The details
The STAAR underwent an overhaul this year “to better align with classroom instruction” based on requirements of House Bill 3261, passed in 2019.
The redesigned exams were administered online, barring certain exceptions, and featured more questions that emphasized writing and were not multiple choice. The standards and scales for the exam were also reset, according to a news release from the Texas Education Agency.
The changes contributed to a delay in the scores being released.
“Students experienced very different STAAR tests than in the past,” PISD Deputy Superintendent Lisa Wilson said in a video statement. “Due to the changes, comparing last year’s scores to this year’s scores will be an imperfect science. Regardless of the outcome, it is still important to use this year’s scores simply as one piece of information in a larger landscape about your child’s performance and growth.”
By the numbers
Students in grades 3-8 are tested in reading and math, while fifth and eighth graders take additional science and social studies exams. Public school students must perform to at least the “approaches grade level” standard to pass the test.
Despite changes to the exams, the percentage of PISD students who passed the reading test was comparable to 2022 in all grade levels.
The district’s math scores showed growth at all grade levels besides sixth grade, which dropped 1 percentage point.
Science and social studies scores remained largely unchanged from 2022, while PISD students still outperformed state averages.
What else?
Parents can visit www.texasassessment.gov to view their child’s scores. Breakdowns of STAAR results by state, region, district and campus are also available online.
