April 14, 2025
Dear AHISD Parents and Community,
This week, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is expected to release A–F letter grades for every school district and campus across Texas—the first release since 2021. The delay was caused by legal challenges to the accountability system, which the state won, and similar litigation about 2024 ratings appears likely to be dismissed soon as well.
While the A–F system was meant to provide clarity and transparency, it continues to fall short. These ratings are based largely on a single STAAR exam taken by students in grades 3–11. Complex calculations then reduce that performance to a single letter grade for each campus and the district, which oversimplifies the rich and diverse learning that takes place in our schools.
The most recent ratings are further complicated by changes to test scoring, use of artificial intelligence in grading, change of test format, and reliance on outdated college and career readiness data. In some cases, even improved STAAR scores may result in lower ratings.
At AHISD, we believe accountability must go beyond STAAR test results. Through our Community-Based Accountability System (CBAS), we evaluate student progress using multiple measures—like MAP, PSAT, SAT and ACT assessments, AP participation and performance, and college readiness indicators. This approach offers a more complete picture of student success. The rich learning experiences that your children experience in Alamo Heights schools cannot be reduced to a single score on a single day.
AHISD data shows strong outcomes: reading scores now exceed pre-pandemic levels, STAAR performance surpasses regional and state averages, and a record 274 high school students earned AP Scholar honors. At the same time, we’re focusing efforts on narrowing achievement gaps and continuing to increase AP exam participation and performance.
Our district is relentlessly committed to continuous improvement to best meet the needs of our students. Over the past seven years, with input from school staff, leaders, students and community members, we have designed a comprehensive local Community Based Accountability System that relies on multiple data sources, authentic assessment opportunities, observations and feedback from stakeholders, and it identifies the accountability that our community deserves.
In addition to using the STAAR data, we also measure success through the development of well-rounded learners, teacher excellence, student support systems, community engagement, and fiscal responsibility. These values are at the heart of our work.
The state’s A–F system may offer one piece of the puzzle, but our commitment to students calls for a broader, more thoughtful approach. We will review the state’s findings, reflect on them alongside our CBAS, and take any necessary steps to continue improving our service to students and families.
I encourage you to read our latest CBAS report on the district website.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dana Bashara
Superintendent