The Austin Independent School District is confronted with dire consequences as new state performance mandates affect Dobie Middle School, which has received a failing grade. Under these mandates, the district must consider either permanently closing the school, temporarily shutting it down for restructuring, or transferring operations to a charter. With a majority of the school's students being economically disadvantaged and English language learners, the challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and budget constraints have intensified frustrations. A recent amendment heightens the stakes, threatening an agency takeover if the school continues to underperform with multiple consecutive failing grades.
If that didn't already sound grim, a 2021 amendment to the state accountability law raises the stakes even higher-if the school receives five consecutive 'F' ratings, AISD is fair game for a Texas Education Agency takeover.
Given the hurdles it has faced thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and growing budget deficits wrought by chronic underfunding, administrators say the school needs more time to reverse course on student test performance.
#education #austin-independent-school-district #dobie-middle-school #school-performance #state-mandates
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