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4 clusters · 16 sources · 19 days · First seen · Last updated

Texas public school accountability ratings

Overview

The Texas Education Agency’s 2026 A-F accountability ratings show modest statewide improvements, with approximately 24% of districts and campuses improving their grades. While 85% of rated campuses earned a grade of C or higher, the results have intensified the risk of state intervention for several districts.

In the Austin Independent School District, Burnet and Webb middle schools received their fifth consecutive ‘F’ rating. Under state law, this allows the education commissioner to either close the campuses or replace the elected school board with state-appointed managers. More broadly, at least 14 districts—including those in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Waco—now have campuses with four consecutive failing grades, placing them at risk of future intervention.

In Houston ISD, which earned an overall grade of B, the timeline for ending state control may be delayed. Four elementary schools—Benevidez, Foster, Highland Heights, and Mading—received ‘F’ ratings. Commissioner Mike Morath stated that for local electoral control to return, the district must eliminate multiyear academically failing campuses, ensure special education compliance, and maintain an efficient board of managers. While the state takeover was scheduled to end in June 2027, progress remains a prerequisite.

Some districts have responded to the threat of sanctions by closing declining schools or partnering with outside providers. However, critics argue these measures may lead to teacher shortages and student displacement without addressing the socioeconomic factors impacting test scores.

Entities

Austin Independent School District · Texas Education Agency · Houston Independent School District · Mike Morath · Texas Attorney General's Office

Timeline

  1. 10 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Texas school districts face potential state takeovers

    Over a dozen Texas school districts face potential state takeovers if they do not improve academic ratings, with many at-risk campuses serving high-poverty student populations.

  2. 25 days ago

    [POLITICS] 8 sources
    Texas school ratings put Austin ISD at risk of state takeover

    Texas school accountability ratings put Austin ISD at risk of state intervention after two middle schools failed for five years. Separately, legal actions target TEXITcoin and Roblox.

  3. 28 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Texas school accountability ratings trigger intervention risks

    Texas school accountability ratings have triggered potential state intervention in Austin ISD and delayed the return of local control in Houston ISD due to new failing campus grades.

  4. 28 days ago

    [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Texas public schools show modest improvement in 2026 A-F ratings

    Texas public schools saw modest improvements in the 2026 A-F accountability ratings, with 24% of districts and campuses earning higher grades than the previous year.

Sources

abc13.com · aijourn.com · aldineisd.org · austin.culturemap.com · crosstimbersgazette.com · elpasomatters.org · fortworthreport.org · futureeducationmagazine.com · hellowoodlands.com · iusathletics.com · news-journal.com · offthekuff.com · paisano-online.com · texasstandard.org · thepostnewspaper.net · therivardreport.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history