16 Aug 1999
The Texas Education Agency today announced the final accountability ratings for Dallas Independent School District. The district this year has nine Exemplary schools, and 18 Recognized schools on the list, the most schools the district has had in both categories since accountability ratings began.
Harry Stone Montessori (7-8), Dallas Environmental Academy, Everette L. DeGolyer Elementary, the School of Science and Engineering, the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG), the School for Health Professions, George Bannerman Dealey Montessori (7-8), Elisha M. Pease and Henry Longfellow Academy earned "Exemplary" status this year.
Several of these schools have maintained their Exemplary rating for several years; for example, the School for the Talented and Gifted has been ranked exemplary ever since the 1995-96 school year. The School of Science and Engineering has been an exemplary school since 1996-97 and Everette L. DeGolyer Elementary has been on the exemplary list for three out of the last four years.
"It's obvious that these recognized and exemplary schools are our shining stars," said General Superintendent Dr. Waldemar Rojas. "Now what we need to do is replicate their success throughout the district."
The number of "Recognized" schools continues its upward trend this year with seven more schools than last year.
• Nathan Adams Elementary, J. P. Starks Elementary, Walnut Hill Elementary, Phyllis Wheatley Elementary, School of Business and Management, School of Education and Social Services Magnet, Magnet Center for Public Service: Government and Law, Gabe P. Allen Elementary, James W. Fannin Elementary, Julia C. Frazier Elementary, Tom C. Gooch Elementary School, N. W. Harllee Elementary School, Fannie C. Harris Elementary, Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Martha Turner Reilly Elementary, Erasmo Seguin Elementary, J. J. Rhoads Elementary and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
"Today I visited both a low-performing school and a school which is recognized by the state," Rojas said. "All of our students are acceptable and therefore, all of our schools will be acceptable."
The district has nine low-performing schools. "Obviously we have some work to do," said Rojas. "We need to get on with the academic focus and I will spend a considerable amount of time working to improve these schools."
Rating Explanation:
Exemplary—At least 90% of the students and 90% of each student population group, such as minority groups and disadvantaged students, passed each section of the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS). Dropout rate of 1.% or less. At least 94% attendance rate.
Recognized—At least 80% of the students and 80% of each student population group passed each section of the TAAS. Droput rate of 3.5% or less. At least 94% attendance rate.
Low-Performing—Less than 45% of students passed at least one section of TAAS; or the dropout rate for all students is over 6%, or the dropout rate for each student population group, such as minority and disadvantaged students, is over 6%. Or attendance rate below 94%.
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