Houston Independent School District (HISD) is facing another setback as the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has blocked the release of statewide school accountability ratings. This is the second consecutive year that a legal challenge has delayed the publication of these vital performance metrics.
The TEA’s decision to revamp the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test and introduce a new rating system in 2023 has caused controversy among school districts across the state. Over 100 districts, including HISD, have filed a lawsuit questioning the methodology, claiming that it would unfairly penalize schools.
One of the main concerns among districts is the reliability of the STAAR test, especially the reading section, following the implementation of automated scoring this year. School leaders argue that the new grading system yields artificially low scores, inaccurately reflecting the performance of students and teachers. They are pushing for a third-party review of the test to ensure its fairness and accuracy.
The A-F accountability system, based on student performance, academic growth, and progress in closing achievement gaps, is crucial for schools and parents. These ratings play a significant role in parents’ decisions when selecting schools for their children. A high rating can attract families, increasing enrollment and funding, while a low rating can lead to declining enrollment and reduced resources.
Despite the legal battles, HISD has been able to conduct its internal assessment using TEA-provided data. Preliminary results show a significant improvement in campus performance compared to the previous year. Over 100 schools that were projected to receive a D or F rating in 2022 have seen their grades improve. For the 2023-2024 school year, HISD reported 11 F-rated and 30 D-rated schools, a stark contrast to previous projections.
These positive results have given hope to the district that they could expedite the process of regaining local control. HISD has been under state management since 2019 due to academic underperformance at certain campuses. To regain local control, the district must achieve zero failing schools for multiple years and meet specific criteria.
While celebrating these gains, the ongoing legal battle continues to overshadow the progress. The outcome of the upcoming court hearing will determine the fate of the TEA’s release.
How do you think these developments will impact Houston ISD students and families?