By Shelley Kofler, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-613340.mp3
Dallas, TX – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has delivered some disappointing news to Dallas and Fort Worth school districts. Both have more academically unacceptable campuses this year than last. The TEA says that reflects a trend statewide.
In releasing ratings for school districts across the state the TEA said more campuses overall earned the top rating of exemplary this year, but those with the lowest rating of academically unacceptable also shot up.
In Dallas two additional schools earned the top performance designation, but the state says Dallas has four more unacceptable schools this year.
In Fort Worth the number of exemplary schools dropped slightly while the number of unacceptable campuses tripled from 5 to 15
Ratings are based on student performance on TAKS tests, attendance and drop out rates. The state says tougher standards and poor performance in math and science were typically the reasons for districts being rated lower.
Fort Worth says a new curriculum being introduced this year will be part of its effort to turn the results around.
Dallas says its test scores went up slightly but not enough to meet the new standards. One way DISD is addressing this issue is by reorganizing its staffing to shift resources from the administration into the classroom.
One bright spot in the TEA's report was in Richardson. It was the biggest urban district to earn a rating of recognized. The TEA pointed out that Richardson educates a large number of economically disadvantaged students and many who don't speak fluent English. But Richardson school officials nonetheless demonstrated achievement.
For a complete list of state school accountability ratings check www.tea.state.tx.us