Navigating the New Education System: A Teacher's Perspective Shift

As the New Education System (NES) enters its second year, the debate surrounding its implementation continues to stir among parents and teachers. However, one teacher's experience at Fleming Middle School has led to a surprising shift in perspective, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities presented by this new educational model.

Embracing Change: A Teacher's Journey with the NES

Skepticism to Acceptance: Januel Plumber's Story

Januel Plumber, a seventh-grade Science of Reading teacher at Fleming Middle School, was initially skeptical of the NES. Her primary concerns centered around whether students would have enough time to learn and if teachers would be able to effectively manage the additional requirements. "With new leadership, you're always skeptical of their ideas and vision. My biggest concern was whether the students would have enough time to learn. Would we, as teachers, have enough time to do everything required while still being effective?" she recalled.However, as Plumber experienced the NES firsthand, her perspective began to shift. The system's emphasis on immediate feedback and support, where students take a 10-minute assessment following each 45-minute lesson, caught her attention. Those who struggle receive help right away, while students who excel move on to enrichment work. This approach, Plumber realized, could potentially address her initial concerns about student learning and teacher effectiveness.

A Leap of Faith: Plumber's Personal Decision

Plumber's growing trust in the NES system led her to make a personal decision that may surprise many. This year, she transferred her sixth-grade daughter and seventh-grade son from another district to Fleming Middle School, where the NES is being implemented."I brought my kids here because I trust the teachers," Plumber said. "I know they care about the students and have their best interests at heart. It was an easy decision this year."Her son, Christopher, shared his own perspective on the NES. While he acknowledged the helpfulness of his new teachers, he expressed dislike for the 10-minute assessments, known as DOLs (Daily Observation Lessons). "It's got some good qualities and some bad. The teachers mostly try to help you do your best, but I don't like the 10-minute timer—it flies by too fast," Christopher said.

Balancing Progress and Improvement

Despite her personal investment in the NES, Plumber recognizes that the system is not without its challenges. She sees the progress her campus is making, with HISD reporting academic improvements across many NES campuses, including Fleming, with an increase in A- and B-rated schools.However, Plumber believes there is still room for improvement. "I wouldn't say we need to get rid of the system, but it could be made better. Sometimes students need more time to process, and that's something worth considering," she explained.Plumber's perspective reflects the nuanced nature of the NES implementation. While the system has shown promising results, there are still areas that require further refinement and adaptation to meet the diverse needs of students and teachers.

Shedding Light on the NES: The Focus on Fleming Series

Fleming Middle School is just one of many HISD schools under the NES, and the experiences with the system may vary across different campuses. The KPRC 2 "Focus on Fleming" series aims to provide a firsthand look at how these changes are being implemented and impacting schools and students through the eyes of educators like Plumber and students like Christopher.By sharing these stories, the series hopes to shed light on the complexities of the NES and the ongoing efforts to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities it presents. As the education landscape continues to evolve, the insights gained from the "Focus on Fleming" series can inform and guide the ongoing discussions and decisions surrounding the future of education.