Editor's note: This article has been updated to include a quote from Klein ISD Superintendent Jenny McGown.

The percentage of Klein ISD students in grades 3-8 approaching grade level either improved or remained within 4 percentage points of 2022 scores for the spring 2023 administration of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, according to results released Aug. 16.

Diving in deeper

The Texas Education Agency released STAAR scores for school districts across Texas on Aug. 16, including KISD’s scores for students in grades 3-8 who were tested in English or Spanish in the core subjects of reading, math, science and social studies.

Public school students must perform to at least the “approaches grade level” standard to pass the test. According to the spring test results for grades 3-8:

• Of the 22 total tested subject areas, KISD improved in 12 subjects from 2022 to 2023 and saw no change for four subjects.
• Fifth grade math students scored the highest with 87% approaching grade level, while the lowest scoring group was fifth grade Spanish science.
• KISD performed above or at the same level as the state average in all subjects with the exception of third grade Spanish math, third grade Spanish reading and fourth grade Spanish math.
• Fifth grade Spanish science saw the most improvement from 2022 to 2023 with scores jumping from 19% to 38% approaching grade level.

"Our students and teachers have demonstrated unwavering determination in adapting to the numerous changes in the state's STAAR redesign, and I'm so proud of their achievements outperforming the state and region," KISD Superintendent Jenny McGown said. "Our goal is always to ensure every student learns at high levels and we will continue to provide the support our students need to excel at their highest potential."Put in perspective

Because the STAAR was redesigned in 2023, this year's scores are difficult to compare to those of previous years, said Stacy Kindsfather, KISD executive director of assessment, accountability and research.

“It is impossible to compare results from this year to last year because the scaling of the exams—i.e., the number of questions needed to pass—was also changed by TEA,” Kindsfather said.

The redesign was a multiyear collaboration between the TEA as well as state educators, students, parents and community members, according to TEA officials.

• This was the first year tests were administered almost exclusively online. Students requiring accommodations could still complete paper exams.
• Assessments this year emphasized writing skills.

Still, Kindsfather said the district is proud of the scores students received on the first round of redesigned exams.

“Klein ISD continued to outperform the state and the region in STAAR scores in nearly every subject and grade level,” Kindsfather said. “We are so proud of the hard work our Klein ISD students and teachers have done to prepare for last spring’s STAAR exams.”

Zooming out

Statewide, students have recovered from reading and language arts learning loss due to the pandemic, according to the TEA. Meanwhile, schools are struggling to bring scores to prepandemic levels in math.

"Our dedicated teachers always work to improve the reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills of our students," Kindsfather said. "As always, we are using the data to identify the learning standards on which students were successful and identify where students need additional support to continue growing their learning."

Families can view their child’s individual exam scores at www.texasassessment.gov.