About Texas Accountability Ratings
The Accountability Ratings show how well schools and districts are performing across all grades and all subjects against the state standards. To calculate the Accountability Ratings, the state looks at performance on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test. Other factors weigh into the ratings, including student subgroup performance on tests, TAKS (Accomodated) test scores for special education students in some subjects, dropout rates for middle schools and school completion rates for high schools. Using these indicators, the state rates schools as Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Districts that have one or more schools rated as Academically Unacceptable cannot receive a rating or Exemplary or Recognized.

What are "AEA" schools and districts and how are they rated?
Some schools and districts are rated under alternative education accountability (AEA) procedures. These schools and districts serve students at risk of dropping out, recovered dropouts, pregnant or parenting students, adjudicated students, students with severe discipline problems and expelled students. In calculating Accountability Ratings for AEA schools and districts, the state evaluates performance on the TAKS and the SDAA II, school completion rates and dropout rates. Based on these indicators, state rates AEA schools as either Academically Acceptable or Academically Unacceptable. Although the indicators are the same as for standard schools, the criteria to meet the level of Academically Acceptable are specific to AEA schools.

Why do the ratings matter?
A designation of "Academically Unacceptable" suggests that the overall student population at the school is not meeting the state's expectations.

What if my child attends an Academically Unacceptable school?
If your child attends an Academically Unacceptable school, ask what steps the school is taking to raise achievement levels for all students, and what you can do to help. Because these schools are likely to face consequences under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, your child may be eligible to receive federal and/or state money for tutoring or to transfer to another school.

Why do some schools and districts not have Accountability Ratings?
Schools and districts must have at least one TAKS test result to obtain an Accountability Rating. Some schools or districts with a very small number of total TAKS results may also be excluded from the ratings process. If your school's rating is not listed on GreatSchools, contact your principal for more information.

Source: TX Education Agency, 2008-2009

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