The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its first public school A–F accountability ratings on Monday since before the COVID-19 pandemic, per Austin-based media outlets.
Austin CBS affiliate KEYE ran a Texas Tribune report that said the number of schools that earned the highest rating increased the challenges posed by the pandemic notwithstanding.
A TEA-issued press release said that about 1,100 districts and nearly 8,500 schools received ratings, and the results paint a positive picture of the state’s efforts to help improve students’ academic performance.
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in the release that the ratings are proof Texas’ investment in the post-pandemic academic recovery of its public school students is working.
“I’m grateful for the driving force behind this year’s success: Our teachers and local school leaders,” Morath said. “Statewide policy in Texas continues to remain focused on meeting the needs of students, with an accountability system that supports high expectations, robust tutoring supports, rigorous curricular resources and an investment in evidence-based training for our teachers.”
COVID-19 prompted the state to pause the ratings for 2020 and 2021.
According to TEA, 25% of districts and 33% of campuses this year made improvements to their letter grade from three years ago.
The A-F system was established by Texas House Bill (HB) 22 during the 85th Texas Legislature five years ago, per the release.
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported that the Austin Independent School District (AISD) received an overall “B” rating in 2022.
The station reported that the TEA takes into account student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps.
The state – because of Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1365 – issued ratings using A-C this year, with a district or campus scoring 70 or less being classified as “not rated,” KXAN reported.