[en español clic aquí]

Picture Mike Miles as Ebenezer Scrooge in a modern-day adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Unlike the original Scrooge, though, not even the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future could thaw his miserly heart.

Miles has replaced actual books in schools with excerpts generated by Prof Jim, an AI app. Here’s an example of one of Prof Jim Inc.’s third-grade stories. Think back to your third grade self. How can students develop a love of reading—or even improve their reading skills—with material like this? 

In June 2023, Miles unveiled his authoritarian teacher evaluation concept paper. He’s pushing for a pay-for-performance system to be voted on at the March board meeting. Under this plan, 65% of a teacher’s rating would be based on the so-called “quality of instruction,” and 35% on STAAR performance. 

It’s a system that turns teaching into a commission-based job, as outlined in the Dallas ISD compensation handbook developed by Miles (see page 11). One year, a teacher might earn more, but the next, their pay could plummet if spot scores drop or STAAR "growth" metrics aren’t met—metrics never designed to measure teacher quality. We’ve seen how stipends and so-called “hospital model” salaries have already been cut. Miles’ plan is another step toward devaluing educators and undermining public schools.

Since the takeover, Miles and his division heads have forced school leaders to lower teacher "quality of instruction" scores—known as spot observations—for trivial infractions: not having enough timers on a PowerPoint, starting kindergarten two minutes late, or even committing the “sin” of reading an actual book or engaging students in inquiry-based learning. Now we know why: to keep teacher pay low.

Three ways to push back against Ebenezer Miles

1. PARENTS: Opt out of the middle of the year (MOY) MAP assessment. Taking people’s temperature all day long is NOT a cure. Parents opted out last year. You are legally allowed to do so and the MAP assessment is not the elixir of life that Miles thinks it is. Read these two articles on the MAP assessment. The MAP Test – Selling Schools Unnecessary Junk at Student Expense and MAP Testing: Monotonous, Aggravating and Pointless. 

2. TEACHERS and everyone else, it’s time to speak out against Miles’ harmful pay-for-performance system. Can you speak at the board meeting? Talk to the media? It is time for you to speak publicly. If you’re a teacher, protect yourself and play along for now—but the real victory will come when teachers unite to reject this takeover and teach a curriculum that truly serves students, — not dehumanizing AI test prep.

3. Building collective power starts with coming together. Join CVPE’s potluck holiday party this Saturday from 4-7ish! Bring your kids, bring a dish, RSVP at houstoncvpe.org/events

Like Scrooge, Mike Miles can change his ways or continue prioritizing control over collaboration and AI over real learning. The ghosts may not sway him, but we can—by fighting for an HISD where educators are valued, students thrive, and public education is preserved.

Have a restful holiday!