The 2015 State Accountability System: A Quick Primer (Part III)
On Aug. 7, the Texas Education Agency will release preliminary 2015 state accountability ratings for the more than 1,200 school districts and charters, as well as more than 8,600 campuses statewide.
As we lead up to the release of these ratings, here are some questions and answers on our accountability system – the last in a series this week. I hope you find these informative.
In addition to rating labels in the accountability system, there are also distinction designations for some. What are those?
Campuses that receive an accountability rating of Met Standard are also eligible for distinction designations. Distinction designations are awarded to campuses in recognition of outstanding academic achievement on student performance indicators in comparison to a group of 40 campuses of similar type, size, and student demographics. Campuses can earn distinction designations in the following areas:
- Academic Achievement in Reading/English Language Arts
- Academic Achievement in Mathematics
- Academic Achievement in Science
- Academic Achievement in Social Studies
- Top 25 Percent: Student Progress
- Top 25 Percent: Closing Performance Gaps
- Postsecondary Readiness
What do you mean by “comparison to a group of 40 campuses of similar type, size and student demographics”?
Each campus is assigned to a unique comparison group comprised of Texas schools that are most similar to it. To determine the campus comparison group, each campus is identified by school type then grouped with 40 other campuses from anywhere in Texas that are most similar in grade levels served, size, the percentage of students who are economically disadvantaged, mobility rate, and the percentage of English language learners.
Are there only campus-level distinction designations?
No. Districts and charters (except for those comprised of only one campus) are eligible to receive a distinction designation for postsecondary readiness. The distinction takes into account factors such as graduation rates, ACT/SAT participation and performance, Career and Technical Education (CTE) graduates and dual credit course completion rates. Postsecondary readiness is the only distinction awarded at the district level.
Why are the initial rating labels announced on Aug. 7 considered “preliminary”?
Districts, charters, and campuses can appeal a rating. Final accountability ratings that reflect the outcome of any ratings appeals will be released in late October or early November.
Are the state accountability ratings the only ratings for districts, charters and campuses?
Independent of the state’s accountability system,all school districts are required to evaluate the district’s performance and the performance of each campus in the area of community and student engagement. Under House Bill 5 passed in 2013 by the Texas Legislature, districts must assign one of four performance ratings – Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable or Unacceptable – to the district and each campus for overall performance, including the following categories: fine arts; wellness and physical education; community and parental involvement; 21st Century Workforce Development program; second language acquisition program; digital learning environment; dropout prevention strategies; and educational programs for gifted and talented students. Although these locally-assigned ratings must be posted on district websites by Aug. 8, they are separate from the state accountability ratings.
Doesn’t the Texas Education Agency have another accountability rating regarding finances?
The state’s school financial accountability rating system, known as the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), ensures that Texas public schools are held accountable for the quality of their financial management practices and that they improve those practices. The system is designed to encourage Texas public schools to better manage their financial resources to provide the maximum allocation possible for direct instructional purposes. FIRST ratings are separate from the state accountability system, which are academic ratings. FIRST ratings will be released later this year.
To get a better understanding of the 2015 state accountability ratings for districts, charters and campuses (as well as review all the ratings beginning Aug. 7), I encourage you to visit the Texas Education Agency website at https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/perfreport/account/2015/index.html.
Read Parts I & II of my blog posting on the 2015 state accountability system at http://tea.texas.gov/Collections/Commissioner_Blog.
Commissioner of Education Michael Williams
Aug. 6, 2015