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Houston High School Experiments With Giving Students More Choice In Learning

Jazmin Cruz (left), 15, and Jainny Leos, 18, both picked Zumba, a dance fitness class, for their Genius Time because they’re passionate about health. They say that family members suffer from diabetes and they want to combat chronic illness in their community through fitness. (Laura Isensee)
Jazmin Cruz (left), 15, and Jainny Leos, 18, both picked Zumba, a dance fitness class, for their Genius Time because they’re passionate about health. They say that family members suffer from diabetes and they want to combat chronic illness in their community through fitness. (Laura Isensee)

In northeast Houston, Furr High School once had a reputation no school wants: It was plagued by gangs and student dropouts posed a big problem. Now, school administrators are trying to turn things around with some innovative programs that are drawing attention nationally.

Laura Isensee (@lauraisensee) from Here & Now contributor Houston Public Media takes us on campus for something called “Genius Time.”

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