Accountability ratings mixed, but favorable
Presidio
Presidio High School went up two full letter grades in the last 12 months, earning a high B rating from the Texas Education Agency. The grade is based on test scores, academic growth and efforts that the school makes to close gaps in achievement.
The district grades were discussed at the August 19 school board meeting in Presidio. While all three schools showed some improvement, the high school had the highest achievement. “There’s still room for improvement,” said High School Principal Darrell Ericson.
The grade scores are supposed to make it easier for parents to determine the success of their district, although they have received criticism for being overly reliant on test scores and penalizing underserved districts such as Presidio. Districts with failing grades risk intervention from the state.
The elementary school received a C, and was one point shy of a B. “I say be a little more ambitious. You went up 15 points, and if you go up 15 points up again, you’ll be at an A,” said School Board President Perla Navidad to the principal for the elementary school.
The middle school was lacking with a D average. “Some of the teachers are surprised. Like us, they expected more. They have been working hard with the students,” said Principal Taro Gutierrez. The low score was attributed to a drop in STAAR scores, especially in social studies.
“We need to focus on what the students are learning, not just what the teachers are teaching,” said Superintendent Carmen Rubner.
A math instruction framework and the reading and language framework were unanimously approved by the board, with Superintendent Rubner reporting that teacher feedback for both curricula was positive.
