01/01/2022
Happy New Year!
Houston A+ Challenge
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- Houston A+ Challenge
Our role in Houston-area education is singular and crucial. No other organization exists to seek out
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For nearly 20 years, 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 three strategies:
• Connect: Convening peo
ple 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 .
• Innovate: Incubating solutions - We test ideas and pilot models with the potential to revolutionize public education. Our current pilot, A+UP, explores the unlimited potential of personalized learning. Other innovative models launched in recent years include a family and community engagement model that is changing the way parents in Pasadena ISD engage in schools in order to shape their child’s educational success and Gulf Coast PASS, which connects community colleges with local school districts to Increase college readiness among high school graduates, ease student transitions between high school and community college, as well as increase student success in community college developmental courses.
• 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.
11/30/2021
It’s Giving Tuesday! Donate today!
https://www.houstonaplus.org/donate
11/29/2021
Tell a friend about us.
Now more than ever, every teacher need us!
On , help us grow our impact by asking a friend to support this work with us.
Let’s strengthen our impact to strengthen learning.
&StrongerTogether
11/12/2021
The Vic Samuels Award is now available for all students interested in project-based learning. Click on the link below for more details!
https://www.houstonaplus.org/programs
11/12/2021
All teachers interested in project-based learning, click on the link below for more details about the The Joe Foster Award!
https://www.houstonaplus.org/programs
11/01/2021
We are still working alongside teachers as they get Smarter & Stronger for all kids!
08/02/2021
Houston A+ Challenge strives to be a catalyst for change and a model for innovation in education in the Houston area and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that every student is prepared for post-secondary success. Houston A+ Challenge is currently coaching and consulting in across numerous districts and elementary, middle, and high schools.
Houston A+ is looking to add to our team a full-time or part-time Mathematics performance coach who will be deployed at school sites to drive student achievement while building teacher and skills specialist capacity. A+ coaches report directly to the Executive Director of Houston A+ Challenge.
Purpose of Job: A+ coaches provide highly individualized feedback, guidance, and support to professionals who fulfill a variety of roles in public education, including teachers, campus-based specialists, school leadership and district leaders. Drawing on their experience and knowledge of research and best practices, our coaches work closely with these individuals to identify and build on existing strengths, pinpoint areas in need of development, build effective practices, and pursue strategies to increase student learning and success. The coach will also be responsible for identifying professional development needs in the teachers they support based on their observations, recommending them for specific teacher development sessions targeted to their needs, and providing ongoing capacity-building through individualized coaching.
General Scope of Responsibility:
Analyze student data, including item analysis, to help design student groupings and differentiated instruction
Design curriculum and lesson plans and develop instructional strategies in collaboration with teachers at the assigned school
Analyze interim assessment data alongside teachers and be able to adjust instruction based on interim assessment data
Maintain teacher data and observe their strengths and weaknesses, and provide individualized coaching and support for targeted teacher development
Assist in designing and conducting targeted mini development sessions and recommending teachers in their school for sessions targeted to their needs
Essential Job Requirements:
The ideal candidate needs to be practical, results-focused, and have an infectious can-do attitude. He/she needs to work well with and inspire teachers and be excited about diving into details and working with individual students. Affinity for working with data and for interim monitoring is a must. Knowledge of different instructional strategies and a demonstrated record in increasing student achievement towards post-secondary success is a must. Candidate should be an effective communicator with good interpersonal and collaboration skills. Prior experience in teaching and coaching mathematics is preferred.
Please send resume to Tom Monaghan at [Email hidden]
08/02/2021
Houston A+ Challenge strives to be a catalyst for change and a model for innovation in education in the Houston area and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that every student is prepared for post-secondary success. Houston A+ Challenge is currently coaching and consulting in across numerous districts and elementary, middle, and high schools.
Houston A+ is looking to add to our team a full-time or part-time ELA performance coach who will be deployed at school sites to drive student achievement while building teacher and skills specialist capacity. A+ coaches report directly to the Executive Director of Houston A+ Challenge.
