COUNTY LIFE
First accountability ‘letter grades’ arrive
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
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.
Inside today find a special section Remembering 9/11 on the 25th anniversary of this pivotal day in America’s history.
This section provides an hour by hour account of that day to inform those who may not familiar with the details. We pay tribute to all those who faced the attacks and helped save those in danger from all walks of life. May this tribute remind you of all America lost that day and how the country moved forward.
Area young people from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to take part in the Art of the Song Young Visual and Performing Arts Exhibition on Oct. 10 during the annual music festival in Nocona.
Entry is free and artists may enter up to three pieces of artwork. One entry must be music-related, while the other two can be any art medium or genre. Drop-off artwork from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at 103 Clay Street.
Art will be displayed starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10. Those with questions may call R. Marie Molsbee, 940-887-0165 or horse.power.ranch.nocona@gmail.com.
The performing arts portion will be at Bitters & Sweets, 206 Clay Street. If you have a child who loves to sing, dance or play an instrument or perform? Let them share their talents in a performance at the Art of the Song.
Those interested in the performing arts program may contact Carla at 940-765-5619 or carlad@bittersandsweetsbar.com.
The staff, board of directors and volunteers of Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum are making plans for the group’s major fundraiser, “Shebang” on Sept. 26.
This year Shebang will join in all the celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
Mark your calendar when the doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $350 for a table of eight. Shebang takes place in the H.J. Justin Building at 100 Clay Street.
The evening will feature a dinner prepared by local chefs, fun games where you could win a prize, live and silent auctions, plus the popular bucket auction where you never know who will win. A new menu is being served that will feature prime rib, roasted sweet potatoes, hominy casserole, broccoli salad and strawberry shortcake.
Reservations are being taken now, just call the museum at 825-5330. Proceeds from the Shebang help pay for annual operating costs of the museum. Call 825-5330 to purchase tickets, also visit the website at talesntrails.org to see auction items and learn more about the museum.
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