MESQUITE (WBAP/KLIF News) – School districts across Texas are calling on the state to ditch plans to give letter grades to campuses. Starting in 2018, Texas public schools and districts will be judged on an “A” through “F” scale based mainly on STAAR test results.
Mesquite Independent School District Superintendent Dr. David Vroonland said he believes comparing schools this way is detrimental to students.
“One of our concerns is the A through F system is specifically designed to compare schools so there will be winners and losers and we do not believe that you should be doing that to children. This is not a profit making business. We are in the business of ensuring quality education for every child,” he said.
Vroonland said he believes the system is rigged. “I believe the system is designed to create a certain level of losers. Specifically, what we are seeing is a predetermined outcome of ten percent getting As, 30 percent getting Bs, 45 percent getting Cs, 15 percent getting Ds and five percent Fs,” he said.
Vroonland said he would support a transparent accreditation process that is commonly used by private schools.
Critics argue that the grading system will have a negative impact far beyond the classroom and Dr. Vroonland agrees.
“I believe it will also have a negative impact on our local economies, our ability to attract business in some of our communities. The food desert, some communities are not able to attract grocery stores and now you’re putting grading systems in. I believe it will be a complete disaster.”
Dr. Vroonland said the district plans to lobby lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session so that they will reevaluate the system.
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