Are you a Texas educator, administrator, or parent interested in understanding how the effectiveness of Texas schools is measured? This article delves into the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Results Driven Accountability (RDA) system, explaining its purpose, components, and ongoing evolution.
The TEA utilizes Results Driven Accountability (RDA) to evaluate the performance and program effectiveness of local educational agencies (LEAs) annually. This data-driven framework, previously known as the Performance-Based Monitoring Analysis System (PBMAS), provides a comprehensive assessment of various educational programs across the state. It moves beyond simple compliance checks to focus on demonstrable results for students.
The information gathered through RDA informs decision-making at all levels, from individual schools to the state legislature. By highlighting areas of strength and weakness, RDA helps schools and districts target resources effectively and improve educational outcomes for all students. Its focus is not merely on meeting minimum requirements but on achieving measurable improvements in student learning and overall well-being.
Key Components and Data Sources of RDA
RDA’s evaluation process is detailed in Chapter 12 of the TEA’s Accountability Manual. This chapter outlines the specific program areas under evaluation, the indicators used to measure performance, the required data, and the sources from which that data is collected. The system is designed to be comprehensive, capturing a wide range of data points to provide a holistic view of school performance.
The data collected encompasses key program areas, including Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language/Emergent Bilingual programs, and support for Other Special Populations. This latter category includes students in Foster Care, students experiencing homelessness, military-connected students, and students receiving Special Education services. This breadth of data collection ensures that the accountability system addresses the diverse needs of Texas students.
Recent Changes and Future Directions
Significant changes to RDA have recently been implemented. House Bill 6 (89th Legislative Session, 2025) removed three special education discipline indicators from the Performance Level (PL) Mean and Determination Level (DL) calculations. These were:
SPED Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) and Expulsion >10 Days Rate
SPED In-School Suspension (ISS) >10 Days Rate
SPED Total Disciplinary Removals Rate (all for ages 3–21)
While excluded from the PL and DL calculations, this data will still be reported for informational purposes. This adjustment reflects a shift in focus, emphasizing other aspects of special education program effectiveness. This information is further elaborated in a To the Administrator Addressed (TAA) correspondence issued July 17, 2025.
RDA is a dynamic system. Future iterations will incorporate new indicators, revise existing ones based on changing educational priorities and research findings, and remove obsolete indicators. External factors, such as modifications to the statewide assessment program (STAAR), federal statute reauthorizations, and new legislation, will also significantly influence these changes. The system is designed to adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of Texas education.
Accessing and Utilizing RDA Data
The TEA offers various resources to help LEAs and Education Service Centers (ESCs) understand and utilize the RDA system. Webinars are provided, particularly for federal programs, and supplementary resources, including Determination Level Frameworks for special education, bilingual education/English as a second language/early bilingual programs, and other programs (BE/ESL/EB and OSP), and intervention and submission calendars, are available.
This information, along with further details on RDA, is accessible in Chapter 12 and Appendix K of the Accountability Manual. The TEA also provides district-level reports that can be accessed by district name or a unique county-district number. Regional and state-level reports, along with explanatory documents that clarify the methodology and interpretation of the data, are also available.
For users seeking in-depth analysis, downloadable data files are provided. However, these files are intended for technical users familiar with data analysis and interpretation, requiring a higher level of technical expertise. This tiered approach to data access ensures that information is accessible to a wide range of users, from educators to researchers. The system’s emphasis on data-driven accountability promotes transparency and enables informed decision-making at all levels of the education system.
Results Driven Accountability: A Continuous Improvement Model
Results Driven Accountability is more than just an evaluation system; it’s a mechanism for continuous improvement. By providing accessible and detailed data, RDA empowers LEAs to identify areas needing attention, implement targeted interventions, and track progress toward improved student outcomes. The system’s emphasis on data-driven accountability promotes transparency and enables informed decision-making at all levels, from classroom teachers to state policymakers. The ongoing evolution of RDA ensures its relevance and effectiveness in supporting the ongoing improvement of Texas education. The system’s flexibility allows it to adapt to changing educational priorities and external factors, solidifying its role as a vital tool for enhancing educational opportunities for all Texas students.
RDA is a data-driven framework used by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to annually evaluate the performance and program effectiveness of local educational agencies (LEAs), such as school districts and charter schools. It provides a comprehensive assessment of various program areas, using a range of indicators to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Previously known as PBMAS (Performance-Based Monitoring Analysis System), RDA is detailed in Chapter 12 of the TEA’s Accountability Manual.
What data does RDA use?
RDA utilizes a wide array of data to assess LEA performance. This includes data related to student achievement, program participation, and other key indicators relevant to various program areas, such as Bilingual Education/English as a Second Language/Emergent Bilingual programs and support for Other Special Populations (students in foster care, experiencing homelessness, military-connected, and receiving special education services). The specific indicators used are documented in the TEA’s Accountability Manual.
How has RDA changed recently?
House Bill 6 (89th Legislative Session, 2025) mandated significant changes to RDA. Three special education discipline indicators (SPED Out-of-School Suspension and Expulsion >10 Days Rate, SPED In-School Suspension >10 Days Rate, and SPED Total Disciplinary Removals Rate for ages 3–21) were removed from Performance Level (PL) Mean and Determination Level (DL) calculations. However, these indicators are still reported for informational purposes. Details are available in a To the Administrator Addressed (TAA) correspondence issued July 17, 2025.
The RDA system is dynamic and constantly evolving. Future iterations will likely incorporate new indicators, revise existing ones, and remove obsolete indicators based on factors such as changes to the statewide assessment program (STAAR), federal reauthorizations (like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act), state or federal reviews, updated data collection processes, and new legislation.
Where can I find more information about RDA?
Detailed information on RDA, including program areas, indicators, measurement requirements, data sources, and Determination Level Frameworks for various programs (special education, bilingual education/ESL/EB, and others), can be found in Chapter 12 and Appendix K of the TEA’s Accountability Manual. The TEA also offers webinars and supplementary resources to assist LEAs and Education Service Centers (ESCs) in understanding the system.
How can I access RDA data?
Data is accessible at the district, regional, and state levels. District-level reports can be retrieved using the district name or a unique county-district number. Regional and state-level reports are also available, along with explanatory documents to help interpret the data. Downloadable data files are provided for technical users who require more in-depth analysis.
What level of technical expertise is needed to use the downloadable data?
The downloadable RDA data files are designed for technical users with experience in data analysis and interpretation. These files provide the raw data, allowing for customized analyses beyond the scope of the pre-generated reports. If you lack this expertise, the pre-generated reports and explanatory documents will be more beneficial.
What is the overall goal of RDA?
The primary goal of RDA is to provide a transparent, data-driven mechanism for assessing and improving the performance of Texas LEAs, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for all students. By focusing on results and identifying areas needing improvement, RDA helps ensure that schools are effectively serving their diverse student populations.
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