Rockwall ISD meets standard under new state STAAR/EOC accountability guidelines

(Rockwall) August 8, 2013 – Rockwall Independent School District is pleased to announce that under the new STAAR/EOC accountability guidelines, the district as a whole as well as each individual campus has “Met Standard” according to the State of Texas.  The district was evaluated on 79 indicators including performance, participation and graduation.  Rockwall ISD met 99% of those indicators.

 “I couldn’t be more proud of our students and teachers in meeting the challenge of the higher standards assessed by STAAR,” said Superintendent Jeff Bailey. “I credit the students and teachers for their hard work in preparing for the state test, which is much more difficult and includes complex questions that require higher order thinking skills.  The district’s new curriculum has supported our teachers in the scope and sequence as well as teachers utilizing strong instructional strategies to meet the increasing standards of learning.”

This is the first time the state has used an index-based approach to academic accountability.  Because ratings are based on multiple aspects of performance and not just simple passing rates, the system is by definition much more complex than what many are accustomed to seeing.  To be rated as “Met Standard,” the district and each campus must meet all applicable index targets.

There are four index targets in the new accountability system. Index One addresses overall student performance; Index Two addresses student growth in performance; Index Three addresses closing achievement gaps among student groups and Index Four addresses graduation rates.

Another component of the new accountability system is Academic Achievement Distinction Designations.  These distinctions are awarded to campuses that have “Met Standard” and are available for high performance in math, high performance in reading/language arts and high performance in student progress.

Three Rockwall ISD campuses earned a total of four distinctions.  Herman E. Utley Middle School and Howard Dobbs Elementary have both been awarded Distinctions in Reading/ELA performance. Ouida Springer Elementary was also awarded a Distinction in Reading/ELA performance as well as scoring in the top 25% of their comparison group across the state.

Submitted by Jovan Overshown, Rockwall ISD Communications Coordinator.