HISD to focus on global education, higher education in 2015

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- More than 2,000 educators, public school supporters and community members gathered Wednesday afternoon to hear Houston Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier deliver his 6th annual state of the schools address.

Grier told the crowd at the Hilton America students in a global city deserve a global education.

"We have global expectations for our students," said Grier. "These aren't your grandparents' schools. These are schools in which students are placed on path towards bilingualism and life skills."

Starting in the fall of 2015, HISD will have 52 dual language programs across the district where students can be immersed in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic. Grier said a Hindi dual language program is in the works.

Also announced is an expansion in the high school "Emerge" program that helps low income high potential students get on the college track. In the next three years, Grier said he will add at least 28 college counselors to help high school students as they prepare to enter college. When asked about overcrowding, Grier said the district will open two new elementary schools and re-zone 20 current elementary schools to help alleviate the crowded classrooms.