Austin Independent School District’s Board of Trustees debated updating the tool they use to measure equity in student achievement, while examining the gaps revealed by the 2020-2021 set of metrics at their Dec. 2 information session.
The trustees examined the latest draft for the equity scorecard, which compares academic achievement for economically disadvantaged students and students of color to the overall student population.
While trustees are in agreement about overarching equity goals, they have not decided whether to include racial categories for certain goals or to look at outcomes for economically disadvantaged students only.
Standardized test scores
Trustees examined data from the current scorecard, which shows the percentage of students who met grade level expectations on a standardized reading test called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP).
The data showed 46% of all Austin ISD students met grade expectations during the 2020-2021 school year, while only 23% of economically disadvantaged students met grade level. Of the students who are not considered economically disadvantaged, 63% met expectations.
During the same time frame, 24% of Black students met expectations and 18% of economically disadvantaged Black students reached the goal.
Of all Hispanic students, 28% met expectations and 19% of economically disadvantaged Hispanic students hit the same goal.
Deciding on measurements
“Teachers are not our problem. Teachers are our only solution” Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said. “If there’s any failure, it’s a failure on our part—my part—to ensure we have provided them the support they’ve needed.”
Trustee LaTisha Anderson said she was concerned that by breaking up economically disadvantaged students by race, certain groups might get fewer resources than others. Anderson argued the district might better serve economically disadvantaged students as a whole.
Trustee Noelita Lugo advocated for disaggregated data by race, arguing it is better to have more detailed information so the district can be, “straight up raw and honest about these gaps.” Lugo pointed out that the 2020 scorecard did include separated data for racial groups.
Next steps
District administration will create a new draft based on discussion during the Dec. 2 meeting. At the Nov. 11 meeting the board said it planned to vote on the scorecard in December, though trustees considered postponing the move at the Dec. 2 meeting.
