The controversy began when the Texas Education Agency (TEA) revamped its grading system for Texas schools. Districts argued that the new metrics would downgrade schools from a B to a C or even a D, despite improved test scores.
Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde expressed frustration with the changes last year, stating, “I would never evaluate any team member based on criteria that I later change.”
A judge intervened last year, preventing the release of these grades, and did so again this year due to concerns over a computerized grading system for STAAR tests. However, this year, districts were aware of the new metrics in advance and many accepted them.
NBC 5 obtained a letter from TEA sent to schools yesterday, informing them that while the state could not release the letter grades, districts were free to do so themselves. Schools could use raw STAAR data to calculate their own scores, with TEA offering to verify the calculations.
Dallas ISD and Garland ISD chose to release their self-calculated grades. Dallas ISD, praised as one of the state’s top districts by the education commissioner, scored an overall 79, equivalent to a “C,” with no high schools failing. Garland ISD received a “B” grade and reported that the number of high schools scoring an “A” would triple under this metric, though they did not disclose the specific score.
Both districts released their grades to demonstrate transparency and to counteract the significant grade drops suggested by last year’s lawsuit. Garland ISD also hoped to highlight their success and the urgent need for additional funding from state lawmakers, which has been lacking for years and is seen as a barrier to progress.
Former DISD trustee Miguel Solis praised the districts’ decision, noting it would position them well for negotiations in the upcoming legislative session. “They’ve set themselves up as effective negotiators for the funds needed to improve,” he said.
Other districts can also calculate and release their grades if they choose, with many still deliberating their next steps and expected to make announcements in the coming days.
