Tempe Union rises to an A districtwide as schools show gains in proficiency and growth

The Tempe Union High School District governing board heard a detailed presentation explaining why the district’s A–F letter-grade summary improved to an overall A.

Dr. Lehi said the state’s accountability calculations have changed in recent years and described how the current A–F grade is calculated: proficiency (30% of the score, based on ACT/assessment results), growth (20%, measured through subgroup improvement and several components), College and Career Ready Index (CCRI, 20%), graduation rate (20%), and English learner (EL) performance (10%). She explained bonus points (special education enrollment bonus, science bonus based on statewide science performance, and ACT Aspire participation) that are added after the base calculation.

Using the revised subgroup-growth approach, the district now has three A schools and three B schools and a district-level A. Specific school movements noted included Marcos and Tempe High moving from lower grades to higher ones and McClintock moving from B to A; Dr. Lehi said Mount Pointe was one point away from an A based on total points.

Board members asked about causes of EL proficiency gains and whether calendar changes or additional ACT practice were factors. Dr. Lehi credited targeted EL coaching, additional practice tests, and earlier implementation of ACT plans as contributors. She offered to provide more detailed breakdowns of CTE/"red points" and completion metrics to the board on request.

The presentation covered technical details of subgroup measurement, the use of ACT for proficiency, and how growth was calculated given changes in statewide assessments. The board praised staff and educators for the reported gains.