HOUSTON -- The Houston Independent School District had a record number of high-rated schools for the district since the start of the new Texas education accountability system, according to a state report released Wednesday.

Officials said ratings released by the Texas Education Agency showed that HISD had 83 exemplary or recognized schools this year.

"Ninety-four percent, as high as ever, of all HISD schools that were rated met the state standard this year of at least academically acceptable. That's 94 percent of our schools," said Abelardo Saavedra, HISD's superintendent.

Fifteen Houston schools earned the exemplary rating, which is the same as in 2006.

Sixty-eight schools were rated as recognized schools -- four more schools than last year.

Seventeen schools were rated academically unacceptable, which is 17 fewer than last year.

One of the biggest success stories was Kashmere High School, which made it to the acceptable list for the first time in years.

Sam Houston High School was one of the district's most struggling schools, making it on the unacceptable list five years in a row.

The head of the TEA said that it is one of four schools in the state that needs rapid reform or the state may step in.

"That school made tremendous progress -- progress I want you to know has been acknowledged by the agency, commissioner of education and others have recognized the wonderful work that's been done at Sam Houston High School," said Karen Soehnge, HISD's chief of academics.

In order for a school to earn exemplary status this year, at least 90 percent of the students must have passed the TAKS test. A recognized rating means between 75 and 89 percent of students passed.

HISD Exemplary Schools for 2007

Bush Elementary
Condit Elementary
Cornelius Elementary
Horn Elementary
Kolter Elementary
Lyons Elementary
Oak Forest Elementary
River Oaks Elementary
Roberts Elementary
T.H. Rogers Elementary
West University Elementary
Energized for Excellence MS
Carnegie Vanguard High
DeBakey High
East Early College High

HISD Ratings List:

Preliminary TEA 2007 Accountability Ratings