State accountability standards won’t reward better Mineola test scores
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Mineola students performed well on the latest round of state testing last spring.
Still, it likely won’t be enough to help the district keep its hard earned “A” rating from the …
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State accountability standards won’t reward better Mineola test scores
Mineola students performed well on the latest round of state testing last spring.
Still, it likely won’t be enough to help the district keep its hard earned “A” rating from the state.
“It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense,” Superintendent Cody Mize said at Monday’s school board meeting.
He used most of his monthly superintendent’s report to go over the test results and what they are projected for the district’s rating, to be announced by the state education agency in the coming days.
Mineola students did far and away better than the state averages in all 18 categories of tests (see related story).
On the campus ratings, the elementary-primary campus maintained its grade of 80, the middle school improved a point to 89 and the high school jumped from 89 to 93.
But the district’s grade is projected to drop from a 93 to an 89.
The test and the accountability standard were both redesigned for this year.
“I can’t explain it to you,” Mize said.
He added that similar scenarios will play out in every district across the state, where better test scores do not translate into better district grades.
The consultant who helps the district calculate its results ahead of the state announcement told Mize the district has a lot to be proud of.
Another point of pride is the school board’s recognition as the board of the year in Region Seven. That accomplishment was celebrated with pizzas and a cake prior to the meeting.
The board then handed some good news to its employees.
The proposed budget that will be considered includes a 3% employee pay raise and restores the full cost of employee health insurance. Trustees had previously opted to have employees pitch in for the basic plan, but it will continue to be offered at no cost.
The budget and property tax rate are scheduled to be adopted at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31.
The board adopted a good faith exception to the new state law requiring an armed security person at each campus.
MISD has been unable to get an answer to whether the officer stationed in the combined middle school-primary school common area meets the state requirement.
The board also approved additional members for the guardian program for armed school staffers.
