TEXAS, USA — A judge has granted a temporary injunction blocking the Texas Education Agency from assigning performance ratings to school districts claiming it would hurt them.
A judge’s decision halts TEA grades for school districts from going into effect after more than 100 districts from across the state filed a lawsuit.
The judge ruled that the implementation of the A through F accountability system for the previous school year would violate state law and harm districts.
"I don't have a problem with an accountability system, just make it a fair system for everybody," said Steve Clugston Pine Tree ISD Superintendent.
Clugston noted his district didn’t receive an accurate grade. And the changes have the potential to lead to lower scores for schools, whether or not performance improved.
"The accountability system is designed to say, here's where we're at, give us a marker. And this is where you want to be. And then we can improve from that. But when you keep changing the system all the time, doesn't even give you the opportunity to do that," Clugston said.
Lindale ISD is one of the districts that received an A on its ratings; however, Superintendent Stan Surratt said it’s more than just a letter grade.
"We had schools that did better than last year, but received a lower rating. That's not fair to the students, teachers, or even the community and parents, they need to get a true reflection, a grade for their performance," Surratt said.
He added the key is to use the STAAR tests and data to make improvements based on student’s strengths and weaknesses.