The number of students taking other academic exams, such as Advanced Placement, has increased over the past four school years, said Gary Nye, executive director of continuous improvement, during a presentation of the district’s academic assessment data for 2024.
Of the 11,400 students who took an AP exam in 2024, 83% scored a 3 or higher. Many U.S. colleges grant course credit for scores 3 and above, according to College Board.
The number of students receiving scores of 3 or higher has increased along with the number of students taking the exam, according to district data.
“If we look over the last four years we’ve increased student participation and performance,” Nye said during the meeting.
The district saw a slight increase on SAT exam scores while state and national averages have decreased, Nye said. FISD high school students are eligible to take the SAT during the school day.
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, tests students in grades 3-8 in reading and math. Additionally, fifth and eighth grade students are tested in science, while eighth graders are also tested in social studies.
Frisco ISD's STAAR scores when averaged across all grade levels and subjects dipped slightly in 2024.
The release of A-F accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency has been delayed after a series of court orders have temporarily blocked the state agency from releasing the scores. A trial date is set for Feb. 10, 2025.
FISD recently released its own accountability report. Nye said the report shows the importance of local accountability to district officials.
“We’re primarily accountable to our local community first and [FISD holds] the belief that our students are a lot more than just a test score,” he said
