8 A–F Accountability Questions Answered

In the ever-evolving landscape of Texas public education, staying current on the A–F Accountability System is more than a compliance exercise. It’s essential for making strategic, data-informed decisions that directly impact student outcomes. Whether you’re deep into campus planning, tracking CCMR, or guiding data teams, there’s a lot to consider. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions educators ask and provided clear answers to help you stay ahead. Let’s review the eight A–F Accountability questions and answers you should know.

1. Where is Bulk STAAR Performance Data?

Question: Where can I find bulk data to download, like the aggregate percent of “Meets” level scores for 60+ campuses?

Answer: To download data in bulk, go to your Texas Education Agency (TEA) Login (TEAL) or the TEA Data Downloads page. Both offer access to large datasets, including STAAR performance, by district and campus. Filter by assessment year, performance level, and subject to streamline your analysis.

2. When Does Cohort Inclusion Start?

Question: How many days does a student need to be enrolled in ninth grade to become a member of a school’s graduation cohort?

Answer: Just one. A student becomes part of a school’s graduation cohort the moment they enroll in ninth grade for the first time in a Texas public school. That initial day counts. No minimum duration required.

3. What is the Accelerated Testers and College Admissions Exams Rule?

Question: At what point in high school does an accelerated tester need to take the SAT or ACT, and where is the score used?

Answer: While accelerated testers may take the SAT or ACT anytime during high school (grades 9–12), their scores are only evaluated for accountability purposes when the student is enrolled in Grade 12, based on the Fall TSDS PEIMS snapshot.

TEA looks at all SAT/ACT results earned during grades 9 through 12 and will use the highest score in each subject area, but only if the student is reported as a 12th grader that fall. Those scores are then included as part of the STAAR component within the Student Achievement domain, satisfying federal testing requirements.

4. How Do You Identify Lowest-Performing Student Groups?

Question: What public-facing data source can be used to identify a campus’s two lowest-performing student groups?

Answer: The Texas Performance Reporting System (TPRS) provides this breakdown. In years when ratings are released, TPRS reports reveal student group performance and help campuses identify their lowest-performing student groups—a key step in targeted planning.

5. Why Do IEP Continuers Appear in the CCMR Verifier?

Question: Can you clarify why our IEP Continuers to show on the College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) Verifier?

Answer: The CCMR Verifier includes all 12th graders both graduating and non-graduating. That means IEP Continuers, students with individualized education programs who are continuing their education, will be listed, even if they haven’t graduated.

6. What’s the Difference Between Membership vs. Enrollment?

Question: Is membership the same as enrollment?

Answer: No. While enrollment includes all students reported on the Fall PEIMS Snapshot, membership excludes those served less than two hours per day. Understanding this distinction is critical for accurate accountability counts and funding projections.

7. What’s New for the 2025 A–F Ratings?

Question: What will be new for the 2025 A-F Accountability Manual?

Answer: As of now, there are no proposed changes to cut points, domains, or indicator methodology for the 2025 A–F ratings. This stability provides districts the rare opportunity to focus on refining systems rather than reacting to new rules. The 2025 Manual is a re-adoption of Chapters 1–12 with no methodological changes.

8. What is the 2026 Manual Timeline?

Question: When will the A-F Accountability Manual for 2026 be available?

Answer: The A–F Accountability Manual and proposed rule changes for the 2026 ratings will be released before the start of the 2025–2026 school year. The proposed 2026 Manual was published on April 17, 2025, with rulemaking and a public comment period prior to the next school year.

Stay Informed to Stay Strategic

Understanding the fine print of the A–F Accountability system empowers campus and district leaders to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and sharpen their focus. Bookmark TEA’s Accountability Resources page and subscribe to updates so you’re always in the loop.

ESC Region 13 specialists are always available to help with your accountability questions. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, news, and the most current information on the A–F Accountability system. Visit our webpage for the latest professional development opportunities and downloadable resources or to connect with us.