The gist
Students are tested in five subject areas—algebra I, biology, English I and II, and U.S. history.
Four performance levels are used to measure a student’s score:
- Did not meet grade level means a student has not shown a sufficient understanding of the subject matter and skills. Students are unlikely to succeed in the next grade or course without significant academic intervention.
- Approaches grade level means the student has some gaps in the content knowledge and may need additional support. This is still a passing score.
- Meets grade level means the student has a strong understanding of the content and is prepared to progress to the next grade.
- Masters grade level means the student has shown mastery of the course and is skilled in the subject area.
A closer look
PISD student scores improved from the 2022-23 school year in biology, English II and U.S. history. Exam scores for English I stayed the same, while algebra I scores dipped slightly in the 2023-24 school year.
For algebra I, 90% of PISD students passed in 2024 compared to 91% in 2023. Scores improved on the biology exam, with 97% students passing in 2023 increasing to 98% passing in 2024.
Student scores remained consistent in the English I exam, with 90% of students passing in 2023 and 2024. For English II exams, scores improved from 91% passing in 2023 to 92% passing in 2024.
Student scores improved the most on the U.S. history exam. In 2023, 97% of students passed while 99% of PISD students passed in 2024.Learn more
Parents and guardians can view their children's individual STAAR scores, including their answers for each question, on the TEA’s Texas Assessments website.