A recent lawsuit filed earlier this week has halted the release of A-F school grades by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which were originally scheduled to be made public on Thursday. Despite this setback, some school districts have taken matters into their own hands by releasing their STAAR test data, which forms the basis of these grades.
One such district is Dallas ISD, which announced on Thursday that its preliminary scores indicate a significant improvement in the number of high schools receiving A and B grades compared to the previous year. According to internal calculations, the district expects no failing high schools and the highest number of schools in the A-C range since 2022. Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde emphasized the district’s commitment to transparency and accountability by releasing these internal calculations to the public.
Miguel Solis, president of the Commit Partnership, a Dallas-based education non-profit, encouraged districts to release their A-F data despite the legal challenges. However, he cautioned that comparisons to previous grades may not be fair due to the introduction of new criteria for this year’s ratings. The TEA’s latest STAAR test is said to be more rigorous, with updated scoring methods for determining A-F ratings.
Dallas ISD revealed that it anticipates receiving a C grade this year, with a score of 79 compared to last year’s 76, where the district received a B grade. The district also acknowledged that some schools will likely receive D and F grades, highlighting the ongoing work needed to improve educational outcomes.
In a similar move, Houston ISD, the state’s largest school district, released its A-F grades ahead of the official TEA announcement. Other districts in North Texas, such as Garland ISD, also shared their projections, with expectations of improved ratings and academic gains in key subjects.
While some districts have chosen to release their calculations, others like Fort Worth ISD and Richardson ISD have opted to withhold their scores until the TEA can provide statewide results. Despite the legal challenges and uncertainties surrounding the release of A-F grades, districts remain focused on improving student achievement and addressing areas of concern within their schools.
Overall, the release of A-F grades and STAAR test data has sparked discussions about accountability, transparency, and the ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes for students across Texas. As districts navigate these challenges, the commitment to student success remains a top priority for educators, administrators, and community stakeholders alike.
