Texas Education Agency Announced State Accountability System Ratings for 2014

The Texas Education Agency recently released state accountability system ratings for 2014.

The ratings include more than 1,200 school districts and charters and represent more than 8,500 campuses. The ratings show that 90 percent of school districts and charters have achieved the rating of Met Standard. Ratings fall into three categories: Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard and Improvement Required. Ten charters were not rated and 77 percent achieved a Met Standard.

Lubbock Independent School District achieved a Met Standard rating and Superintendent Berhl Robertson. Jr., Ed. D expressed his pride in the district.

“Our teachers and staff have had a laser focus on increasing academic achievement and I think it shows, particularly in Index 2, where 10 campuses had double-digit increases" Said Robertson. "We are not where we want to be yet, but we are clearly headed that direction."

According to the TEA’s website, this is only the second year they have been using this accountability system. The system uses indicators to measure progress in four areas. Those areas are student achievement, student progress, postsecondary readiness and closing performance gaps.

Commissioner of Education Michael Williams was satisfied with the accountability system ratings.

“Texans should be pleased to see the vast majority of districts, charters, and campuses are meeting the standards set in the second year of the state accountability system,” said Commissioner of Education Michael Williams. “While the 2014 numbers are strong, the work continues in districts across our state to meet and exceed increasing state standards and the expectations of their local communities.”

In contrast, Bill Hammond, CEO of the Texas Association of Business, said the new accountability system is an inaccurate measure of schools.

“Only nine percent of schools are being ranked as low performing under this system,” said Hammond.  “These ratings allow our education system to appear successful while the true story is that more students are ill-prepared to enter college or establish a career upon graduation.”

Hammond also stipulates that many graduating seniors are ill-prepared for entering college or the work force.

“Unfortunately, not all our exams indicate college readiness,” Hammond said.  “A student passing only the history and biology exams are considered college ready.”

Find out more about the accountability rating system by visiting the Texas Education Agency’s website.