AUSTIN, Texas — After hearing from the community, Austin ISD trustees approved improvement plans in a 7-1 vote Thursday night for dozens of campuses struggling with state ratings.
The vote affects 28 schools, including 12 that received a first-time overall “D” or “F” rating, which require Targeted Improvement Plans, and 16 others that need Local Improvement Plans.
The district says the plans are aimed at improving performance and avoiding deeper state intervention.
“The strategies we are using in our targeted improvement plans are similar,” said Jennifer Pace, assistant superintendent of elementary schools. “It’s not rocket science, but it’s really utilizing our high-quality instructional materials.”
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According to the plans, students will take multiple reading and math check-ins throughout the year, as well as STAAR-style practice tests in the spring, so teachers can monitor growth and identify areas where support is needed.
Local Improvement Plans focus on strengthening reading and math while providing interventions for low-performing schools.
Families had the opportunity to share feedback before the vote. Cuitlahuac Guerra, an AISD parent, said, “They always plan for the future but never the present. There are kids and teachers in the classrooms right now that need more support.”
Guerra also criticized inequities, saying, “There are so many because this is a systemic failureinequitable distribution of resources and staff,” and noted that some students may not realize how much better off other schools are.
District leaders say the work is challenging but necessary and emphasized a commitment to making every school a place where students can thrive.