The district announced last week that it has received a Texas School Report Card “A” rating. Lovejoy is one of the only four districts to receive the highest rating of 97.
Seventy percent of the report card issued from the Texas Education Agency is based on STAAR test percentages, and the other 30 percent of the rating is based on how well a district targets growth for students who score lower on STAAR, also known as “Closing the Gaps.”
“In order to receive an A, districts had to have a scaled score of 90 or above,” assistant superintendent Dennis Muizers said. “Seventy percent of the scaled score is determined from the higher percentage of students passing the STAAR tests or the percentage of students who made growth from one year to the next on their STAAR scores.”
The district received a score of 96 in STAAR performance, and a score of 100 in “Closing the Gaps.” This led to an overall score of 97, putting Lovejoy, along with three other districts, at the top of 1,200 other districts that were evaluated.
Muizers admitted that a letter score based on test performances is not entirely reflective of the experience of a student at school, but he also expressed gratitude towards the people who made the high rating possible.
“Even though the new grading system does not incorporate many vitally important factors that make Lovejoy an ‘A’ district,” Muizers said. “We do believe that our overall grade is only possible because of the hard work of our teachers, principals, bus drivers, custodians, food service staff, students, parents, and community members who strive to make Lovejoy a school district that is second to none in every program we offer.”
High school principal Chris Mayfield said he is happy to see the students and faculty of the district receiving worthy recognition.
“I think [the report card rating] is great because as a district, our kids and community are being recognized for the great work they’re doing,” Mayfield said.
Muizers said there were 121 districts and 32 charters who had a grade of A on the new accountability system.
“Excellence is not an accident,” Muizers said, “and we remain steadfastly focused on meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of each Lovejoy student.”
