The A-F State Accountability System
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About the A-F Ratings
The STAAR results are used as one component in the A-F accountability rating system for evaluating the performance of public-school districts and campuses in Texas each year.
The A-F system was established in 2017. It uses a framework based on three domains:
- Student Achievement - Performance on STAAR and graduation rates
- School Progress - Academic growth measures and relative performance
- Closing the Gaps - Addressing achievement gaps between student groups
Based on scores across these domains, districts and schools receive A-F ratings based on how well students perform on the state assessment, graduation, college and career readiness, and other measures. The system has undergone changes that will go into effect this year on how school and overall district performance is determined.
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Upcoming Changes in 2023
As part of a regular review cycle, the criteria and standards in the A-F framework are being adjusted starting in 2023, that include:
- Greater weight on academic progress measures versus just achievement outcomes
- Increased rigor in graduation rate and postsecondary readiness standards
- Minimum student group size lowered to provide more group data
- Focus on supporting student groups most in need
These changes aim to enhance fairness and provide a more well-rounded evaluation of performance. As a result, 2023 ratings will look vastly different than prior years. According to the Texas Education Agency (TEA), it will be more rigorous to attain an “A” based on how the ratings will be calculated compared to how they have been prior to 2023. However, Irving ISD is committed to using this information to improve educational and instructional experiences and outcomes for students.
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Key Takeaways
- The STAAR is one component of a multifaceted school accountability system
- A-F ratings help identify areas of strength and improvement for schools to support student success
- Families are encouraged to engage with schools beyond just these ratings to understand their child's experience and needs
