Houston ISD Shows Improvement in STAAR Results
Houston ISD’s standardized test scores are improving and are now on par with statewide averages. This is a significant feat, as the district had been trailing behind in the past. State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles attributes this improvement to his instructional reform program.
What the Results Show
The Texas Education Agency released the STAAR test results for grades 3-8, which showed that a greater percentage of HISD students met grade-level standards compared to the statewide average. In fact, the district outperformed the state in math by around 3 percentage points. This is a significant improvement from 2023, when HISD was behind statewide averages in all tested subjects in grades 3-8.
Comparison to Previous Years
HISD also saw growth in its own STAAR scores compared to last year. Third through eighth graders showed improvement in both reading and math, with the exception of fifth-grade math. Eighth graders saw the biggest jump on their math exams, with 43% of them meeting the mark this year compared to 34% last year. In reading, 53% of eighth graders met the standard, 4 percentage points higher than last year.
Instructional Reform Program
Superintendent Miles pointed to the district’s emphasis on guiding teachers through lessons as a key factor in the improvement. The district’s instructional reform program, known as the New Education System (NES), has been implemented at 130 campuses. However, the program has received criticism for its rigid structure, which some argue leaves teachers and students without room for creativity.
Criticism of the Reform Program
Some students and parents have spoken out against the NES program, citing its lack of flexibility and creativity. For example, Douglass Hurley, a 7-year-old student, told the board that he didn’t like the NES program and wished they would listen to students’ concerns.
High School Results
The Texas Education Agency also released STAAR results for high schoolers, which showed that older HISD students are close to statewide averages. The district performed better than the state in Algebra I and Biology, and was within 5 percentage points behind in English I, English II, and U.S. History.
Expert Opinion
Duncan Klussmann, an associate professor in the University of Houston’s College of Education, said that bringing a school district as big as HISD near the state’s average scores is impressive. He noted that large urban systems often struggle to meet state averages, so HISD’s progress is a positive development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Houston ISD’s improvement in STAAR results is a significant achievement. While there may be criticisms of the district’s instructional reform program, the results suggest that it is having a positive impact. As the district continues to work towards improving its scores, it is essential to listen to the concerns of students, parents, and teachers to ensure that the program is meeting the needs of all stakeholders. With continued effort and improvement, HISD can build on its progress and provide a high-quality education to all its students.
