Local students, schools continue to excel on state accountability

Staff Reports

Leander ISD maintained a 95 percent overall score, according to Texas Education Agency accountability ratings released Aug. 15.

Thirty-three schools earned A or B grades and the district attained 41 Distinction Designations during the state’s first year releasing letter grades for schools.

In earning 41 total distinctions, 17 schools earned at least one distinction. The following schools earned at least four distinctions:

  • four distinctions – Laura Welch Bush and Grandview Hills elementary schools, Leander Middle School and
  • five distinctions – Vandegrift and Vista Ridge high schools.

Though LISD achieved an overall score of 95, a new TEA rule prevented the district from earning an A. If a district has any schools earning a D, the district cannot get an A rating. In 2018, LISD missed earning an A, despite accumulating a 95 percent overall score, because of one F campus. For the 2019 accountability ratings, TEA designated LISD as a B.

“Our performance as a district and the distinctions earned by our schools in the TEA Accountability Ratings are a testament to the commitment and determination of our students and staff,” said Matt Smith, LISD acting superintendent. “While state accountability, college entrance exams, and other academic measures are important for tracking academic growth, our focus continues to be on growing the whole child. We remain united in our purpose to provide the best possible opportunities for each and every student as we embark on another outstanding school year.”

In total, LISD had 23 schools earn A’s, 10 with B’s and seven C’s. All schools received a “met standard” rating.

In addition to the A-F grades, TEA also released Distinction Designation results for the 2018-19 school year.

TEA groups schools with similar campuses from throughout the state and awards performance-based distinctions based on those comparisons. Elementary schools can earn distinctions in six areas while middle and high schools can earn distinctions in seven areas. To obtain a distinction, a school must score in the top quartile of their 40-school comparison group.