TEA Commissioner Morath Visits Bradford Elementary

SAN ANGELO, TX — Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath visited San Angelo’s Bradford Elementary on Wednesday to get a firsthand look at a campus that has received four straight F ratings from the TEA.

Morath spent time in classrooms to see how curriculum is being implemented there and at schools across the district, according to San Angelo ISD.

“San Angelo ISD is committed to providing high-quality learning environments for all of our students across the district,” SAISD stated. “We recognize we still have a lot of work to do, and our instructional staff continues to zero in on the students, classrooms, and campuses that need the most support. Several campuses across the district are working through Targeted Improvement Plans as part of our ongoing commitment to raising outcomes for every student.

“To build on this progress, we’re focused on:

Ensuring all district campuses meet or exceed federal performance targets in academic achievement and growth

Increasing student growth on NWEA MAP testing in reading and math

 Improving alignment of instructional resources across the district

Implementing additional support and structures for students”

Bradford Elementary has had accountability scores between 57 and 59 the last four years. 

A fifth straight F rating, under state law, would require the TEA to take over the district unless the failing school is closed.

A score of 60 would bump the school up to a passing grade of D.

Under state law, the Texas education commissioner must take over a district after a campus earns five consecutive unacceptable ratings from the TEA or close that failing school. 

During a takeover, the commissioner replaces the district’s locally elected school trustees with a board of managers for at least two years.

SAISD is one of 14 districts statewide facing a possible takeover.

Overall, SAISD improved from a 73 to a 76 this past school year. Belaire Elementary saw the district’s largest single-year gain, climbing 19 points from a 59 to a 78. 

Santa Rita and Fort Concho elementaries maintained A ratings.

Bowie and Bradford were the only campuses with F ratings, and Bowie was already set to close at the end of this school year.