The “A” rating reflects strong work and performance in Texas schools

On Aug. 15, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released accountability ratings for school districts and district charters. Multi-campus districts received an accountability rating using the new A–F scale. On that day, I commended the work taking place in high-performing school districts statewide.

Under the 2018 A-F state accountability system, 153 school districts and district charters achieved an A rating. Many of those districts are accomplishing strong performance for all its students in areas with high levels of poverty.

Achieving an A rating reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone within a school district, starting with our classroom teachers. We should all celebrate the outstanding work of these dedicated educators. Districts with high levels of poverty who attain this high level of performance are proof positive that poverty is not destiny. With strong instruction and curriculum, all students can succeed.

A complete list of the 153 districts receiving an A rating can be found here: tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/News_and_Multimedia/Press_Releases/2018/Commissioner_Morath_commends_work_of_high-performing_districts_statewide/.

But in addition to those 153, I want to also spotlight the outstanding achievement of 38 single-campus school districts and charter districts that earned high marks in the 2018 state accountability ratings.

Single-campus districts were, by law, still assigned a Met Standard/ Improvement Required rating label. However, there were 38 single-campus districts receiving a Met Standard rating this year that also posted an overall scaled score above a 90, which is the equivalent to an A rating in the new system.

A complete list of the 38 single-campus school districts and district charters that achieved a scaled score of a 90 or above (or the equivalent to an A rating) can be found here: tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/News_and_Multimedia/Press_Releases/2018/Commissioner_Morath_spotlights_outstanding_achievement_in_single-campus_districts/.

The outstanding work of dedicated educators in these 38 single-campus districts is worthy of both our attention and praise. The performance in these districts reflects a commitment to educating all students and preparing them for success in whatever next step they choose to take. 

I continue to encourage parents to visit TXschools.org to view online report cards designed to be useful tools to see how a school or district is doing in different areas. The report cards spotlight specific strengths, in addition to any challenges, so that we can work to assure the needs of all students are being met. Parents can search by district or school name and compare that district’s or school’s performance to others in their area.

As we begin the new school year, I am gratified in knowing there is great work taking place in our Texas public schools.

Commissioner Mike Morath
Aug. 24, 2018