The TEA uses a four-tiered grading system for student performance to score STAAR test performance in each subject:
- Did not meet grade level
- Approaches grade level
- Meets grade level
- Masters grade level
"Approaches grade level" is considered a passing score, with the TEA determining students with this score are likely to succeed in the next grade or course, but could need targeted academic intervention.
A closer look
In HISD, data for passing scores show students performed:
- Above state average in 12 subjects
- Below state average in one subject, seventh grade math
Forty-three percent of HISD students scored "approaches grade level" or higher on seventh grade math in 2026, up from 40% in 2025, while the state average for 2026 was 48%.
Students saw equal or improved performance year-over-year in all exams except:
- Third grade math
- Third grade reading
- Fourth grade reading
- Sixth grade reading
What they're sayingHumble ISD Superintendent Roger Brown said he was proud of the progress the district's students have made.