In a Thursday meeting, The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to join a lawsuit filed against the Texas Education Agency that would block recently implemented changes to the state’s district accountability rating system.
The A-F evaluation system indicates how every school district in the state performs on standardized tests, as well as improvements to academic achievement and preparedness for post-graduation life.
According to DISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, TEA’s new rating system is expected to retroactively, and negatively, impact the district’s 2022-2023 score. It is also anticipated to make it more difficult to score well in the graduation preparedness category.
Dallas ISD received a “B” for the 2021-2022 school year.
“Dallas ISD believes in holding ourselves accountable, and we expect to meet and exceed high standards,” said Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde. “The new state A-F refresh will be applied retroactively after the test has been taken and a new school year has already begun. This does not reflect our district’s recent improvements, which currently outpace the state in many areas. Put simply, our test scores have gone up, but under the new system, our ratings are projected to decrease. This does not make sense.”
The lawsuit has been signed by dozens of Texas school districts, and with the 8-0 Trustee vote, Dallas has become the largest school district to join.
Education Commissioner Mike Morath is named in the lawsuit, which claims the lowering of rankings for the 2022-2023 school year is unlawful.
“We think the lawsuit is without merit, but you go to court, judges opine,” the Dallas Morning News reports Morath saying earlier this week.
In response to the lawsuit, TEA has delayed the release of the updated A-F scores, which were initially expected to be released on Sept. 28. The scores are now expected to be released in late October or early November.
“Many times, our commissioner, whom we all respect, has said his hands are tied by the law,” Elizalde said. “Our hands are equally tied, and we must take a position to allow the court system to help us all interpret the law.”
The Fort Worth ISD school board has called for a special meeting on Sept. 19 to consider joining the lawsuit, the Star Telegram reports.