Purpose of Job: A+ coaches provide highly individualized feedback, guidance, and support to professionals who fulfill a variety of roles in public education, including teachers, campus-based specialists, school leadership and district leaders. Drawing on their experience and knowledge of research and best practices, our coaches work closely with these individuals to identify and build on existing strengths, pinpoint areas in need of development, build effective practices, and pursue strategies to increase student learning and success. The coach will also be responsible for identifying professional development needs in the teachers they support based on their observations, recommending them for specific teacher development sessions targeted to their needs, and providing ongoing capacity-building through individualized coaching.
General Scope of Responsibility:
Analyze student data, including item analysis, to help design student groupings and differentiated instruction
Design curriculum and lesson plans and develop instructional strategies in collaboration with teachers at the assigned school
Analyze interim assessment data alongside teachers and be able to adjust instruction based on interim assessment data
Maintain teacher data and observe their strengths and weaknesses, and provide individualized coaching and support for targeted teacher development
Assist in designing and conducting targeted mini development sessions and recommending teachers in their school for sessions targeted to their needs
Essential Job Requirements:
The ideal candidate needs to be practical, results-focused, and have an infectious can-do attitude. He/she needs to work well with and inspire teachers and be excited about diving into details and working with individual students. Affinity for working with data and for interim monitoring is a must. Knowledge of different instructional strategies and a demonstrated record in increasing student achievement towards post-secondary success is a must. Candidate should be an effective communicator with good interpersonal and collaboration skills. Prior experience in teaching and coaching literacy is preferred.
Please send resume to Tom Monaghan at [Email hidden]
05/21/2021
Wondering what services we provide? We collaborate with educators about current, best practices that can be implemented to support learning for ALL students!
05/12/2021
There’s nothing more exciting than to see students grow as readers, writers, and problem solvers. Awesome job, Epps Island!
05/07/2021
This is how we show appreciation to our teachers! We hosted a private, virtual comedy show with Comedian Eddie B!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week and Happy Friday!
05/06/2021
Here's another leading leader, Instructional District Coach, Patrick Campbell share his thoughts on supporting teachers to assure healthy student relationships post pandemic.
05/06/2021
Listen to Principal Erin Chavez share her what she has implemented to support student learning post pandemic.
05/05/2021
We are still learning and discussing topics with other educators leading the path. For our last Chew & Chat, we are highlighting two leaders for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Tomorrow we will share videos from Erin Chavez and Patrick Campbell as they discuss what they have implemented around topics that are pertinent to student learning after a pandemic.
Thank you for watching our Chew & Chat segments this year and we hope to leave you with some things to consider as we close out the school year.
04/30/2021
Less than 12 hours left in our Spring Into Action fundraising campaign. Let’s cross the finish line to our $2,021 goal for Houston educators.
www.houstonaplus.org/donate
Houston educators know how to overcome obstacles, but they need timely professional learning resources to ensure all kids learn at high levels.
04/28/2021
Schools are strapped for resources, time and capacity. Houston A+ Challenge exists to fill the void with high-quality professional development to teachers and leaders. Professional learning that includes:
💚Tips for creating a welcoming learning environment for all students.
🛠️Tools that equip them with innovative ways to maximize instructional time.
🧠Strategies to teach their students that develop lifelong learners and level the learning after a year of anything but normal.
Give these tools and the gift of relationship-based coaching to educators at a time when they need it most. Will you join our community of donors and make a gift today?
Spring into Action for Houston! A donation today will bring change and innovation to public schools in 2021.
www.houstonaplus.org/donate
04/28/2021
Now more than ever teachers and principals need ongoing professional development so they are ready to educate our future leaders.
Spring into Action for Houston and give these tools today by becoming a new donor or renewing your gifts to A+! Consider a $5 or $10 monthly gift to sustain your impact.
Visit www.houstonaplus.org/donate and get involved today!
04/27/2021
We are so thankful for those who donated last week in assuring we are able to impact student learning and teacher growth. Thank you!
04/23/2021
This spring, teachers across the city are adapting to what normal means now in their teaching journeys. If ever there were a time for change and innovation in education, it is now.
