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The Texas Education Agency released two years of A–F accountability ratings in August 2025. Behind every grade lies a roadmap for growth: STAAR performance, student progress, and closing achievement gaps.
In August 2025, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released updated A–F accountability ratings for every district and campus across the state. For the first time since delays caused by legal challenges, schools and communities have a clear view of where they stand.
The results show both progress and challenges (TEA News Release, Aug 15, 2025):
- 24% of districts and 31% of campuses improved their overall grade
- 15% saw declines
- 43% of high-poverty campuses earned an A or B rating
These accountability ratings matter. They influence public perception, drive district and campus improvement plans, and, in some cases, determine whether schools face state interventions after consecutive years of low performance.
Breaking Down the Three Domains
Texas schools are graded across three domains. The better score between Domain 1 or Domain 2 counts for 70% of the final rating, while Domain 3 contributes 30% (TEA Accountability Manual).
- Domain 1: Student Achievement
Focuses on overall STAAR results across all tested subjects. Campuses earn more points as students move up to Meets and Masters grade levels. For high schools, SAT/ACT and CCMR results can also factor in. - Domain 2: School Progress
Looks at student growth year over year in Reading/Language Arts and Math, as measured by STAAR results. Campuses earn points when students maintain or improve their performance level, and schools can also opt for a Relative Performance measure that compares them with demographically similar peers. - Domain 3: Closing the Gaps
Focuses on equity by measuring performance of student groups based on race, socioeconomic status, English proficiency, and more. Campuses are held accountable to annual improvement targets for these groups across STAAR, graduation rates, CCMR, and language proficiency.
STAAR Performance Levels Drive Accountability Ratings
The biggest factor in a school’s accountability rating is the distribution of students across the four STAAR performance levels (TEA STAAR Resources):
- Masters – Advanced academic readiness
- Meets – On track for college and career readiness
- Approaches – Partial understanding, below expectations
- Does Not Meet – Not prepared for the next grade/course
The accountability system awards more points as students move into the Meets and Masters categories. While Approaches counts for passing, real gains in campus and district ratings come from increasing the number of students who meet or exceed grade-level expectations.
What Leaders Should Pay Attention To
- Subgroups matter: One struggling group (for example, English learners or a single grade in math) can affect the entire campus or district rating (TEA Closing the Gaps Domain Guide).
- Growth matters as much as achievement: Even if students don’t yet reach Meets, maintaining or improving performance is rewarded.
- Distinctions matter: High-performing campuses can earn recognition for excellence in growth, achievement, and readiness, boosting credibility with their communities.
How to Move Scores with Instructional Decisions
Knowing how accountability ratings are calculated is only the first step. The real gains come when leaders use that knowledge to guide daily instructional decisions.
- Identify learning gaps early with diagnostic tests to set a clear baseline for instruction.
- Monitor learning weekly using formative assessments to adjust teaching in real time.
- Track progress throughout the year with summative benchmarks across all STAAR-tested subjects.
- Intervene effectively using scaffolded, TEKS-based instruction that mirrors STAAR format and rigor for students struggling to master the tested content.
- Spot trends quickly with reporting tools that surface subgroup or skill gaps before they impact ratings.
If your school or district does not have tools in place to do this already, Sirius Education Solutions can help. Our Texas-specific resources are designed to support each of these steps and strengthen STAAR outcomes.
Just look at Wylie ISD: in 2025, they were the only district in Texas to earn an ‘A’ rating districtwide, with every eligible campus also receiving an ‘A’ and distinctions. As a Sirius partner, their success underscores what’s possible when strong leadership is paired with the right tools.
Webinar: Driving Districtwide Score Gains
Discover how Wylie ISD boosted college readiness by 20 points and earned $1M+ in CCMR bonuses using MasteryPrep and Sirius Education. Join us Oct. 8 at 1 pm CT to learn strategies you can apply in your district. Register today!
Moving Forward
The accountability system is complex, but your strategy doesn’t have to be. With the right tools, you can focus on what matters most: helping every student grow from Approaches to Meets and Masters.
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