The only two areas where the district scored at or below the state average were algebra and 8th-grade math, the data shows.
The snapshot
More than 81% of FBISD students passed the reading test in every grade from third to eighth, while fifth- and eighth-grade science scores averaged 73%, according to the data. Additionally, fifth-grade science scores improved by 8 points from last year.
Other third through eighth grade highlights include:
- Third-grade reading increased by 4 points
- Seventh-grade math scores were 17 points higher than the state average
- Eighth-grade social studies scored 12 points higher than the state average
Additionally, algebra scores also dropped 3 points, with an average score of 76%, matching the state average.
Why it matters
In April, FBISD received a “C” accountability rating from the TEA, with 42 of its 75 campuses receiving an “A” or “B” for the 2022-23 school year, Community Impact reported, based on student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps among student subgroups.
Most campuses designated as needing improvement—either federally or by the state—are located in the eastern portion of the district. According to demographic firm Population and Survey Analysts, this area has seen stagnant growth in recent years, while the western portion continues to experience housing development.
An investigation by Community Impact found schools in the Willowridge High School feeder pattern scored from 19 to 43 percentage points lower below than district average on STAAR tests between the 2016-17 and 2023-24 school years.
Several campuses within the Hightower High School feeder pattern—Rosa Parks Elementary, Walter Moses Burton Elementary and Lake Olympia Middle schools—received an “F” rating. Similarly, Thurgood Marshall High School and its feeder, Lantern Lane Elementary School, also received failing grades for the 2022-23 school year, Community Impact reported.
While multiple schools in the Willowridge feeder pattern have received federal improvement designations since 2016-17, only Christa McAuliffe Middle School was rated “F” by the TEA in the 2022-23 school year.
According to the TEA, districts and campuses receiving a “D” or “F” rating may be eligible for additional state support and resources. Under Texas law, if a campus receives a failing grade for five consecutive years, the Commissioner of Education is required to either close the campus or appoint a board of managers to oversee the district.
Moving ahead
The district will receive final STAAR scores from the state in July, with official accountability campus ratings for the 2024-25 school year released publicly Aug. 15, according to the TEA.
Community Impact reached out to district representatives to inquire about projections for the 2024-25 TEA accountability scores, but has not received a response by press time.
