Introduction to the New Accountability Ratings
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released the 2025 A-F Accountability Ratings for public school systems and campuses across the state. This release marks a significant milestone in the effort to bring transparency and accountability to the education system. Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath discussed the Houston Independent School District’s accountability ratings, highlighting the progress made by the district.
Houston Independent School District’s Progress
Earlier this week, Houston ISD announced that they had zero F-rated schools, a significant improvement from previous years. Superintendent Mike Miles attributed this success to the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, and staff. Miles highlighted the example of Jefferson Elementary School, which went from being a D-rated school to an A-rated school within just one year. This remarkable turnaround demonstrates the potential for improvement and the impact of targeted efforts to enhance education quality.
A-F Accountability Ratings Explained
The A-F Accountability Ratings are designed to measure how well schools prepare students for the next grade and post-graduation success. The system is intended to provide clear and concise information to families about the performance of their schools. Commissioner Morath emphasized that the A-F system is about setting goals and achieving high levels of performance. He expressed his desire for children to achieve at high levels, from memorizing timetables in third grade to succeeding in college and beyond.
District Goals and Future Plans
The district’s goal is to continue helping children who are still behind, regardless of their zip code, and to address educational gaps. Superintendent Miles is optimistic about the future, stating that in three years, every school in Houston will have an A or B rating. This ambitious goal reflects the district’s commitment to providing high-quality education to all students. With 74% of HISD’s schools already rated A or B, the district is making significant strides towards achieving this objective.
Statewide Improvement
Approximately 1,208 districts and 9,084 campuses were rated in 2025. Compared to 2024, 24% of districts and 31% of campuses improved their letter grade. Most campuses maintained their previous rating, and only a small portion—15%—saw a decline. These statistics indicate a positive trend in education across the state, with many schools and districts demonstrating improvement.
Conclusion
The release of the 2025 A-F Accountability Ratings marks an important step towards greater transparency and accountability in education. The progress made by the Houston Independent School District is a testament to the potential for improvement when schools, districts, and the state work together towards a common goal. As the education system continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the needs of students and provide them with the support and resources necessary to succeed. With the A-F system in place, Texas is poised to make significant strides in education, and the future looks promising for students across the state.
