25/2020

Finish strong today! It's day ten of our #apluswriting10for10. Thank you for writing, sharing and growing with us! #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/24/2020

Some wonder what we do when we’re not on campuses...We gather in the think tank and learn! Today’s topic: building your brand. Not only do we grow educators in learning and implementing best practices, we also grow them in becoming influencers of learning.

What’s your brand? Contact us today to find out how we can coach you in becoming an influencer...like us!

Day nine Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y5gp76rz #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/24/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Nine Share

Day nine Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y5gp76rz #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/24/2020

Today is all about that draft! Day nine of #apluswriting10for10 slides are attached here. #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/23/2020

Any educator looking for online professional development, visit https://www.houstonaplus.org/shop to see all learning modules we are currently offering.

Modules can be completed wherever, whenever. You can start and stop and you will receive feedback from a Houston A+ coach over your final product.

Titles consists of but are not limited to Delving into Data, Ratio Tables, Digital Writing Conferences, and many more. If you are an administrator, contact us to receive information on tailored learning modules for your campus.

09/23/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Eight Share

Day eight Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y2rgna2o #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/23/2020

Day eight and we're making progress! #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Day seven Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y3uhuv9g #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/22/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Seven Share

Day seven Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y3uhuv9g #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/22/2020

Day seven and things are moving along in our #apluswriting10for10! Today is all about writing long. Keep going! #amwriting #writerscommunity

Day six Share space on Padlet can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y48q9pp7 #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writersco...

09/21/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Six Share

Day six Share space on Padlet can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/y48q9pp7 #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/21/2020

It's Monday and that means it's the start of week two in #apluswriting10for10! See the slides for day six attached to this post. #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/20/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Five Share

Day five Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y2ztt3nx #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/20/2020

Day Five! We're half-way through our #apluswriting10for10 Challenge. What will you share today? #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/19/2020

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, thank you!

Day four #apluswriting10for10 Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y4j848sy #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/19/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Three Share

Day four #apluswriting10for10 Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y4j848sy #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/19/2020

It's the weekend, but our #apluswriting10for10 is still going! Click on the slides for Day Four! #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/18/2020

Our math coach Jennifer Holcomb Mascheck taught us about quadrants, x&y axis, etc today. She designed a lesson that was accessible for the ELA coaches as they learned about the “cross thingy”. 😂

If you’re interested in learning more about how we design lessons to meet the needs of all learners, contact us today. Happy Friday!

Day three #apluswriting10for10 Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y2nmndnu #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/18/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Two Share

Day three #apluswriting10for10 Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y2nmndnu #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/18/2020

Day three is here! #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/17/2020

Quite sure there are a lot of educators feeling this way today.

Please remember to show grace and support to all of our teachers and kiddos.

Happy Thursday! ❤️

09/17/2020

#apluswriting10for10 Day Ten Share

Day two #apluswriting10for10 Share space on Padlet is here: https://tinyurl.com/y2regbt5 #amwriting #writerscommunity

Houston A+ Writing Challenge: 10 for 10 #apluswriting10for10

09/17/2020

Time for day two of #apluswriting10for10 #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/16/2020

Photos from Houston A+ Challenge's post

09/15/2020

Here's some info to get you prepped to join us tomorrow when we begin #apluswriting10for10 Writing Challenge! #amwriting #writerscommunity

09/15/2020

Chew & Chat with Kate Walsh President of the National Council on Teacher Quality

#ChewandChat

09/14/2020

Our first ever Writing Challenge starts Wednesday! Plan to join us!

Address

2700 Southwest Fwy, Ste B
Houston, TX
77098-4607

General information

Houston A+ Challenge is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that has supported public school improvement in the Houston area since 1997.

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

(832) 519-9590

Website

http://www.houstonaplus.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Houston A+ Challenge posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Houston A+ Challenge:

Videos

Chew & Chat with Kate Walsh President of the National Council on Teacher Quality

#ChewandChat

Motivating the unmotivated

Coach D is back and he brought a special guest with him. I'll give you a hint...You’ve seen him on Netflix’s The Get Down and FX’s The Americans. Listen in as Coach D provides insight on how best to coach the unmotivated..especially during these times. Happy Friday!

Ask a Coach #2

Do you have a teacher who could use a new pair of running shoes?? Listen to Coach D provide an effective coaching move for teachers who seem to dodge engaging in one on one learning.

