News Summary
The Texas Education Agency has released the A-F ratings for schools across the state for the first time since 2019. The ratings reveal challenges for Bexar County schools, with over 32% receiving a D or F rating, compared to a 21% statewide average. The ratings consider factors like standardized test scores and college readiness. Schools will have the opportunity to appeal these grades before they are finalized in August 2025, allowing room for improvement and adjustments amid ongoing legal disputes surrounding the grading standards.
Texas Schools Get the Grades: A Fresh Look at A-F Ratings
Greetings from sunny San Antonio! It’s that time of year when schools receive their yearly report cards, and this year’s A-F ratings have just been released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This release marks the first complete grading evaluation since 2019, and it comes with its share of excitement and uncertainty.
What’s Included in the Grades?
So, what goes into these grades? The TEA evaluates schools based on various important factors, including standardized testing scores, graduation rates, and how prepared students are for life after high school—whether that’s going to college, starting a career, or even enlisting in the military. It’s these key indicators that help parents, teachers, and community members understand how well a school is performing.
Delays and Legal Battles
You may remember that the release of the 2022-23 grades was delayed for nearly two years due to legal challenges faced by the TEA. Over 120 school districts across Texas challenged the TEA’s new, stricter college readiness standards, and it wasn’t until recently that a state appeals court cleared the way for the ratings to be published. Talk about a roller coaster ride!
Bexar County Schools Face Challenges
As the grades rolled in, a notable finding was that Bexar County schools are facing more struggles compared to the state average. A staggering 32% of schools in Bexar County received a D or F rating, while the statewide average for those lower grades stands at 21%. Clearly, there are challenges ahead for our local educational institutions.
A Closer Look at the Ratings
The accountability ratings for the 2022-23 year are not final yet. Schools will have the chance to appeal their grades before they become set in stone in August 2025. This means there’s still time for schools to present their cases and perhaps improve their standings.
Now, let’s dive into how some major school districts in San Antonio have fared in comparison to their 2019 ratings:
- SAISD: from a B (83) in 2019 to a C (70) in 2023
- North East ISD: from a B (89) to a C (78)
- Northside ISD: from a B (87) to a C (77)
- Judson ISD: from a B (83) to a D (69)
- Comal ISD: held strong with a drop from an A (92) to a B (85)
- Alamo Heights ISD: from an A (91) to a B (88)
- Boerne ISD: stayed steady, going from an A (94) to an A (91)
It’s worth noting that the new grading criteria have raised the bar for what it takes to achieve an A rating. High schools now need to have at least 88% of their seniors attending college in order to earn that coveted A. This change has certainly shaken things up!
The Bigger Picture: Transparency and Accountability
TEA officials are emphasizing the importance of transparency in school performance. After the two-year delay, families can finally access essential data about how schools are doing. It’s crucial for everyone involved—students, parents, teachers, and community members—to have a clear understanding of school effectiveness.
As the dust settles on this year’s grades, school superintendents across the state have pointed out that lower ratings aren’t always a sign of lack of effort. Instead, they reflect the new accountability framework that schools must navigate. With ongoing legal battles on the horizon, we can only expect more discussions around educational standards in the months to come.
As we move forward, let’s keep the conversation alive about how we can support our schools and ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this unfolding story!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Schools Face Challenging Ratings in 2023
Alamo Heights Faces Security Challenges While Maintaining Charm
Additional Resources
- KSAT: TEA Releases Grades on San Antonio Area Public Schools
- KENS5: San Antonio Districts Accountability Ratings
- Axios: San Antonio School Districts Downgraded Ratings
- Express News: San Antonio Schools Fall Behind
- Wikipedia: Education in Texas
