The district cited an AI scoring error that left some schools with lower than expected ratings. Nearly 40 campuses saw increases to their scores.
ARLINGTON, Texas — After filing an appeal with the state, citing scoring issues on STAAR test results evaluated using artificial intelligence, the TEA has updated Arlington ISD’s district and campus accountability ratings.
The revisions saw AISD’s overall district accountability score increase from 76 to 77. Along with that, 38 campuses saw increases to their overall score or domain score, and six campuses saw improvements to their A-F accountability score and rating.
The following six campuses that saw ratings increases were:
Arlington High School: C → B
Berry Elementary: F → D
Duff Elementary: B → A
Hill Elementary: C → B
Ousley Junior High: B → A
Peach Elementary: D → C
The district says these updated results confirm gains already seen in its academic data.
“These updated results provide a more accurate reflection of the progress happening across Arlington ISD,” said AISD Superintendent Matt Smith in a statement. “Our teachers and staff have been focused on strengthening instruction and supporting students, and it is encouraging to see that work more accurately represented in the state’s data. We remain committed to building on that progress throughout the year.”
Smith previously told WFA the district discovered scoring issues on some STAAR test results that had been evaluated using artificial intelligence.
The district paid more than $200,000 for a human to rescore more than 4,000 tests, which Smith said produced “significantly improved” results.
Arlington ISD’s appeal came amid broader frustration from school leaders across Texas, who argue that the state’s accountability system doesn’t give a full picture of school performance.