Last week, school accountability grades were released. Granger received a B average, Thrall had an A average and Hutto had a B average. Taylor, however, had a C average, the lowest of the area school districts.
I don’t believe surrounding districts have smarter children than Taylor. I also don’t think the Taylor teachers are lacking behind other districts. I do believe there is some ground to make up, and I would expect the district is already working to address the lower scores.
I do not believe Dr. Devin Padavil, the Taylor Independent School District superintendent, will ignore the C rating, and will work to find solutions. He has already identified that math is a subject needing attention. Plans are already in place for mentors to help teachers and opportunities to work closer with students who need help.
In addition to those changes, it’s important to remember the district did show growth. The fact that Padavil does not think it is enough is a good sign.
With a graduation rate above 90% but student achievement at 77%, people will ask questions.
One that I’m sure will be asked is, “What was the score at Legacy Early College High School?” Legacy received an A rating – 96 in student achievement, 93 in school progress and 84 in closing the gaps.
The next obvious question is, “How does the score change if you take Legacy out?”
The long answer is Taylor would still receive a C because there are criteria that were not included for Taylor High School, nor any of the other campuses except Legacy. Therefore, the grades are all off balance.
The short answer: Legacy is a part of Taylor ISD, so that question is not really valid.
This is an opportunity for Taylor ISD to show how the district plans to bring the grades up, so to speak. It is also an opportunity to address challenges at the different campuses.
I believe strides are already being made to focus more on educators teaching and students learning.
One challenge that has already been addressed is the teacher shortage. Take a look at the back-toschool pullout pages in last week’s Taylor Press. It shows the 91 new hires within Taylor ISD.
Another move towards growth, is providing school supplies for students through fifth grade. While that may seem like a small thing, it helps teachers focus more on teaching than worrying about buying supplies for their classroom. I’m confident they still provide for their rooms, but I’m sure it is not their top priority.
As a reporter, I will continue to follow this story to see how the district addresses growth. As a parent, I hope to see more visible improvements in the district. I don’t believe Taylor is behind, Taylor just didn’t test well.
I’m going to get off my soapbox and get with my war-room team to win the Pick ‘Em again this year.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
