If you were out of town the week of Thanksgiving, you may have missed an article in the Dallas Morning News about a study which ranks school districts in the state based on a variety of factors. Richardson ISD was named the top district in Texas based on their Academic Performance Index.
Education Resource Group (ERG), a private company based in Houston, conducted the study and looked at student performance, financial management, student demographics and other factors. Because the study examines the relationship between dollars spent and academic achievement, state lawmakers are studying the results carefully as they weigh belt-tightening measures and program cuts. Districts which rank high on the list with lesser amounts spent per student are likely to be examined and emulated.
Educators praise the use of multiple academic indicators, not just TAKS scores, to evaluate performance. The study uses statistical models to predict the performance of various demographic groups, awarding higher scores to districts whose students exceed those expectations.
Some administrators praise the study for guiding lawmakers to where they can cut, but others fear that cross-district comparisons could lead to teacher layoffs. Garland ISD Superintendent Curtis Culwell is quoted in the DMN story worrying that a ten percent reduction in state funding could lead to 400 teacher layoffs next year.
In the meantime, RISD is enjoying its time in the top spot. “It’s certainly an honor to be named the best in Texas by any measure,” wrote RISD Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner in a letter to parents on the district website. “Taken together, we feel the academic and financial rankings reinforce our belief that RISD offers excellent educational opportunities while remaining a strong value to our taxpayers.”
