2028 A–F Accountability Rating System Framework
| Date: | September 4, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Subject: | 2028 A–F Accountability Rating System Framework |
| Category: | Performance Reporting |
| Next Steps: | Share with appropriate staff |
The purpose of this communication is to inform school systems that the Preliminary 2028 A–F Accountability System Framework is now available. The preliminary framework provides an overview of the proposed adjustments to the A–F Accountability System to be implemented with the 2027–28 accountability ratings year. (Any changes discussed in this preliminary framework do not impact A-F ratings in the current school year nor the following school year).
To provide some background: Before the A–F rating system became law, Texas accountability rules were changed every year, with goals for students continually increasing. With A–F, the statutory requirements changed to period from annual, and a commitment was made to maintain the same calculations and cut scores for up to five consecutive years without annual changes, allowing for more accurate year‐over‐year performance comparisons. In 2023, the ӣƵ conducted the first 5-year refresh since the initial 2018 campus ratings were introduced under A–F. The next 5-year refresh is planned for 2028. With each refresh, ӣƵ must update goals for our students to ensure Texas is a national leader in preparing students for postsecondary success.
Please note: Pending gubernatorial approval of House Bill 8 passed by the legislature in the most recent special session, this preliminary framework will be reviewed and updated to meet requirements of the new statute.
Preliminary 2028 A-F System Framework
An initial set of considerations for continuous improvement of the A–F system was developed based on years of stakeholder and public feedback and conversations that generated ideas from across the state. These considerations, as well as topics that emerged from extensive data modeling and analysis of the A–F system, were discussed with the Texas Accountability Advisory Group (TAAG), an RDA/A–F Integration Taskforce and a Distinction Designations Committee.
With the guidance and recommendations of these advisory groups, the Preliminary 2028 A-F Accountability System Framework was released on the Accountability System Development webpage, more than two years prior to the 2027–28 accountability ratings year. This preliminary framework is intended to guide discussions and elicit additional stakeholder feedback. The framework will be reviewed and updated based on any legislation passed during the current special legislative session. TAAG will consider the public’s feedback on the preliminary framework and will consider scaling, cut points and Closing the Gaps student targets using the recently released 2025 A–F Accountability results. Any final updates will be communicated in spring 2026 as the Final 2028 A–F Accountability System Framework.
The Accountability Rating System Manual for 2028 ratings will be proposed for adoption into rule in summer 2026, allowing the final rule to be adopted with the start of the 2026–27 school year.
Continued Communication and Support: What If Ratings
To support stakeholders’ continued understanding of the refreshed 2028 Accountability System, ӣƵ will generate 2026 What If Ratings and 2027 What If Ratings, based on the Accountability Rating System Manual for 2028 ratings. What If Ratings will not replace the final 2026 or 2027 A–F ratings; instead, they will be provided for reference and will be based on the methodology in the 2028 A–F Accountability Rating System Manual.
Further opportunities for region and school system leaders representing students across Texas to engage with the Performance Reporting Division on the refreshed 2028 A–F Academic Accountability Rating System will be announced soon. to stay up to date on A–F.
For additional information on the 2028 refresh of the A–F accountability system, visit the Accountability System Development webpage.
Contact Information
For answers to general questions about how accountability ratings are calculated for campuses and school systems in Texas under the current A–F system, visit the How Accountability Ratings Work website. Please also refer to the 2026 Accountability Manual.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback to help inform the proposed rule using the .
Please direct questions to the ӣƵ Performance Reporting Division at (512) 463-9704 or performance.reporting@tea.texas.gov.