Texas School Accountability System Faces Legal Challenges
The Texas education system’s A-F accountability system has been met with legal challenges by school districts across the state. The system, introduced in 2017, rates schools based on their performance on standardized tests, academic growth, graduation rates, and their efforts to prepare students for careers after high school. However, stricter requirements proposed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) have sparked controversy and lawsuits.
The Impact of School Ratings
The A-F rating system has significant consequences for schools and districts. Schools with low ratings may see a decline in enrollment as parents opt for other districts, resulting in reduced funding from the state. Additionally, districts with consistent failing grades risk being taken over by the state. The Houston Independent School District experienced such a takeover last year.
Controversial Changes to the Rating System
The TEA’s proposed changes to the rating system have faced pushback from school leaders. One particular change, which raised the benchmark for college and career readiness for high schools, has been criticized for setting schools up for failure and creating an inaccurate narrative about their performance. School officials argue that the changes should have been phased in over a longer period of time.
State Representative Gina Hinojosa suggested that there are alternative ways to improve postsecondary success without jeopardizing school grades, especially considering the challenges schools are facing due to the pandemic.
Criticism of the Accountability System
Schools have additional criticisms regarding the accountability system, including its heavy reliance on standardized testing. Critics argue that basing a child’s abilities on a single test is not an accurate representation of their overall academic performance. Furthermore, there is concern that the system disproportionately penalizes schools in low-income communities.
The Call for Reform
Despite their objections, school leaders agree that accountability is necessary. They believe that the system should be reformed with a more holistic approach to accurately assess school performance and support student success. The lawsuit challenging the TEA’s proposed changes is ongoing, and a resolution is expected later this year. In the meantime, school ratings for the previous year will not be released.
The outcome of this legal battle has implications for students, families, and educators who rely on school performance ratings to advocate for necessary resources and programs. The education system in Texas continues to strive for improvements that will better prepare students for postsecondary success.