LTISD Info

You should read the latest article in the Austin American-Statesman about the latest school ratings: “New measure of accountability success causes stir.”

It is a very interesting article that says among other things:

“Many Texas public schools are expected to show big gains when accountability ratings are released Friday, but a disparate group of critics says the improvements could be illusory.”

“But early indications are that the new measure will also help a large number of schools climb up the four-tiered accountability ratings scale and claim success.”

-Kate Alexander, “New measure of accountability success causes stir,” Austin American Statesman, July 30, 2009

Seems like a lot of school districts will benefit from lowering the standards except the LTISD.

Why can’t the LTISD pull out another “Recognized” rating when the TEA rating system has been so eviscerated so as to allow failing students to not count against them?

“For the first time, schools will be able to count as passing students who fail any section of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills but are on track to pass in the future.”

-Kate Alexander, “New measure of accountability success causes stir,” Austin American Statesman, July 30, 2009

Let’s see … If the ratings were actually debased so much as to allow failures to be discounted, then what excuse does the LTISD have for not being “Exemplary” let alone the “most exemplary school district in Texas?”

I guess Rocky’s claim of 90% passing still wasn’t good enough to nudge the district higher?

“For example, our District results reflect a greater than 90 percent passing rate at every grade level tested in every subject matter tested, in the ‘all students’ category. That is exceptionally high academic performance, and it speaks well of our students, staff, and parents.”

-Quote from Rocky Kirk published in “LTISD challenging ‘acceptable’ rating,” Charles McClure, Lake Travis View, July 30, 2009

Let’s be honest folks, do we really believe the district’s claim that “one student could make the difference” between being “Academically Acceptable” and “Recognized?”

“One student could make the difference,” said LTISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Instruction Myra Pettit.”

-Charles McClure, “LTISD challenging ‘acceptable’ rating,” Lake Travis View, July 30, 2009