Heading into this long weekend with vibes of appreciation!! Shout out to the individuals who support our work of coaching and growing teachers. #donorlove #thankful

Effective practices in a virtual setting

Is it possible to implement effective practices in a virtual setting?! 🗣🗣ABSOLUTELY!! Check out what some of our teachers have committed to implementing in this new space of learning.

Ask A Coach with Coach D!

Do you have a teacher who finds shifting to change as a challenge? Check out Coach D as he provides a coaching move to help this teacher further to success. Don’t forget, if you need coaching tips, send all questions to [email protected]. #AskACoach #HoustonA+Challenge #LifeLongLeaner

Chat and Chew with Dr. Rod Paige

Dr. Rod Paige discusses current transitions in public education, the role nonprofits can play in supporting schools, and staying motivated in these challenging times.

Virtual Sip and See

Join us as our writing expert, Susanna, shares some insight on ways to incorporate writing.

Virtual Sip and See

It's here! We have created Math TEKS-based mini-assessment books specifically for 6th through 8th grade. Join us as James Dirden discusses the math books and the accompanying Student Data Tracker.

Sip and See

Smarter&Stronger

What exactly does Smarter and Stronger actually mean? Listen to our Executive Director, Tom Monaghan, share a brief explanation about this way of thinking. #Smarter&Stronger #HoustonA+Challenge #LifelongLearners

Can you make a gift today to help Houston educators listen, reflect, and learn to build lifelong learners who can solve problems and communicate in this rapidly changing environment? Donate now at www.tinyurl.com/supportAplus. #houstoneducation #teachereducation #educationreform #professionallearning #nonprofit #giveback

Your gift today will help sustain our efforts as a thought-partner and professional learning provider for educators. Get involved at www.tinyurl.com/supportAplus. #houstoneducation #teachereducation #educationreform #professionallearning #nonprofit #giveback

You’ve asked, so we have delivered! Check out our video to learn more about our current offerings and our unique, online professional development structure. We look forward to working with you. #HoustonA+Challenge #Smarter&Stronger #Connect&Innovate

THANK YOU for being a part of #GivingTuesday with us to #thankateacher and raise more than $1,000 to make sure kids around Houston have high quality teachers despite the pandemic and uncertainty it brings. Thank YOU!! We will keep moving toward our goal at https://tinyurl.com/donateaplusgtnow2020

Today is the day! It's #GivingTuesdayNow. Join us and #thankateacher – make a gift today. https://tinyurl.com/donateaplusgtnow2020

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesdayNow AND Teacher Appreciation Day. Prepare to celebrate with us. Bookmark our giving page. https://tinyurl.com/donateaplusgtnow2020

Impacting education in the classroom

Everyone needs a coach. At Houston A+ Challenge, we work directly with teachers to plan their lessons, then we observe their teaching and offer feedback on instructional practices. Support education throughout greater Houston with a gift to Houston A+ Challenge http://bit.ly/houstonAplus

Our Story

Since 1997, Houston A+ Challenge has developed the vision, expertise, and networks required to strengthen our local public schools, test innovative educational practices and connect educators to the public and each other. Our menu of programs evolves annually to meet the needs of Houston’s public school students, but within a framework defined by two strategies: • Strengthen: Advancing next practices through advising, coaching and professional development - We work with public schools to strengthen instruction and leadership through consulting, on-campus coaching, leadership academies, professional development workshops, and more. Rooted in research, guided by best practices and led by a team of in-house subject matter experts, we help today’s schools and practitioners meet the diverse needs of Houston area students. Houston A+ Challenge consultants and coaches disseminate the knowledge gained by the organization through nearly 20 years of practice in the city’s schools, and we adjust our solutions to meet the needs of each school, educator and student. Our ultimate goal is for Houston-area schools to graduate students who are authentic readers, writers and problem solvers with the character skills to achieve their dreams. • Connect: Convening people around ideas - We convene educators and thought leaders to learn from peers and experts through a wide array of publications and events, fostering critical conversations about public education’s needs, goals, trends and achievements. Programs such as our Chevron Speaker Series, panel discussions and networking events, as well as our engagement in policy development and interpretation, are among the ways we call together city leaders, philanthropists, researchers, policy-makers, school and district leaders, educators and parents to discuss and solve the most pressing issues we face in educating Houston’s 1,252,660 students.