The percentage of DISD students in grades 3-8 approaching grade level—meaning they are likely to succeed in the next grade or are on course with targeted academic intervention—on the assessments stayed a few points below the state average for almost every subject area. However, the district is continuing to narrow the gap between those averages, according to test results released Aug. 16 by the Texas Education Agency.
Context
This year, students took a newly redesigned STAAR, which was changed to make sure the standardized test is reflective of what students are learning in the classroom at various grade levels. Major changes include changing the types of questions, aligning text to better reflect curriculum and administering testing online.
DISD students in grades 3-8 took the STAAR from April 18-May 12.
Quote of note
“Everyone anticipated big drops in scores because of the STAAR test redesign. That didn’t happen in Dallas ISD,” Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said in a news release. “The students whose early education started during or was interrupted by the pandemic are now at or above prepandemic levels in most categories. In fact, we are catching up to the state scores across the board.”
The breakdown
Despite not reaching the state average in most grades, DISD saw significant improvement in math scores. DISD fifth grade math students surpassed the state average by one point, with 80% approaching grade level. The lowest performing math grade, seventh, saw only 40% of students approaching grade level, compared to 61% across the state.
DISD scores for reading and science in grades five and eight improved several percentage points or stayed about the same as 2022 scores. Reading increased the most in grade six, up eight percentage points from 61% in 2022 to 69% this year. The state average for reading is 75% for sixth grade.
Put in perspective
Across the state, test scores dropped drastically following the pandemic, and local school districts are still working to address learning gaps. DISD officials credited their investment in early learning, particularly through Reading Academies, as “pivotal” in mitigating learning loss. Reading Academies are evidence-based training courses for K-3 teachers that's required as part of House Bill 3, which was passed during the 2019 Texas legislative session.
The district is investing up to $100 million in a two-year effort to ensure the pandemic “doesn’t have a long-lasting negative impact on student learning,” according to the district's website. The effort includes an extended school year, redesigned summer learning experiences, and targeted resources and support for both teachers and students.
Learn more
Parents can login to www.texasassessment.gov to see their child’s STAAR results—including how their child answered each question on the test—and recommendations to help their child grow academically.
A breakdown of STAAR results by state, region, district and campus is available here.
