MISD stays focused on improving student outcomes in face of latest TEA delay

Schools
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Midland Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard | Midland Independent School District

In light of the Texas Education Agency’s decision to further delay the release of the 2023 campus and district A-F accountability ratings, the Midland Independent School District (MISD) said it’ll continue working toward better results for its students.

“With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, we are focused on improving student outcomes,” Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard said in an October 27 press release.

The delay was the result of a judge ruling a lawsuit against TEA could move forward, the release said. MISD divulged that it’s not among the 100 Texas public school districts listed as plaintiffs in the litigation, which accuses the state of failing to announce changes to the new rating formula.

According to a September 13 Midland Times report, TEA originally scheduled the release for near the end of that month, but TEA Commissioner Mike Morath explained that the delay is necessary to adjust the growth goals of the A-F system, which is used to measure the efforts of schools in helping students meet learning goals.

A month prior, MISD assessed its results for grades 3-8 from the 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test, saying it displayed above state averages in six of 22 assessments: namely, fourth grade math, sixth grade math, third grade Spanish reading language arts (RLA), fifth grade Spanish RLA, third grade Spanish math, and fourth grade Spanish math, the publication reported.

MISD said its top priority remains the students as the situation in relation to TEA unfolds. Howard said in the release the district supports the arguments laid out against the state, but the district has its eye on instruction, mentoring teachers, and fostering student success.