The results were presented to the RISD board of trustees during an Oct. 20 meeting. The tests, known as the Measure of Academic Progress exams, were given Sept. 9-16, with nearly 67,000 tests administered. RISD previously went over its 2021-22 MAP scores during a June 13 meeting.
According to the MAP results, 59% of students met their growth projections in math, and 56% met them in reading. District officials said they are proud of the result, as the projections are designed to be met by 50% of students. In grades 2-7, projections for math averaged over 61% at the meets level, with fourth graders having a 72% expected rate at the meets level.
Eight elementary schools—Aikin, Bowie, Dover, Lake Highlands, Prestonwood, Terrace, Wallace and White Rock—had at least 50% of students meet their projected growth measures in every grade level in reading. In addition, four junior highs, Apollo, Lake Highlands, Parkhill and Richardson West as well as Richardson High School also had at least 50% of students meet their projected growth measures in every grade level in reading.
For mathematics, nine elementary schools had at least 50% of students meet their projected growth measures: Aikin, Bowie, Forestridge, MST Magnet, Merriman Park, Prestonwood, Springridge, Stults Road and White Rock.
However, district officials said the MAP results show still existing academic gaps across demographic groups, including economically disadvantaged students and different ethnic groups. Also, district officials said they are concerned that not all student groups and demographics are accelerating at the same rate.
According to RISD Superintendent Tabitha Branum, one of the most valuable strategies teachers have said is helping increased growth is students owning their data.
“Students need to be able to identify where there are opportunities for growth in setting their own goals,” Branum said. “This is not just a score, because that number doesn't mean anything without the context of here's your skills, here's what we're going to be working on, and let's set this target together."
RISD also reviewed how students are preparing for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams in reading and math.
In reading, projected STAAR performance at the meets level for the fall 2022 exams were at or above fall 2021 in most grade levels.
In mathematics, projected STAAR performance at the meets level was at or above fall 2021 in most grade levels, including a 50% meets level in the STAAR fifth grade math exam.
