Houston Matters
HISD Superintendent Mike Miles (May 21, 2026)
Posted on · On Thursday's show: HISD Superintendent Mike Miles joins us to discuss the state of the district, changes in special education, and to address listener questions.
Tag: education
Houston Matters
HISD outlines special ed plans (May 15, 2026)
Posted on · On Friday's show: HISD officially outlined its plans to centralize special education services at its board meeting Thursday night. We find out what district leadership had to say. And we take a closer look at how road construction projects are scheduled across our region.
Houston Matters
The cost of the World Cup (May 12, 2026)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: We learn why Texas public school enrollment dropped so much for the current academic year. And we consider the costs and benefits of hosting FIFA World Cup matches here.
Houston Matters
Federal investigation of HISD (May 11, 2026)
Posted on · On Monday's show: We learn why the U.S. Department of Education is investigating HISD and what it could mean for students and their families.
Houston Matters
State involvment in public schools (April 27, 2026)
Posted on · On Monday's show: We learn what some recent changes in hemp and marijuana laws mean. And Houston education reporters discuss increased engagement in local schools by the state.
Engines Podcast
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1558: We O’ercome by Art
Posted on · Episode: 1558 Mastered by nature, we o’ercome by art – then as now. Today, an old debate in a new arena.
Education
Houston ISD is again looking to expand its controversial instructional reform model
Posted on · The district recently announced that nine campus principals have expressed interest in bringing the New Education System to their schools. The model, introduced during the state takeover, has been met with both support and criticism.
Houston Matters
Wider effects of strikes on Iran (March 23, 2026)
Posted on · On Monday's show: The Trump administration claims the war in Iran will not be an extended engagement. But what if it is? We discuss how it might affect us here in Houston beyond high gas prices. And we discuss recent developments in education with a pair of reporters.
Education
Ramadan display removed from Houston elementary school for violating ‘religious neutrality’ policy
Posted on · Spring Branch ISD officials say they ordered Bunker Hill Elementary to remove decorations celebrating the Muslim holiday after a parent expressed concern the display did not align with district policy. Some say other religious displays were previously allowed.
Houston Matters
Closing HISD schools (Feb. 27, 2026)
Posted on · On Friday's show: We learn about HISD's plans to close some of its schools, after a vote on the matter. And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.
Engines Podcast
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1531: Only a Theory
Posted on · Episode: 1531 On restoring the word theory. Today, let’s theorize.
Houston Matters
Prayer in Texas schools (Feb. 26, 2026)
Posted on · On Thursday's show: The deadline is next week for Texas public school boards to vote on whether or not to adopt a voluntary period for prayer and reading of religious texts during the school day. We discuss SB 11 and concerns over how it will be implemented.
Houston Matters
Preserving Houston landmarks (Feb. 24, 2026)
Posted on · On Tuesday's show: Amid concern about the fate of the former Garden Oaks Theater, we discuss historic preservation in Houston.
Houston Matters
Tariff reversal and Houston (Feb. 23, 2026)
Posted on · On Monday's show: We discuss how the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down many of President Trump’s tariffs might affect Greater Houston. And a group of reporters discusses some of the latest education news affecting our area.
Houston Matters
School districts and protests (Feb. 9, 2026)
Posted on · On Monday's show: As the state cracks down on teachers and schools that support student protests over immigration enforcement, an education attorney outlines what districts legally can and can’t do.