Preliminary A-F accountability ratings released by the Texas Education Agency this morning classified Dripping Springs ISD as “unacceptable” in the category of “closing performance gaps"—a grade which the TEA said is based on the relationship between student achievement and the number of students within the district who are economically disadvantaged. According to a statement from the district, the preliminary ratings will not influence how the district plans to move forward in its approach to educating its students. "We do not intend to alter how we move forward based on these [results]," the district said in a statement. "We will continue to be guided by our mission, vision, and the strategic plan that aspires to deliver personalized learning to all students." The domain measuring student achievement is based solely on State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, results. DSISD has been a vocal opponent of the system's heavy reliance on standardized test scores, as evidenced by a resolution against the ratings passed by its board on Dec. 12. While DSISD received a "D" in the category measuring its ability to close performance gaps, its results were strong in the remaining categories, receiving an "A" in the domain measuring student achievement; a "B" in the domain measuring student progress; and a "B" in the domain measuring postsecondary readiness. The ratings released this morning are a sample of what is to come once the system is officially implemented in August 2018. At that time, districts and campuses will receive a rating of A, B, C, D or F in each of five domains and for overall performance. The fifth domain, which measures community and student engagement, was not included in the preliminary ratings released this morning. DSISD's preliminary scores are non-punitive and do not replace the ratings already assigned by the TEA for 2016.