Education

Algebra Course Sequencing and Student Outcomes in Pasadena ISD

Students in Pasadena ISD’s new Algebra I-Algebra II-Geometry sequence saw modest improvements in academic performance and college-readiness, though participation was uneven.

‘We feel validated’: How Pasadena ISD’s new approach to bilingual instruction is paying off for students

Pasadena ISD students made greater academic gains with more class time in Spanish, a Kinder Institute analysis shows.

One-Way Dual Language Programs: Examining Student Growth and Campus Impact

Young emergent bilingual students perform better academically when they learn in both English and in their home language, which boosts campus achievement overall.

How Houstonians’ views on acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, gun access and other social issues are changing

The latest Kinder Houston Area Survey shows notable changes on LGBTQ+ acceptance, school funding and more.

Partnering for Pre-K: Learnings From Research-Practice Partnerships Around the Country

National experts working in research-practice partnerships will dive into what’s working, what’s changing and how these insights might be scaled for local impact.

Kinder Institute Luncheon 2026

Join civic leaders, community members and researchers for a first look at the Kinder Houston Area Survey, one of the nation's longest-running studies of a metropolitan area.

Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2026 Results

Residents are concerned about job prospects, mounting financial pressures and environmental hazards. This report also examines how social cohesion is related to resident well-being.

Fewer babies, migrating families: The demographic trends reshaping Houston’s public schools

A new Kinder Institute analysis provides fresh perspective on how birth and household movement trends are impacting school enrollment across Houston.

District Demographic Change Dashboard

Explore population estimates, enrollment rates and other demographic indicators for each of the 68 school districts in the Houston Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Preparing for Future Enrollment in Public School Districts: Population Change, Births, and Mobility in the Houston MSA

This brief studies demographic shifts in Houston-area school districts to help forecast student enrollment.

How Texas plans to tie school accountability grades to college success, job wages

Texas plans to weight postsecondary readiness metrics in its academic accountability system starting in 2031, with the goal of getting more students on track to college and career success.

800 school districts, $1 billion paid: How Texas’ teacher pay-for-performance has rapidly grown

About two-thirds of Texas school districts have now joined the Teacher Incentive Allotment, including nearly all in Houston.

Texas school vouchers promise choice. Geography may influence who has options in Houston.

While some Houston families live near private schools accepting vouchers, others reside miles from the nearest campus.

Coffee & Quality Case Study #5: CollegeCommunityCareer

This Coffee & Quality case study finds that CollegeCommunityCareer students who stayed engaged in programs and participated in summer activities had better college outcomes.

Uncertified teacher hiring soared in Texas schools after the pandemic. Now, it’s slowing down.

A rapid rise in Texas public schools hiring uncertified teachers slowed in 2024-25, though it remains triple pre-pandemic rates, state data shows.