AISD Earns State’s Top Financial Ratings, 5 Campuses Make Texas Honors Circle

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According to recently published reports, the Aldine School District received the highest rating of “Superior Achievement” under Schools FIRST (Financial Accountability Rating System of Texas) and four out of five stars in the 2012 Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST).

The FIRST rating demonstrates the quality of AISD’s financial management and reporting system. The district’s rating is based on an analysis of data reported for the 2010-2011 school year. The Texas Education Agency reviewed all areas of the district’s financial management according to 20 indicators. A negative response to any of the first few criteria could have resulted in an automatic “Substandard” rating. This is the 10th consecutive year AISD has received a Schools FIRST “Superior Achievement” rating by TEA.

The Financial Allocation Study for Texas (FAST) report examined both school finances and student progress to evaluate the effectiveness of educational spending. The FAST research team developed the FAST rating, a one- to five-star measure incorporating an academic progress rating and a spending index. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best rating possible, Aldine ISD earned an efficiency rating of 4 Stars for 2011-2012. The rating indicates AISD has a strong academic performance while maintaining a “Low” spending index.

Several AISD campuses also achieved Texas Honors Circle designation. Like the rating system used for the district level, campuses are also rated using a one- to five-star scale. The Texas Honors Circle recognizes campuses that have achieved superior student academic growth while keeping spending low. To achieve Texas Honors Circle designation, an elementary campus must have a five-star FAST rating, while middle and high schools must attain a rating of at least 4.5 Stars. Middle and high schools have a slightly lower threshold because they are less likely than elementary schools to achieve high academic progress scores.

The five Aldine ISD campuses to achieve Texas Honors Circle designation are Jones Elementary School (scored 5 Stars), Escamilla Intermediate School (also scored 4.5 Stars in 2008-2009), Stehlik Intermediate School, Aldine Ninth Grade, and MacArthur Ninth Grade School (also scored 4.5 Stars in 2010-2011).

For additional information about the FAST and FIRST rating systems, visit www. http://fastexas.org and http://www.tea.state.tx.us.