Dallas students in a classroom, reflecting the educational environment amidst recent accountability grades.
The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) has learned its accountability grades for 2023, now sitting at a C, down from a B in 2022. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) revealed these A-F ratings following a prolonged court battle. While some schools excelled, with 47 earning A grades, others faced serious challenges, indicating a need for improved performance. Reactions are mixed as various districts, including Fort Worth and Arlington, grapple with similar scrutiny. The outcomes prompt concerns over the fairness of the grading system amidst ongoing legal disputes regarding accountability measures.
In a highly anticipated moment for parents, teachers, and students alike, Dallas Independent School District (DISD) received its 2023 accountability grades. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) finally released these long-anticipated A-F grades after a lengthy 19-month court battle over changes to the accountability standards. So, what does all this mean for the schools in Dallas and the students they serve? Let’s break it down!
Commissioner Mike Morath reminded everyone that the grades published are based on data from two years ago. He advised parents to hold their horses and wait until August for a clearer view of the current state of their schools, as those scores will reflect students’ more recent performances. However, the 2023 report nonetheless sheds light on how various schools have been faring relative to each other.
This year, DISD has achieved a C grade, a noticeable drop from the B grade it earned in 2022. It seems like quite a few schools have held their own through the challenges. A total of 47 schools snagged an A grade, while 74 schools landed a B. There were 66 C grades given, with 37 D grades and an alarming 8 schools receiving failing F grades. For the schools that aren’t performing well, this can be more than just a bad report card—significant consequences loom, including potential state intervention if improvements aren’t seen.
The A-F grading system relies heavily on standardized test results and evaluates schools through three critical categories: student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps. Student achievement looks at the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests and graduation rates. School progress measures how much students improve each year or compares them to similar campuses. Finally, closing the gaps focuses on how well schools educate students from different backgrounds, particularly those in poverty or students with special education needs.
The new grading formula has assigned a weight of 70% to either student achievement or school progress (whichever is higher), with 30% assigned to closing the gaps. This shift in metrics has been a topic of significant discussion, especially since only a handful of schools were rated in 2022 due to pandemic disruptions and state laws that shielded schools from receiving D and F grades.
Hang tight, Dallas! The battle for better school performance is on, and it’s a team effort that requires communities, parents, and educators to come together for the success of every child.
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