Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner Mike Morath discussed the latest STAAR scores and changes to the A-F accountability system Wednesday morning in his regular update to the State Board of Education (SBOE). This is the first year that students were tested following a redesign of the STAAR test and changes to the A-F system.

Morath began the conversation with a comparison of STAAR performance before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, 50% of students met grade level in grades 3-8 math and algebra. After the commissioner canceled the STAAR in 2020 due to pandemic learning disruptions, the number of students who met grade level in STAAR math and algebra dropped to 35% in 2021 and climbed to 43% in 2023.

Other subjects followed a similar trajectory. The number of students who met grade level in science in grades 5 and 8 and biology fell from 53% in 2019 to 42% in 2021 and rose to 46% in 2023. The number of students who met grade level in grade 8 and U.S. history fell from 54% in 2019 to 48% in 2021 and rose to 50% in 2023.

The number of students who met grade level in reading and language arts grades 3-8 and English I & II fell slightly from 47% in 2019 to 43% in 2021, then rebounded quickly to 52% in 2022, where it held steady in 2023. 

Morath also touted a new family portal on the TEA website intended to allow a parent to review their student’s performance on the STAAR. In response to a question from SBOE member Evelyn Brooks  (R–Frisco), Morath noted that educators have access to the same information.

Board members were given the opportunity to ask the commissioner questions about various topics upon conclusion of the presentation. Member Aicha Davis (D–Dallas) asked whether it was appropriate for state-appointed Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles to close libraries in Houston ISD. Morath argued the notion that libraries have been closed is false, pointing out that no books have been removed.

Davis pushed back by saying there may be a room with books but that without librarians it is hard to describe the libraries in question as fully functioning. Davis further questioned whether these spaces are being used for disciplinary purposes. Morath accused the media of mischaracterizing what the libraries are being used for.

Member Staci Childs (D–Houston) pressed the commissioner further on how repurposing libraries as disciplinary centers is good for children. Morath argued grouping students with disciplinary problems is better than suspension and again contended the libraries are not being primarily used for disciplinary purposes.

Childs asked Morath why it was necessary to get rid of 23 librarians in Houston ISD. The commissioner responded that not every school in the state has a certified librarian and characterized the layoffs as “managerial decisions about allocation of labor.” The commissioner suggested that many librarians are acting as a “supplemental teacher.”

Member Julie Pickren (R–Pearland) noted she had had a “wonderful” meeting with Miles and praised Miles’ transparency and goals for Houston ISD.

Pickren and member Marisa Perez-Diaz (D–San Antonio) asked about this year’s changes to the A-F accountability system, which is based primarily on STAAR test results. Morath contended it is not unusual to raise cut scores and denied that the majority of the accountability system is tied to STAAR.

The revision will result in the same STAAR scores producing lower accountability ratings for campuses and districts under the A-F system. The agency will also publish retroactively downgraded accountability scores for last year based on the new cut scores. In response to a question from member Pam Little (R–Fairview), Morath acknowledged the agency is the subject of a lawsuit over the changes to the A-F system.

Member Rebecca Bell-Metereau (D–San Marcos) asked about PragerU, a video series produced by a Republican social media personality and politician and endorsed by Pickren. Morath answered that PragerU is a vendor selling supplemental curriculum that schools may or may not choose to purchase.

Bell-Metereau also sought clarification over the role of chaplains and the topic of censorship of certain instructional materials. Morath answered that school districts are lawfully allowed to employ chaplains to provide counseling support because of recent legislation and compared district censorship of certain instructional materials to a parent’s role in limiting content to which their children are exposed.

Member Audrey Young (R–Apple Springs), whose spouse is a chaplain, asked for further clarification about the role of chaplains in schools and whether chaplains would be required to provide guidance to students of all faiths. The commissioner referred the question to legal counsel.

The SBOE meeting continues through Friday.