Hutto ISD exceeds in some, falls short in other STAAR test standards

Hutto ISD continues to work to meet state STAAR testing requirements after receiving results from the 2012 tests earlier this year.

Results released by the state for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, tests indicate that Hutto students met or exceeded the average score compared with districts throughout the state in third-grade reading; fourth-grade reading, math and writing; fifth-grade reading; and seventh-grade reading.

The district fell short of the state average, however, in fifth-grade math and science; sixth-grade reading and math; seventh-grade math and writing; and eighth-grade reading, math, science, social studies and writing.

"Though we performed well in several areas, our results are not what we expected," HISD Superintendent Doug Killian said. "Our students and teachers pushed ahead despite the challenges placed on them with these tests. I am proud today that, once again, they have risen to the challenge."

Steve Snell, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, added that the district began taking steps to increase scores before the results were released and will continue to strive to exceed the state's standards.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us as we continue with this accountability system," Snell said. "We will also continue working with teachers and administrators to ensure that our professional development and technical assistance is informed by best practice and district and students' needs to continue to prepare students for the next rounds of STAAR."

Testing for the 2013 STAAR begins in March and May, HISD Public Information Officer Emily Grobe said.