COUNTY LIFE
First accountability ‘letter grades’ arrive
By BARBARA GREEN
[email protected]
The Texas Education Agency Wednesday released the controversial new A-F state accountability ratings for more than 8,700 campuses statewide, with the new letter grades going to the multi-campus districts.
Those districts not labeled with a letter receive one of three ratings under the new system: Met Standard, Met Alternative Standard, or Improvement Required.
Within Montague County the school districts of Bowie, Nocona, Saint Jo and Prairie Valley all received an overall letter rating, plus letter ratings in the categories of student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps.
All the other districts in the county that did not receive a letter rating Met Standard. Campuses will receive ratings beginning in August 2019.
The state academic accountability system underwent an overhaul under House Bill 22 which established the three domains of indicators. This new system has been controversial and undergone many changes before its first reporting. Many educators across the state remain unhappy with the system because they feel it does not provide a true overall picture of the schools.
The Texas Association of School Administrators is calling for a repeal of the law behind the system. In a statement the association said: “To think one letter grade somehow accurately reflects the complex work of hundreds of teachers and thousands of students on one campus, let alone an entire district is really an insult to their hard work.”
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath disagrees stating the A-F grade accounts for more than just standardized tests spanning student achievement, school progress and closing educational gaps.
Bowie Independent School District received an overall rating of C with 78 of 100 points.
Read the full story on all the county school ratings and comments from the superintendents in your weekend News.
Enjoy a free comic book day mini-convention 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 4 at the Bowie Public Library in conjunction with Freakz & Geeks of Bowie.
There will be arts and crafts, comics, a costume contest, special guests, BTXFG exclusive swag give-aways, a video game high-score tournament, vendors and more.
Whether you’re a cosplayer ready to break out your costume, a gaming fanatic looking to throw down, or simply looking for a day of family-friendly fun and entertainment, there’s something for everyone at the Mini Con.
Don’t miss out – come join the festivities and support your local Freaky Geeky community.
Gold-Burg High School’s one-act play, “Interview,” advanced out of area competition Friday earning a place on the stage for regionals along with Slidell and Avery. Saint Jo received the alternate play.
The Bears will travel to Plano on April 26 for regional 1A University Interscholastic League competition, the last stop before state. Director Linda Fitzner said she will provide additional details on times and locations as soon as they are released to her.
Corbin Gilbert received All-Star cast, Arin Turner and Levi Hellinger, received honorable mention All-Star cast and Lexie Eat received the outstanding sound award. Fitzner said she is so “Proud of our Bears.”
Read the full story that includes results for Saint Jo and Bowie in the mid-week Bowie News.
Pictured above: Gold-Burg High School’s cast and crew of its one-act play at area. (Courtesy photo)
Officials with the Nocona Chamber of Commerce, Nocona VFW and LG Lemons Art Gallery are happy to announce the first ever poetry, prose, and tall tales event called “Rhymin’ at the Justin.”
The presentations are scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 26 at the H.J. Justin Community Room at 100 Clay in downtown Nocona. Area writers such as David Smith from Waxahachie and others from as far away as Cache and Duncan, OK, Decatur, and Wichita Falls who have a passion for “wordsmithing” will read or recite some of their original material.
The event is free to the public. Table seating will be available for all and you may bring your own dinner and drinks, if you wish. No glass bottles, please. Call or text Larry G Lemons at 940-366-5782, if you need more information.
This new event joins the popular musical jam welcoming area musicians the last Saturday of each month.
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