Laredo schools face new challenges under new Texas Education Agency standards that put greater emphasis on postsecondary opportunities

LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – The Texas Department of Education has caused uproar after setting new standards that put a greater emphasis on postsecondary opportunities.

School districts across the country opposed and eventually resisted the new Texas Education Standards (TEA) used to grade school performance.

The new expectations are raising the bar for schools across the country.

In order to get an “A” grade in high school, more senior students must enroll in college, join the military, or get a job.

United South High School Principal Martha Alvarez describes what it feels like to receive an “A” grade.

“We’re continuing to celebrate; you know the preliminary ratings for ‘A’, regardless of whether the TEA decides to release those ratings or not. We’re still in celebration mode,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez notes that each year, TEA sets expectations that must be met throughout the year, and the administration prepares for the upcoming academic session as early as April.

Alvarez’s new challenge is to maintain his “A” rating.

“We have a very strong relationship with LCC and of course TAMIU. We have a lot of students who are getting their two-year associate degrees at the same time they get their high school diploma,” Alvarez added.

Alvarez goes on to say that in May, USHS’s first group of about 200 students will graduate with associate degrees from Early College.

United ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gerardo Cruz said the emphasis on college readiness in school ratings presents a challenge for the district because the district, like the community, has unique demographics.

“We have a good percentage of EB students (emergent bilingual students) and that’s always been a focus for any public school to make sure our students are proficient in English because that’s how they’re going to be tested on the STAAR. We want to make sure our programs are in place and that we’re meeting the needs of our emerging bilingual students,” Cruz said.

Cruz added that given the systems in place, he is confident that staff will be up to the challenge.

“We identify students who are struggling and provide them with the interventions they need, and we make sure that we provide professional development for our teachers, especially our new teachers. We want to make sure that we support them and that they stay in the teaching profession,” Cruz continued.

Cruz notes that funds are also being invested to implement new technologies in classrooms.

The district focuses on ensuring students graduate with certificates and are prepared for success beyond their high school careers.

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