6 Aug 2009
Dallas ISD Listed as Stage 1 for Percentage of Special Ed Students Tested
DALLAS-The Texas Education Agency released Adequate Yearly Progress results today indicating both gains and challenges for the Dallas Independent School District.
While the number of district schools that did not meet the AYP standards dropped from 50 last year to 24 this year, the district's rating is listed as "Missing AYP-Stage 1."
The sole reason for the rating is that Dallas ISD tested more than 3% of its special education students with alternative tests, exceeding the 1% and 2% cap. Had the 3% cap limitation not been applied, Dallas ISD would have exceeded the passing standards in reading and math by 10 percentage points in several cases.
"There is some really positive news with this report, starting with the significant drop in the number of schools that missed the AYP requirements," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "At the same time, like most reports, there are areas where improvements need to be made."
The Title I School Improvement program places schools into stages. In order to exit Title I SIP requirements, a school must meet AYP two consecutive years. Thirty-three Dallas ISD schools are currently listed in stages one through five, up slightly from 30 in 2008.
"The schools that have been consistently on this list are most concerning," said Hinojosa. "An increased focus of time and attention will need to be devoted to those campuses to improve student performance."
The federal AYP ratings differ from the state's accountability system because more student groups and more assessments are measured. Some schools may meet AYP standards but could be listed by the state as academically unacceptable. Conversely, a school may be listed as a Recognized school yet be rated as missing AYP.
"The multiple ratings likely cause confusion among the public," said Hinojosa. "At the same time, it forces educators to examine performance based on different criteria. That will only lead to creating more solutions for students throughout the city."
"We believe that every student can perform at or above grade level and graduate college and workforce ready to compete in the global economy" is the first core belief adopted by the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.
For a complete list of core beliefs, visit the Web site at http://www.dallasisd.org/about/vision.htm.