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Dear McKinney ISD Parents and
Staff,
Accountability Ratings (August, 2008)
McKinney ISD is very proud of the accomplishments of our schools and our students. When accountability ratings were released by the state this month, our district was rated Academically Acceptable for the 2007-2008 school year. Although disappointed that we did not regain the coveted “Recognized” rating, we are extremely proud of what our schools offer and know that the excellent education students receive is about more than just performance on standardized tests.
Like most years, the standards to achieve the Recognized rating changed for the 2007-2008 school year. In order for a district to be cited as Recognized, 75 percent of the total student body and each of the identified student groups (white, African American, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged) had to pass all portions of the TAKS subjects. Performance in Grade 8 Science was added in 2008 and special education students taking the TAKS (Accommodated) form of the test were also included in the performance calculations in Science and Social Studies in all grades where they are tested, and were also added in all four areas at the Exit Level. These changes come as the state moved away from the SDAA-II assessment for special education students. In addition to these requirements, the Recognized rating also requires a high school completion rate of 85 percent and an annual grade 7-8 dropout rate of 0.7 percent or less.
With the additional grade 8 Science test and the TAKS (Accommodated) tests added into the numbers, increasing performance in Science was made even more of a challenge. We are excited to report that despite the increased number of students factored into the scores, our overall Science performance improved by 7 percent from 80% of all students meeting standard in 2007 to 87% of all students meeting standard in 2008. Further examination reveals that performance improved in all student groups as well, with African American and economically disadvantaged students each making 12 percent gains in Science.
As we move into the 2008-2009 school year we have a fresh start. We are excited about taking our students to the next level. Our 2008 data revealed that MISD would be at the Recognized level in every area and every student group with the exception of Science and if we gained less than 10 percent in each of the student groups, Science will be there too. This is an achievable goal and we are all committed to the goal of closing the gaps and supporting all our students to high achievement. Science and Mathematics will continue to be a priority as we move into the new school year.
McKinney ISD has 10 Exemplary campuses, 6 Recognized campuses, and 10 Academically Acceptable campuses under the standard rating procedures. McKinney ISD has 3 campuses rated under the Alternate Education Accountability system. All 3 carry the highest rating available of AEA: Academically Acceptable.
To link to state accountability rating information, go to http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2008/index.html.
With Deepest Respect,
Tom Crowe
McKinney ISD Superintendent of Schools
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