Texas Education Agency Releases 2023 A-F Ratings Amidst Legal Battles
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced the long-awaited school performance ratings for 2023, which are based on an A-F grading scale for both schools and districts. These ratings, delayed for two years due to legal disputes involving the agency’s accountability reports, have sparked significant debate among stakeholders.
Context of the Delay
The release of the 2023 ratings comes in the wake of a lawsuit initiated by over 120 school districts against Education Commissioner Mike Morath. This group, which includes districts like Southwest ISD, contested Morath’s changes to the accountability metrics, which are required by law to be revised every five years. They argued that the timeline provided for these adjustments was insufficient.
In 2023, the lawsuit, officially titled Morath v. Kingsville Independent School District, initially favored the districts when two Travis County judges ruled in their support. However, a subsequent decision by the 15th Court of Appeals mandated that the TEA proceed with distributing the accountability ratings for the 2022-23 academic year.
Morath’s Defense of Accountability Ratings
Despite the challenges, Commissioner Morath remains firm in his belief that accountability ratings play a crucial role in enhancing educational outcomes. “Accountability works,” he stated, emphasizing that the public nature of these ratings positively influences both academic performance and life outcomes for students.
2023 A-F Ratings Overview
Performance Insights for Local Districts
Under the updated 2023 system, the TEA has released “What If” ratings, indicating how districts would have fared using the earlier methodology from 2018. Generally, performances dipped in comparison, with many districts scoring lower under the new system. For instance, Northside ISD would have earned an 81 under the latest criteria, contrasting with an 84 using the previous metrics.
Various stakeholders, including nonprofits and parent groups, championed the release of updated ratings, asserting that transparency is essential for families to make informed decisions about their children’s education. Mary Lynn Pruneda, Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Texas 2036, stated, “Texas families deserve transparency about how their schools are performing because these decisions affect their children’s futures.”
Changes in the Rating Criteria
The updated ratings incorporate a more comprehensive evaluation of school performance, focusing on student achievement (including STAAR assessments, graduation rates, and post-secondary readiness) or overall student growth, whichever yields a better outcome. Schools are also assessed on their effectiveness in bridging educational gaps.
Specific Impacts of the Rating Shift
New criteria include stricter proficiency benchmarks, particularly for high schools that now require at least 88% of seniors to either enroll in college, seek vocational careers, or enlist in the military to achieve an A grade. This significant increase from the previous cutoff of 60% has led many high schools to experience rating declines, even with improved individual performance metrics.
In contrast, elementary and middle schools benefited from the revamped system, with an increased emphasis on student growth resulting in higher ratings for these institutions. According to Morath, this shift reflects a broader aim towards action planning and continuous improvement rather than immediate perfection.
Statewide Performance Highlights
Across Texas, 1,084 campuses managed to improve their ratings, showcasing resilience and progress in various districts. For example, the SSGT Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary School in Somerset ISD, which serves a predominantly economically disadvantaged student body, achieved an impressive A rating of 91.
Commissioner Morath pointed out that schools have had access to the underlying data throughout this process, which could have been utilized to keep parents informed and facilitate better educational choices. The release of these ratings allows families to request transfers for students enrolled in campuses rated D or F, addressing the pressing need for timely and actionable information.
Looking Ahead
The TEA plans to publish accountability ratings for the 2024-25 school year by August 15. This anticipated release will support parents in transferring students from underperforming schools, using the latest data available. Following the 2023 update, the next comprehensive overhaul of the ratings system is scheduled for 2028, which aligns with legislation that stabilizes the frequency of these evaluations.
In tandem with these developments, lawmakers are evaluating Senate Bill 1962, which aims to limit the ability of school districts to legally challenge the accountability ratings, further shaping the operational landscape for Texas education.
As the situation evolves, the TEA must navigate ongoing legal challenges, such as Morath v. Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, which currently prevents the release of 2023-24 accountability ratings.