Results Driven Accountability (RDA): Determinations and Monitoring

The Texas Education Agency (TEA), per its obligation under 19 Texas Administrative Code §97.1005, implemented the Results Driven Accountability (RDA) system and related activities effective on September 9, 2021, including changes/updates from the previous year, annual determinations, and monitoring/interventions, for the school year (SY) 2021–2022.
 

2021 RDA Updates/Changes
The 2021 RDA Framework includes several updates and changes resulting from various factors impacting data sources, data collection, and data availability. The updates and changes are applicable to all three RDA program areas: bilingual education/English as a second language/English learners (BE/ESL/EL), other special populations (OSP), and special education (SPED). Detailed information about the updates/changes is in the 2021 RDA Manual. Beginning with 2022 RDA system, English learners (EL) will be referenced as “emergent bilingual students” (EBS) per TEC §29.052(1).
 

2021 LEA Determinations
The TEA, per its obligation under 20 USC §1416(a) and 34 CFR §300.600(a)(2), makes annual determinations on the performance of local education agencies (LEAs) using four determination levels (DLs): Meets Requirements, Needs Assistance, Needs Intervention, and Needs Substantial Intervention. The 2021 determinations for the BE/ESL/EL and the OSP program areas are based on program-specific RDA indicators. However, the 2021 determinations for SPED are based on both the program-specific RDA indicators and the four federally required elements (FREs). The determination levels for each LEA will be published on October 22, 2021, in the Ascend application accessible through the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL). Determination levels for each LEA, including the RDA performance levels (PLs) and the FRE PLs, will also be published on the summary page of the 2021 RDA Public Reports available in mid-November. For assistance accessing the Ascend application, please email the Department of Review and Support at reviewandsupport@tea.texas.gov.
 

Monitoring Activities and Interventions
LEAs are selected for intervention activities based on their DL for SY 2021–2022. The criteria for selecting LEAs for interventions will be available on the program specific intervention and guidance webpage by October 22, 2021 (see Review and Support Resources). Although many monitoring requirements remain unchanged from the previous year, all updated monitoring and intervention requirements are described in the 2021–2022 Results Driven Accountability Intervention Requirements, the 2021–2022 Special Populations Monitoring Results Driven Accountability Intervention and Submission Calendar (for BE/ESL and OSP), and the 2021–2022 Special Education Results Driven Accountability Intervention and Submission Calendar.
 

Data Issues and Unanticipated Circumstances
If an unanticipated circumstance impacts an LEA’s ability to meet the required intervention timelines, information detailing the individual circumstances, along with a projected date for completion of the interventions, should be submitted by email as soon as possible to the Department of Review and Support at reviewandsupport@tea.texas.gov. However, the request does not defer other requirements contained in this correspondence or other monitoring documents but unanticipated circumstances or a request for an extension will be considered.

If data accuracy issues are identified by the TEA either during a data review or during the implementation of the required intervention activities, the LEA will be required to address procedural concerns and institute systematic improvements for collecting and submitting data. Data accuracy issues may also result in the LEA being subjected to escalated oversight, interventions, and/or sanctions. In addition, should an LEA be identified because of other monitoring activities the TEA is required to conduct, including monitoring activities related to accreditation determinations or compliance with federal formula or discretionary grant requirements, the LEA will receive notification in a timely manner by the appropriate TEA staff.
 

RDA Training and Resources
The Department of Review and Support will provide external stakeholders with an overview of the 2021 RDA Framework for SPED, BE/ESL/EL, and OSP and the criteria for selecting LEAs for continuous improvement activities during the SY 2021–2022. The 2021 RDA Framework overview and other resources will be posted on the Review and Support Resources webpage to support education service center (ESC) and LEA staff.

If you have questions related to this correspondence, please contact the Department of Review and Support by email at reviewandsupport@tea.texas.gov or by phone at (512) 463-9414.