Morath on first TEA ratings since 2019: 'Statewide policy in Texas continues to remain focused on meeting the needs of students'

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its first public school A–F accountability ratings on Monday since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Austin CBS affiliate KEYE ran a Texas Tribune report that said the number of schools that earned the highest rating increased the challenges posed by the pandemic notwithstanding. 

A TEA-issued press release said that about 1,100 districts and nearly 8,500 schools received ratings, and the results paint a positive picture of the state’s efforts to help improve students’ academic performance.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in the release that the ratings are proof Texas’ investment in the post-pandemic academic recovery of its public school students is working.

“I’m grateful for the driving force behind this year’s success: Our teachers and local school leaders,” Morath said. “Statewide policy in Texas continues to remain focused on meeting the needs of students, with an accountability system that supports high expectations, robust tutoring supports, rigorous curricular resources and an investment in evidence-based training for our teachers.”

COVID-19 prompted the state to pause the ratings for 2020 and 2021.

According to TEA, 25% of districts and 33% of campuses this year made improvements to their letter grade from three years ago.

The A-F system was established by Texas House Bill (HB) 22 during the 85th Texas Legislature five years ago, per the release.

The Houston Independent School District (HISD) kept its overall "B" rating from 2019, per Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.

KHOU reported that about 94% of HISD schools earned a passing grade this year compared to 82% three years ago.

"I'm extremely proud to say that HISD is moving in the right direction, the ship is turning," Superintendent Millard House II said, the station reported.