Houston ISD’s Art of Thinking Course

Houston ISD created the Art of Thinking (AOT) course to address a long-standing gap in education. While schools have traditionally focused on what students learn, AOT is designed to explicitly teach students how to think. Offered to all NES students in grades 3–10, this is a unique course that builds critical thinking, logical reasoning, information literacy, and decision-making skills, something rarely implemented at scale in public education.

Through AOT, students learn to evaluate sources, identify bias, analyze multiple perspectives, recognize flawed reasoning, and understand how data can both inform and mislead. In an environment where students are constantly exposed to information and new problems, these skills are essential. This course ensures Houston ISD students are prepared to think critically, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions for success in college, career, and life.