You make a difference for educators across Houston and provide on-the-job training they need to keep pace with teaching and learning in 2021. Will you consider a $5 or $10 monthly gift to sustain your impact?
www.houstonaplus.org/donate
04/22/2021
Houston educators know how to overcome obstacles, but they need timely professional learning resources to ensure all kids learn at high levels. Especially as they aim to make up for pandemic learning losses.
Individuals like you bring top-notch coaching and on-the-job training to local teachers and leaders.
Will you Spring into Action today to make Houston educators smarter and stronger? Every dollar counts toward our goal of $2,021. Consider a $5 or $10 monthly gift to sustain your impact!
www.houstonaplus.org/donate
04/22/2021
We believe in student choice and student ownership of their own learning. One way to promote this is by incorporating read alouds. How often do you read to your students?
04/21/2021
We know challenges over the past year greatly impact teaching and learning in schools across our city. We also know the dedication and resilience of Houston teachers.
We invite you to raise the bar for the professional learning local educators receive. Now more than ever teachers and principals need ongoing professional development so they are ready to educate our future leaders.
Will you Spring into Action for Houston and give these tools today by becoming a new donor or renewing your support to A+!?
Consider a $5 or $10 monthly gift to sustain your impact.
http://ow.ly/Flew50EupVc
04/20/2021
We teach our kids to read. We teach our kids about numbers. We teach our kids to value education and we teach our kids to love all.
Today we teach our kids history. History that shows justice and to value all mankind. We will continue to stand for equity in education for all kids and we will continue to stand for justice for all.
We stand in solidarity with George Floyd’s family and all victims and families who have experienced inequality.
04/16/2021
“Student engagement is the product of motivation and active learning. It is a product rather than a sum because it will not occur if either element is missing.” ~Elizabeth Barkley
We assure that we share engaging and meaningful lesson ideas with all of our teachers.
04/14/2021
JEN! 11/31 of my students got 100% on the unit test (The unit test was made of released STAAR questions aligned to the SE’s in the unit of study) for exponential functions! No student got less than 60%...So proud of them-thank you for all your coaching and resources! ~Algebra 1 Teacher, Spring Woods Middle School, Spring ISD
04/09/2021
Our partnership with ILT Orem MS is growing stronger. Teachers understand the value and have implemented independent reading time for all students.
“I know you are providing a service, but I am so appreciative of you. It’s good to know we are aligned with our thinking. “ K. Williams
03/25/2021
Have you signed up for the STAAR module?? If not, there’s still time to register for a session to learn and collaborate with other teachers and a Houston A+ coach!
Contact us at [email protected] for details.
03/22/2021
Happy Spring! We have more spots available for our private comedy show with Eddie B. Sign up today to attend any of our upcoming workshops and you will receive a complimentary ticket. Don't miss out!
03/12/2021
We are so excited for all educators for this well-deserved break! We’ve decided to add to the excitement!
Contact us today at [email protected] to sign up for our STAAR Test Prep workshop and you’ll receive a complimentary ticket to a virtual comedy show with Comedian Eddie B.!!
First come, first serve, so don’t miss out.
Happy Spring Break!
03/12/2021
It’s here!! We are still offering our STAAR Test Prep Workshop!
Contact us today at [email protected] to sign up!
03/08/2021
Since it's International Women's Day, we feel the need to highlight some leading women in education. We salute all women today and everyday!
"When women are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous." ~Michelle Obama
03/04/2021
Our Math coaches recently collaborated with Aldine's Mathematics coaches from 13 middle school campuses. The learning that took place will allow these content specialists to coach and provide professional learning and best-in-class practices to push thousands of students forward. Way to go Aldine ISD!
03/02/2021
Today we celebrate Read Across America Day!
02/18/2021
❤️
02/14/2021
Happy Valentine's Day!!
02/12/2021
We earned a 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency! Learn more about our organization’s impact through our on : https://www.guidestar.org/Profile/76-0513493.
