Understanding the A-F Grades for Schools in Dallas
Parents in Dallas can now see how their children’s schools scored on the state’s academic accountability system – two years delayed. The Texas Education Agency published the 2023 A-F grades on Thursday, after state officials triumphed in a long-running lawsuit that attempted to block the ratings.
Education Commissioner Mike Morath conceded that because the information is years old, parents will want to wait until August’s release to get a true sense of how their campuses are performing.
How the Grades Were Determined
The state’s A-F grades are based largely on standardized test scores. The formula takes into account three categories for the grades: student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps.
“Student achievement” considers how children performed on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, tests. For high schools, it also weighs graduation rates and other metrics.
“School progress” factors in how much improvement students made year over year or how well they did in relation to comparable campuses.
“Closing the gaps” looks at how schools educate children in different groups, such as those living in poverty or receiving special education services.
Breakdown of the Grades
Seventy percent of the grade is based on either student achievement or school progress — whichever is the higher grade — while closing the gaps makes up 30%.
Overall, Dallas ISD scored a C, down from a B in 2022. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde predicted this outcome, in part because the scores were based on a revised – and in some ways tougher – formula.
Forty-seven Dallas schools earned an A. Another 74 scored a B, 66 got Cs, and 37 earned Ds.
Eight campuses received Fs. Failing campus grades can trigger significant consequences if the school doesn’t improve quickly, including a state takeover.
Why the Grades Matter
The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.
The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the A-F grades for schools in Dallas provide valuable information for parents and educators about the performance of their schools. While the grades may have their limitations, they offer a starting point for conversations about how to improve education in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do the A-F grades measure?
A: The A-F grades measure student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps in education.
Q: How are the grades calculated?
A: The grades are calculated based on standardized test scores, with 70% of the grade based on either student achievement or school progress, and 30% based on closing the gaps.
Q: What happens if a school receives an F grade?
A: If a school receives an F grade, it can trigger significant consequences, including a state takeover, if the school does not improve quickly.
Q: Where can I find more information about the A-F grades?
A: You can find more information about the A-F grades on the Texas Education Agency website or by contacting your local school district.
