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McAllen ISD joined an elite handful of school districts in earning the state’s Postsecondary Readiness Distinction for the fourth time, it was announced.    

Only 8.99 percent of school districts in Texas (107 of 1,207) earned the distinction from the Texas Education Agency. No distinctions were awarded in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID health crisis. McAllen ISD previously earned this distinction in 2017, ’18 and ’19.   

“This is an amazing achievement,” McAllen ISD Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez, Ed.D., said. “Our teachers, students, staff, parents and School Board have worked hard. We’ve earned this distinction four times now because of everyone’s dedication and a focus on students that, not only teaches them academic material, but also life skills and emotional intelligence. In short, we prepare our students for the game of life.”   

Outstanding work by campuses   

All four high schools eligible for the recognition earned the Postsecondary Readiness distinction. They include:   

  • Achieve Early College High  
  • McAllen High  
  • McAllen Memorial High  
  • James “Nikki” Rowe High   

    Lamar Academy, which houses Options in Education High and the International Baccalaureate Programme, was not measured. The data for students attending Lamar is embedded in McAllen High, Memorial and Rowe.    

    In addition, McAllen ISD’s six middle schools also earned the Post-Secondary Readiness Distinction. They include:  
  • Brown Middle School  
  • Cathey Middle School  
  • De Leon Middle School  
  • Fossum Middle School  
  • Morris Middle School  
  • Travis Middle School    

Distinction designations are awarded to campuses based on achievement in several areas and performance relative to a group of 40 campuses of similar type, size, grade levels served, and student demographics.  Depending on campus grade levels and type, the number of potential distinction designations can vary.     

Secondary schools can earn up to seven distinction designations for Academic Achievement in English Language Arts/Reading; Academic Achievement in Mathematics; Academic Achievement in Science; Academic Achievement in Social Studies; Top 25 Percent: Comparative Academic Growth; Top 25 Percent: Comparative Closing the Gaps; and Postsecondary Readiness Elementary schools can earn up to six distinction designations for Academic Achievement in English Language Arts/Reading; Academic Achievement in Mathematics; Academic Achievement in Science; Top 25 Percent: Comparative Academic Growth; Top 25 Percent: Comparative Closing the Gaps; and Postsecondary Readiness.    

Elementary and middle schools play a role in preparing students for the rigors of high school and the importance of earning a high school diploma. It prepares students for success in college, the work force, job-training programs or the military. Postsecondary Readiness includes test performance and participation for high schools plus grades 3-8.     

To view the 2022 state accountability ratings and distinction designations for districts and campuses, visit the TEA website at http://tea.texas.gov/accountability/