NBISD sees higher graduation levels, outperforms state in STAAR testing

Enrollment last year totaled 9,870 students, according to agenda documents. In program participation, 11% of students were enrolled in bilingual/English as a second language services, 9.1% in gifted and talented programs and 16.3% in special education—which closely mirrors state numbers. Meanwhile, graduation rates rose to 96%, while attendance rates remained steady.

NBISD students outperformed both the state and region in STAAR and end-of-course testing at the “approaches” and “meets” levels across all content areas. At the “masters” level—the highest distinction—district scores were in line with state and regional averages, with higher performance in social studies, according to the presentation.

The district also reported gains in College, Career and Military Readiness, or CCMR. The percentage of students earning a CCMR indicator increased from 44.8% in the 2021-22 school year to 79% in the 2024-25 school year, NBISD Chief Academic Officer Lani Norman said.

“This is a great celebration, and we have positive things in our future for what we're doing for our students with CCMR,” Norman said.

Looking ahead

By 2029, NBISD aims to have 70% of third graders meet grade-level standards in reading. Last year, 57% met the standard, with a 61% target set for this spring, Norman said. In math, the district aims for 65% of third graders to meet standards by 2029; 51% met the benchmark last year, with a 53% target for this year.

For CCMR, the district’s goal is 95% by 2029, with a target of 80% next year to stay on track, Norman said.