At its September 18 meeting, the Irving ISD Board of Trustees voted to join litigation against the Texas Education Agency (TEA), challenging the lack of transparency in the calculation of school district accountability ratings.
“As educators, we recognize the importance of accountability and the relevance of assessments as measurements of student achievement,” says Irving ISD Superintendent of Schools Magda Hernandez. “We also believe in increasing rigor because we know our students can rise to the standards set for them. But those standards must be clear.”
The TEA substantially changed the accountability ratings system in a manner that will impact every school district and campus in the state. The ratings expected to be issued this fall for the 2022–2023 school year will be based on a different set of rules than previous A–F ratings. These changes make it impossible to compare the ratings issued by the TEA in 2022 and 2023 side by side.
In addition, the TEA did not provide districts information regarding the changes to the A-F accountability system prior to the start of the 2022–2023 school year, rendering districts unable to adjust to the TEA’s new accountability measures and unable to allocate resources in a manner required to meet state standards. The agency still has not provided a full explanation of the rules and methodologies that are being used to determine district and campus ratings.
“Despite this lack of clarity, we remain committed to providing our students the best education possible,” says Superintendent Hernandez. “It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of shaping their futures and celebrating their successes – and there are plenty, despite what is reflected on a test score.”
Irving ISD joins a growing number of more than 20 school districts across the state in this lawsuit.