02/11/2021
Think of us when you shop for your special someone or treat yourself this Valentine's Day. AmazonSmile gives a portion of eligible purchases when you designate Houston A+ as your charity! Select us in the Amazon app settings or on your smile.amazon.com homepage!
02/04/2021
Matt Barnes and Scott Van Beck from The Education Game invited our math coach, Jen Mascheck, to speak to their parents about how to encourage and coach students as problem solvers.
The podcast/video provides some practical strategies for parents around creating persistent, resilient learners as well as ways to find connections within mathematics and other disciplines students study across disciplines.
Click on the link below to hear their conversation.
https://youtu.be/582xTE6pyNU
Jen Mascheck has coached hundreds of math teachers impacting thousands of kids through her work at Houston A+ Challenge, the Houston area's premier teacher training organization. Now she offers her expertise so your child never says, "I hate math!"
Jen Mascheck has coached hundreds of math teachers impacting thousands of kids through her work at Houston A+ Challenge, the Houston area's premier teacher t...
01/28/2021
It’s here and we have made some changes. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual test preparation professional development.
01/12/2021
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/23/opinion/covid-schools-vaccine.html?referringSource=articleShare
"But we are realizing what we should have known all along: that you can’t widget your way to powerful learning, that relationships are critical for learning, that students’ interests need to be stimulated and their selves need to be recognized.
The same is true for teachers — they need to feel physically safe, they need support, they need their work to be recognized and honored, and they need working conditions that make it possible for them to succeed. All of this is doubly true in high-poverty communities, where in the name of urgency, we have moved the furthest from taking a human approach to both students and teachers."
This excerpt from this article highlights how much we value building relationships with our teachers.
The pandemic showed us that education was broken. It also showed us how to fix it.
Address
2700 Southwest Freeway, Ste B
Houston, TX
77098
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 5pm |
| Friday | 8am - 5pm |
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Videos
Chew and Chat with Haley Taylor-Schlitz
Chew and Chat with Matt Barnes
Chew & Chat with Kate Walsh President of the National Council on Teacher Quality
Motivating the unmotivated
Ask a Coach #2
Effective practices in a virtual setting
Ask A Coach with Coach D!
Chat and Chew with Dr. Rod Paige
Virtual Sip and See
Virtual Sip and See
Sip and See
Smarter&Stronger
Impacting education in the classroom
Shortcuts
Share
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.
Nearby government services
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Houston Area Parkinson Society
Southwest Freeway -
Consulate General of Sweden Houston
Kirby Drive -
Kirby Drive
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South Loop West
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N Greenwood
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W. Alabama
Other Houston government services
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South Loop East -
Westheimer Road
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Near Northwest Management District
Antoine Drive -
CCSC - Christian Community Service Center
Branard Street -
Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Town Park Drive -
Louisiana Street
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N Mccarty Street
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South Loop W
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Middlebrook Drive
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UH - Department of Health and Human Performan
Holman Street -
77006
Comments
It's Giving Tuesday! Please support our friends at Houston A+ Challenge
The Aubrey & Sylvia Farb Community Service Fund housed at Congregation Emanu El has provided close to $600,000 to small and emerging non-profit organizations in the greater Houston area. This fund will celebrate 35 years in 2019.
