Houston, TX - Lyndsy Mason, a first-year teacher at Fleming Middle School, is adjusting to a new way of teaching under the structured New Education System (NES). Equipped with pre-planned lesson plans, classroom cameras, and constant timers, Mason acknowledges that the changes have required some getting used to. However, she believes that, with the right teachers, NES has the potential for success.

In an effort to showcase the impact of these educational reforms, KPRC 2 has launched a series titled "Focus on Fleming," which aims to document the changes happening within the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Fleming Middle School was chosen due to its demographics and the fact that many of its students move on to the district's lowest-performing high schools.

While each campus, teacher, and student within HISD experiences NES differently, the series seeks to provide an up-close and unfiltered look at the effects of these changes. As part of the series, KPRC 2 embedded with Lyndsy Mason to observe her firsthand experiences with the new system.

Mason identifies the pacing of the lesson plans as her biggest challenge. Despite standardized materials, she strives to make the lessons enjoyable for her students by adjusting the pace to suit their needs. By focusing on ensuring students grasp the core concepts within 45-55 minutes, Mason believes they can show immediate mastery of the material.

However, pacing is not the only hurdle to overcome. Mason reveals that students undergo assessments every three weeks to evaluate their progress. Initially, the results were disheartening, but after implementing necessary adjustments, Mason witnessed significant growth among her students. She emphasizes that being in the "red" on assessments does not imply failure but rather indicates the need for further learning.

Mason attributes her students' progress to both the structured environment within her classroom and the overall culture at Fleming Middle School. She stresses the importance of consistency and believes that the structure provided by NES positively impacts student performance. Mason is determined to challenge stereotypes associated with the school's zip code and ensure that students are not limited by their geographical location.

On an upcoming segment, Click2Houston will explore how Houston ISD supports teachers in mastering the curriculum through weekly rehearsals conducted by teacher and administration. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education provided within the district.

Lyndsy Mason's vision for Fleming Middle School and the Houston Independent School District is to dispel any negative assumptions associated with the community. She strives to demonstrate that the students in this zip code are capable of learning and achieving success, regardless of external factors.

As Houston ISD continues to implement the New Education System, teachers like Lyndsy Mason are embracing the changes, adapting their teaching methods, and witnessing growth among their students. The journey toward educational improvement and increased opportunities for students at Fleming Middle School is well underway.