Plano ISD Remains Focused on Academic Growth and Life Readiness
On April 3, the 15th Court of Appeals overturned the temporary injunction preventing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) from releasing 2022-2023 accountability ratings. The Court’s decision was not based on whether the Commissioner complied with the law, but rather on the determination that courts do not have jurisdiction over the state’s accountability system—even if the law was not followed.
In early 2023, Plano ISD and districts across Texas engaged with the TEA to address concerns about a proposed “refresh” of the accountability system—one that had only been fully implemented in a single year. The TEA’s decision to retroactively change how schools are rated, in violation of the law, would have resulted in schools receiving lower ratings despite demonstrated improvement. Instead of maintaining the existing system and issuing ratings as requested by school districts, the TEA moved forward with these unlawful changes, prompting school districts to take legal action.
Plano ISD joined 120 other school districts in the lawsuit, not because of anticipated ratings, but to ensure the TEA is held accountable to the law, just as school districts are. While the ruling determined that courts should not intervene, the lawsuit has already led to significant procedural changes, including earlier finalization of accountability system details and improved notification processes.
Regardless of the state’s A-F rating system, Plano ISD has remained steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, transparency and student success. Every year—whether ratings are issued or not—Plano ISD provides parents with detailed, meaningful information about their child’s progress through STAAR results and the nationally normed and criterion-referenced Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment. The Board of Trustees has held, and continues to hold, multiple public meetings to review student achievement data, leading to concrete improvements that directly benefit students. The lack of A-F ratings primarily based on a single-data point, STAAR, had absolutely no impact on the district’s focus and efforts to improve student outcomes.
In fact, 2024 STAAR scores show improvement in early literacy and math performance for students compared to the prior year, and 2024 MAP scores indicate a significant increase in student growth in these areas. These assessments also identified key focus areas for improvement in middle school, guiding the district’s ongoing efforts to address student needs. Plano ISD has publicly celebrated these achievements and discussed these areas for growth during Board meetings. The district continues to implement adjustments to ensure every student achieves at least one year’s academic growth. Additionally, Plano ISD recently celebrated that the percentage of students who are on track for college and career readiness increased by nine points this year and the percentage of graduates who meet the state College, Career, and Military Readiness standard has increased by four points. While this remains a point of pride for Plano ISD, the district continues to focus on improving opportunities for college preparation and students earning industry-based certifications that lead to high-wage, high-demand jobs. At the same time, enrollment in Advanced Placement courses and subsequent performance on AP tests continue to increase and dual credit enrollment and completion percentages have increased.
In Plano ISD, we know that our students, teachers and schools are more than a score. Our focus has never been—and will never be—on a single rating. Instead, we remain dedicated to preparing every student for academic success and life beyond the classroom. We look forward to continuing our work with parents and the community to ensure successful futures for all students.