Organizations to benefit from the Farb Fund in our community include Camp Hope, COMPASS, The Compassionate Friends/USA, East Spring Branch Food Pantry, Emergency Aid Coalition, ESCAPE Family Resource Center, Express Children's Theatre, FIRM, Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (Official), The Harris School, Hope Stone Inc, Houston A+ Challenge, Houston Community ToolBank, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (Official Page), Laurie's Hat Shop, LIFE Houston, Life Support Development Voices Breaking Boundaries, Mitzvah Day, Musiqa, PAIR - Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees, The Pet Patrol Houston, Psychology Works, Rice Coalition on Hunger and Homelessness, SEARCH Homeless Services, Sparks, Un**es for Everyone, the Union for Reform Judaism Relief Fund, Volunteer Interfaith and the Zina Garrison Academy
Organizations to benefit from the Farb Fund in our community include Camp Hope, COMPASS, The Compassionate Friends/USA, East Spring Branch Food Pantry, Emergency Aid Coalition, ESCAPE Family Resource Center, Express Children's Theatre, FIRM, Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (Official), The Harris School, Hope Stone Inc, Houston A+ Challenge, Houston Community ToolBank, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (Official Page), Laurie's Hat Shop, LIFE Houston, Life Support Development Voices Breaking Boundaries, Mitzvah Day, Musiqa, PAIR - Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees, The Pet Patrol Houston, Psychology Works, Rice Coalition on Hunger and Homelessness, SEARCH Homeless Services, Sparks, Un**es for Everyone, the Union for Reform Judaism Relief Fund, Volunteer Interfaith and the Zina Garrison Academy
Great turnout for our annual STEM luncheon at Children's Museum of Houston, bringing together experts, community leaders, teachers and students to discuss ways to improve STEM access and retention in Houston, especially among girls and minority children. Thanks to all our sponsors: Shell, Teach For America - Houston, Houston A+ Challenge, and UH–Downtown.
We are excited to be partnered with Houston A+ Challenge and The Boeing Company to bring our veterans FREE personalized math coaching. Don't waste your benefits on developmental courses!
Contact [email protected] if you would like more information about this program!
Contact [email protected] if you would like more information about this program!
Houston A+ Challenge Is here at NextOp and we couldn't be more proud to partner with them! Many of our very own employees have used Houston A+ Challenge and been extremely successful! A huge thank you to them and Boeing Company!
Pasadena ISD was honored, Tuesday, April 18, with a prestigious Houston A+ Challenge Strengthen award, recognizing the success of the district’s Connect Personalized Learning program.
Math can be pretty tough for a lot of us, but thanks to Houston A+ Challenge and Boeing Careers we can help.
We're offering free personalized math coaching to help as many student veterans succeed as possible!
Seats are limited, so fill out the application today to start creating a brighter future for yourself!
We're offering free personalized math coaching to help as many student veterans succeed as possible!
Seats are limited, so fill out the application today to start creating a brighter future for yourself!
I have been reading the suggested book for a while now and I have learned so much about myself and my daughter. I'm taking my time to make sure I retain everything, but thank you for the suggestion.
Eduventaindia
Eduventa India is the pioneer in brand in educational events, applauds the valuable contribution made by schools from various parts of the country in educating young India and building a better tomorrow for them. Like any progressive school, Eduventa India also believes in nurturing children’s spirit for creativity and expression
Eduventa India takes pride in announcing never before National exploration of talent to be held across the country. Schools are also requested to encourage students to participate in this competition and bring alive their imagination and creativity
Eduventa India is the pioneer in brand in educational events, applauds the valuable contribution made by schools from various parts of the country in educating young India and building a better tomorrow for them. Like any progressive school, Eduventa India also believes in nurturing children’s spirit for creativity and expression
Eduventa India takes pride in announcing never before National exploration of talent to be held across the country. Schools are also requested to encourage students to participate in this competition and bring alive their imagination and creativity
Last week The Greater Texas Foundation challenged Educate Texas to take the Challenge and we accepted!
Now we challenge: Commit, Houston A+ Challenge,
https://youtu.be/sbiVLZfIE7Q
Now we challenge: Commit, Houston A+ Challenge,
https://youtu.be/sbiVLZfIE7Q
The screening for "Most Likely to Succeed" was incredible. Thank you to Houston A+ Challenge for bringing this screening to Houston.
We were thrilled to see so many of our families take the time to attend the screening.
Our own Mike Olson is pictured during the post-screening Q&A. We will be posting video of his thoughtful answers soon.
We were thrilled to see so many of our families take the time to attend the screening.
Our own Mike Olson is pictured during the post-screening Q&A. We will be posting video of his thoughtful answers soon.
Looking forward to highlighting the great work of Houston A+ Challenge next Tuesday at the EduDrinksEduDrinks - Houston Back to School Happy Hour. Invite your friends and colleagues and RSVP today!
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