Understanding Health in Houston The physical and mental health and well-being of all Houstonians is essential to a thriving, equitable region. In addition to genetics, our physical and mental health status is shaped by our environment, ability to access affordable high-quality health care, and ease/depth of access to critical resources, like parks, fresh food and …
Category Archives: Topic
Funding, Enrollment & Teachers
Funding, Enrollment & Teachers A thriving public school system requires sufficient funding, robust student enrollment and effective teachers The COVID-19 pandemic upended student enrollment and had a significant effect on teachers just as HB3 increased funding to public schools. Why school funding, enrollment, and teachers matter to Houston Public schools need students, teachers, and money. …
Post-secondary Education
Post-secondary Education The continued shift to a knowledge-based economy means the best opportunities for job prospects and upward mobility will require education and training beyond high school Rates of college readiness and enrollment in the region are stagnant or in decline, and not enough Houston-area students earn post-secondary credentials after high school. The effects of …
Academic Outcomes
Academic Outcomes How well students perform throughout elementary, middle and high school has profound effects on other important areas of their lives Academic outcomes for students in Houston’s three-county region have suffered since the pandemic, and they weren’t that great to begin with. Students of color and from low-income households have experienced the greatest disparities …
Educational Attainment
Educational Attainment An indicator correlated with many life outcomes, educational attainment profoundly affects individual and regional prosperity Though the average Houstonian today has more education than they did 10 years ago, significant disparities across race/ethnicity persist. Why educational attainment matters to Houston The benefits of obtaining an education beyond the 12 mandatory years extend not …
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted early childhood education in the region, prompting concerns about future academic readiness After experiencing years of steady growth, early childhood education enrollment in Houston’s three-county region fell during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why early childhood education matters to Houston Established research has found the period from birth to five …
Education
Understanding Education in Houston The benefits of an education extend not only to earnings, health and quality of life, but also to future generations and the collective well-being and economy of our region. The more education we have, the more we earn, we have greater job stability, are less likely to rely on public assistance, …
Public Safety
Public Safety in Houston Despite some progress, violent crime and gun-related deaths are on the rise in our communities While there are some positive signs in road safety, growing rates of violent crime and gun-related deaths undermine our vibrant region. Why public safety matters to Houston Here we seek to understand four main categories of …
Family Structure
Family Structure in Houston Growing households and single-parent trends indicate a need for stronger supportive resources in our communities While the share of married couples is stable throughout our region, single-parent and single-resident households represent a large portion of the region. Why family structure matters to Houston Healthier families make for healthier communities. Research shows …
Immigration
Immigration in Houston Immigrant populations flourish throughout our communities, but declining naturalization rates highlight growing issues While immigrants from around the world find a promising home in Houston, naturalization rates are slow to keep up with public sentiment. Why immigration matters to Houston Immigrants play a pivotal role in the Houston area’s population growth and …