Newly released state accountability ratings have awarded Friendswood ISD an A letter grade, signifying exemplary performance under the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) updated standards.
The TEA officially released accountability ratings for 2023 after a two-year delay caused by legal challenges to the new system. According to the agency, ratings look different this year because of “updated standards” that raised expectations across the board.
A group of Texas school districts sued in 2023 to block the release of scores under the new standards, but the ratings were ultimately published following an April 3 ruling by the Court of Appeals in the state’s favor.
Despite the tougher requirements, as did several campuses, Friendswood ISD achieved the top rating. Friendswood High School, Friendswood Junior High, and Windsong Elementary all earned A ratings. Cline Elementary, Bales Intermediate, and Westwood Elementary each received B ratings.
Statewide, fewer than 20 percent of campuses earned an A under the more rigorous criteria. Roughly a fifth of campuses failed to meet state standards, receiving Ds and Fs.
Accountability scores for both districts and individual campuses are based on three major factors: student performance on state assessments and college and career readiness measures, year-over-year student growth, and how effectively schools support disadvantaged student populations.
Ratings for 2025 are expected to be released in August. For more information on school and district ratings, visit www.txschools.gov.
