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Kingsville parents, students respond to poor state reviews

Posted at 5:07 PM, Aug 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-16 18:54:20-04

KINGSVILLE – As KRIS 6 News reported Wednesday, the Texas Education Agency’s new accountability system gave the Kingsville Independent School District a failing grade of an “F.”

That “F” rating from the TEA was based on Kingsville ISD’s overall performance. The district was also graded on student achievement, school progress and closing gaps. “Closing gaps” refers to how well different populations of students in a district are performing. Kingsville ISD received a “D” for student achievement, a “D” for school progress, and an “F” for closing gaps.

Parents and students are now expressing their concerns. However, they said while the poor performance analysis is concerning, the responsibility does not lie solely with the teachers.

“This isn’t all on the teachers. You need to help also. Help your kids with their homework, try to get in that extra study time,” parent Shelly Brinneman said.

 Anthony Conde is an incoming sophomore at H.M. King High School who said it is unfair to judge an entire year’s worth of work based on the STAAR Test. He also referenced test anxiety and distractions in the classroom.

 “It comes down to the student at the end of the day. Whether they put in the work or not, in the school and in the classroom,” Conde said.

In a written statement, Kingsville ISD officials essentially repeated what other area school districts said Wednesday.

That statement from a Kingsville ISD spokesperson is below:

“A letter does not define the Kingsville Independent School District. We do not see this as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to maximize the potential of all our students. We have a moral obligation to fulfill the promise that lies within each child. Our district will remain focused on progress as we move forward into the 2018-2019 school year.”