Fort Worth ISD’s D-Rating: Why Protecting A-Rated Elementary Schools Is Critical for Long-Term Success
Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) has recently faced significant challenges:
Dropping dramatically from a B to a D rating in 2023
Momentary improvement to a C in 2024
Continued degradation to a D rating once again in 2025
Despite these hurdles, the district has seen notable successes in some of its elementary schools. Protecting and learning from these high-performing schools is essential for the district's long-term success. Fort Worth Report
The Current State of FWISD
The performance fluctuation of Fort Worth ISD reflects ongoing challenges in student achievement and progress. Additionally, the district faces a literacy crisis, with 65% of students failing to meet grade-level standards in reading. Fort Worth Report Texas Scorecard
The Importance of A-Rated Elementary Schools
Amid these challenges, FWISD has seen success in some elementary schools. For instance, Sagamore Hill and Springdale Elementary Schools improved from F to B ratings . These schools demonstrate that targeted interventions and dedicated leadership can lead to significant improvements. Star Telegram
Most notably, De Zavala Elementary serving a 77% economically disadvantaged and 59% designated at-risk student population, earned an A-rating for the third consecutive year. On par with affluent district schools like Tanglewood Elementary, Overton Park Elementary, and Westcliff Elementary but whose campus serves a student population more reflective of Fort Worth overall, De Zavala stands apart as a school of uncommon achievement in our district. These schools were the only 4 elementary schools to receive an A-rating, out of 80 total elementary schools and out of 10 total A-ratings in the district. FWISD Accountability Ratings
Research supports the importance of strong elementary education. Early academic success sets the foundation for future learning and can lead to better outcomes in higher grades. Protecting and replicating the strategies of these A-rated schools can serve as a model for district-wide improvement.
Challenges to Maintaining High-Performing Schools
FWISD faces several challenges that threaten the sustainability of its high-performing schools:
Enrollment Declines: The district's enrollment has decreased by about 17% since 2016, leading to budget shortfalls and considerations of school closures. Star Telegram
Financial Deficits: FWISD faced a $17.7 million budget deficit for the 2024-25 school year, prompting discussions about staffing cuts and resource allocation. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Leadership Turnover: Nearly 50 principals and assistant principals left the district during the 2023-2024 school year, the highest number since 2017. Texas Scorecard
Misguided Facilities Plans: In a district at risk of takeover, we the parents and community members supporting De Zavala Elementary assert the closure of the rare few A-rated schools in our district is an obstruction of our limited access to high-quality educational options. Friends of De Zavala
These factors can disrupt the stability and progress of high-performing schools, making it crucial for our community to address them proactively.
Strategies for Protecting and Replicating Success
To ensure the continued success of A-rated elementary schools and to replicate their achievements across the district, FWISD can consider the following strategies:
Invest in Leadership Development: Providing training and support for school leaders can help maintain stability and drive academic success.
Allocate Resources Strategically: Ensuring that high-performing schools have the necessary resources can sustain their success and serve as models for other schools.
Engage the Community: Building strong relationships with parents and community members can foster support for schools and encourage student achievement. expressnews.com
Implement Data-Driven Practices: Using data to inform instruction and interventions can lead to improved student outcomes, as demonstrated by other districts. AP News
Conclusion
FWISD's recent challenges underscore the importance of protecting and learning from its high-performing elementary schools. By investing in leadership, allocating resources wisely, engaging the community, and implementing data-driven practices, the district can work towards replicating these successes and improving outcomes for all students.
Note: This blog post is based on publicly available information and aims to provide an overview of the current state and potential strategies for FWISD. For more detailed information, please refer to the official FWISD communications and reports.
Sources:
Texas schools downgraded in state’s new ratings https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-dallas-dee82060-2145-11f0-84bf-77957d2183a4
TX Schools District Ratings https://txschools.gov/?view=district&id=220905&tab=overview&lng=en
Fort Worth ISD Leaders Admit District Has a Literacy Crisis https://texasscorecard.com/local/fort-worth-isd-leaders-admit-district-has-a-literacy-crisis/
Fort Worth ISD considers closing up to 25 schools as the district faces budget shortfall https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fort-worth-isd-considers-closing-25-schools-budget-shortfall/3768028/
Nearly 50 Principals Left Fort Worth ISD During the 2023-2024 School Year https://texasscorecard.com/local/nearly-50-principals-left-fort-worth-isd-during-the-2023-2024-school-year/
Here’s why your neighborhood school is still the best choice for your kids https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/neighborhood-schools-first-choice-20305187.php