By Houston ISD is pursuing a District of Innovation (DOI) designation, which will give it greater flexibility to meet the district’s unique needs.
Under Texas law, DOIs have more flexibility to implement innovative strategies by being able to waive certain laws within the state. These waivers can include adjusting the start date of the school year, streamlining teacher certification waivers, and recognizing course mastery regardless of instructional time. However, certain regulations related to governance, curriculum, accountability, finance, and federal requirements cannot be waived.
The Houston ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously on September 7, 2023, to begin the process of becoming a DOI. Currently, 965 school districts in Texas – or approximately 95% of the districts in the state – have DOI status. These districts often adjust the school year start date to combat summer learning loss and align schedules with academic goals.
DOI districts are held to academic accountability standards, and those with unacceptable state accountability ratings are ineligible for the designation. In addition, failure to meet academic or fiscal standards during the five-year DOI term may result in termination by the TEA commissioner.
In the Houston area, most districts utilize DOI flexibility, with exceptions like Houston ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
The process to become a DOI involves multiple steps, including resolutions from the school board and district-level committee votes. Designations last five years, with the option for renewal and the ability to amend innovation plans.
