Texas Education Agency

Twenty-one BISD schools have qualified for the 2010 NCEA Higher Performing Schools List, adding an exclamation point to the district’s academic performance record.

In 2010 the Brownsville Independent School District reached a longstanding goal when the Texas Education Agency designated BISD as a recognized district and all of its schools as either recognized or exemplary.

The Higher Performing Schools List is based on a higher standard. Like TEA’s designations, it is based on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. But TEA designations are based on standard passing rates, while those of the National Center for Educational Achievement are based on the more rigorous commended standard.

The NCEA says it uses the TAKS commended standard for the list because it is a better indicator of college and career readiness.

The organization’s research “consistently shows that students who are only passing throughout their K-12 experience do not graduate high school ready for college or careers,” NCEA says on its website. The organization adds that in many states the passing or proficient standard is too low to reflect student mastery of skills and concepts.

NCEA identifies higher performing schools based on two measures: students’ academic growth and their absolute achievement. “The measures identify schools that outperform their peers that serve similar student populations. Additionally, the school must have more than expected academic growth for three consecutive years” to make the list, the website says.

Superintendent Brett Springston said the number of BISD schools making the list is a further indication that “we’re getting our kids prepared for the future.”

He congratulated all schools making the list, saying it was a reflection of hard work by students, teachers, administrators and parents. The list measures achievement in math, reading, social studies and writing.

Hanna High School was recognized in all areas. Among schools recognized in more than one area, Vela Middle School was recognized in math, reading and social studies, while Lucio Middle School was recognized in math and reading. Texas Education Agency