Texas legislators fail … again


As the Texas Legislature rolls out yet another way to rate our public schools, what are they really trying to accomplish?

Is it a system that will truly hold our schools accountable? Or is it a way that they can understand?

Lumping all districts into a five-letter grading system of A-F has many arguing that the “wealthy” schools will always perform better and the “poor” schools will perform worse. Under the letter grade system, grades of A-C are satisfactory, while grades of D or F are not.

The Texas Association of School Board Executive Director James B. Crow released this comment on HB 2084 which was passed in the 84th Texas Legislative session.

“These new A-F ratings are just a symptom of the larger sickness: an unhealthy fixation on standardized testing and standardized expectations.

There are 1,028 school districts in Texas, and no two are exactly the same. Trying to apply the same accountability measures primarily based on one standardized test is a disservice to our kids, their families, and our educators.

“It’s time the armchair educators stop trying to find new ways to sell tests, test preparation, and test administration. It’s time to consider our students and schools as more than just a grade,” he continued.

The Pleasanton Express received several news releases from the above mentioned as well as the Association of Texas Professional Educators  in reference to this fixation on standardized testing and we could not agree more with both groups.

The way I see it, the Legislature should be getting a big ol’ F for failure.

 

 

SUE BROWN is the editor of the Pleasanton Express. Contact her at sbrown@pleasantonexpress.com or write at P.O. Drawer 880, Pleasanton, TX 78064.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *