News Summary
Rodriguez Elementary School in Southeast Austin has experienced a drastic decline in STAAR test scores, dropping from an 88 in 2022 to a low 45 in 2023. This decline has raised concerns about the fairness of new online testing methods, which critics argue unfairly disadvantage economically disadvantaged students. The transition to computerized testing has led to a significant increase in failing grades across Texas, prompting several school districts to file lawsuits against the Texas Education Agency. As the educational landscape shifts, concerns grow about the effects on disadvantaged students and potential state intervention.
Austin – Rodriguez Elementary School in Southeast Austin has seen a dramatic decline in its STAAR test scores, plummeting from an 88 in 2022, which was rated a high B, to a low 45 in 2023, earning an F. With 98% of its students classified as economically disadvantaged, the school and its community are now raising concerns regarding the fairness and implications of new testing methodologies.
The significant drop in scores is attributed to changes in the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test, which transitioned from a paper-based format to an entirely online program. This transition introduced various question formats and a new writing component that requires students to type their responses. The STAAR grading now relies on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has sparked criticism from educators and stakeholders who argue that it presents a risk for students who may not possess strong computer skills.
Critics claim that this new testing format disproportionately disadvantages students from lower-income families. The 2023 STAAR results revealed alarming statistics, with one in five Texas schools receiving a D or F rating, reflecting a 233% increase in failing grades from the previous year. For example, the Alief school district, located outside Houston, saw the number of schools earning D’s and F’s increase from 561 in 2022 to 1,913 in 2023.
The overall rating for the Austin Independent School District (AISD) has also seen a decline, dropping from a B to a C. Rodriguez Elementary was among 16 AISD schools that fell from a B to an F. The high number of failing schools is especially concentrated in areas populated by economically disadvantaged families, particularly in East Austin. Many students failed to attempt the writing portion of the new STAAR test, further contributing to lower scores.
In light of these alarming trends, numerous school districts have filed lawsuits to prevent the Texas Education Agency (TEA) from releasing the 2023 STAAR scores, contending that the abrupt changes violated state law. However, the 15th Court of Appeals has allowed the TEA to proceed with the score release, while putting the 2024 ratings on hold, which are anticipated to reflect similarly poor results.
AISD officials are already bracing for another challenging year, with indications that Dobie Middle School is likely to receive its third consecutive F in 2024. Webb and Burnet middle schools are also facing the possibility of their second consecutive F’s. According to state law, consecutive poor performances can empower the TEA to take over districts, raising concerns about the future of Dobie Middle School, where plans may include the introduction of a charter school, permanent closure, or a temporary closure of two years followed by reopening.
As part of these potential changes, approximately 300 to 500 Dobie students could be bused to the overcrowded Lamar Middle School for two years. Trustee Kathryn Whitley Chu has expressed doubts about the current accountability system but remains confident in the community’s engagement in addressing these issues. Meanwhile, Trustee Candace Hunter is advocating for a high-risk strategy that would keep Dobie open, aiming to improve its accountability score and prevent state intervention.
The ramifications of the recent testing changes are still unfolding, and the community remains concerned about the impact on students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. As the state evaluates the educational landscape, stakeholders are calling for reassessment of how performance is measured and the potential consequences schools face amidst these evolving educational standards.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Future of Dobie Middle School in Jeopardy Amid Failing Grades
Significant School Performance Disparities in Austin
Texas Schools Receive A-F Accountability Ratings for 2022-2023
Austin Schools Face Accountability Ratings Decline
Changes Ahead for Dobie Middle School in Austin
Tough Decisions Loom at Dobie Middle School
Concerns Surrounding Dobie Middle School’s Future
Additional Resources
- Austin Chronicle
- Wikipedia: STAAR
- Spectrum Local News
- Google Search: Austin ISD
- KVUE
- Google Scholar: Texas Education Agency
- CBS Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter Schools in Texas
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google News: Texas Schools Performance
