The state of Texas unveiled its latest academic accountability ratings on Friday, revealing that the overall performance of public schools has remained largely unchanged.
Each year, state education officials assess school districts and campuses primarily based on student performance on the STAAR, Texas’ standardized testing system. The ratings, which range from A to F, serve as a resource for families to evaluate the quality of education provided by schools.
Out of over 9,000 campuses, 24% received an A grade, 34% were awarded a B, 23% earned a C, 10% got a D, and 4% failed with an F.
Under state law, schools that accumulate five consecutive F ratings are subject to intervention by the Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath, who is mandated to either close the school or replace the district’s elected trustees and superintendent. Last year, such interventions occurred in the Fort Worth, Beaumont, Connally, and Lake Worth districts.
The ratings not only assist parents in selecting schools for their children but also guide businesses in deciding where to invest or relocate. However, critics argue that this system disproportionately impacts predominantly low-income, Hispanic, and Black schools, which frequently receive failing grades and face district takeovers. Proponents of the accountability framework contend that it holds district leaders responsible for insufficiently prioritizing student learning.
Texas evaluates districts and campuses using an A-F scale based on three primary criteria:
- Student achievement: Assessing how well students perform on state tests and their readiness for post-secondary life.
- School progress: Measuring the improvement of students’ performance on state assessments.
- Closing the gaps: Evaluating the progress schools make in raising scores for distinct groups of students, including those with disabilities and English language learners.
This year’s ratings will likely continue to shape discussions around educational quality and equity in Texas as stakeholders consider their implications for both students and communities.
