News Summary
The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) reports significant academic growth this year, with students outperforming state averages in several subjects. Third graders displayed notable progress in English reading, with 47% meeting grade-level expectations. Despite the advancements, challenges remain, particularly in seventh-grade math. DISD is committed to continuous improvements, focusing on curriculum updates and educator support to ensure all students can achieve their potential.
Dallas – Students in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) have shown significant academic growth this year according to results from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests. Overall, DISD students have demonstrated improvements across most subjects and grade levels, outperforming the state averages in various categories.
Recent data released from STAAR assessments indicates that approximately 47% of third graders in Dallas met grade-level expectations in English reading. This number is only slightly below the state average of 49%. For students taking the Spanish version of the reading test, about one-third achieved grade-level proficiency. These results reflect a noteworthy advance for DISD, which serves a predominantly low-income student population and a higher concentration of immigrant families compared to the overall demographics of Texas.
Despite these positive developments, DISD remains aware that further work is necessary to bridge the gap with state performance averages. Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde emphasized that while accomplishments have been made, ongoing improvements must be prioritized to ensure that all students achieve their fullest potential.
As part of its efforts to enhance educational outcomes, DISD implemented a new districtwide curriculum for math and reading in 2023. This update aims to align more closely with state standards and to engage students effectively. Additionally, the district has placed a particular focus on early learning, investing in pre-K programs that have shown to contribute to higher academic achievement in subsequent grades.
However, despite the overall growth, challenging areas remain. Specifically, the performance of seventh graders in math came under scrutiny, with only 7% of test-takers meeting grade-level standards on the STAAR math exam. This concerning trend highlighted the need for a reevaluation of teaching strategies and instructional methods surrounding middle school mathematics to improve student outcomes in this critical subject area.
DISD has also raised concerns about the reliability of the computer scoring systems used for the written components of the STAAR exams. Preliminary findings indicate that nearly 43% of disputed scores improved upon manual human review, prompting the district to pursue a strategy of rapid re-scoring. This initiative aims to ensure that accurate data is taken into account when calculating the A-F rating assigned to schools under Texas’ academic accountability system.
Furthermore, the district continues to emphasize professional growth for educators and engaging strategies to boost student achievement. These complex factors contribute to the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the learning experiences for all DISD students.
For parents wanting to stay informed about their child’s academic performance, STAAR results are available online through the TexasAssessment.gov portal, providing families with critical information regarding their children’s progress and areas needing attention.
In summary, while DISD students have made commendable strides in academic performance as indicated by STAAR results, the district’s leadership acknowledges the ongoing challenges that lie ahead. Continued focus on curriculum alignment, teacher support, and targeted interventions for low-performing areas will be essential to ensuring that all students benefit from a high-quality education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Schools Report Mixed Progress in STAAR Test Results
Texas Schools Show Promising Gains in STAAR Test Results
University Students Experience Historic Papal Announcement
Pharr Students Shine in Healthcare Internship Program
San Angelo’s Small Business Center Recognized Nationally
Texas Education Agency Releases 2022-2023 School Ratings
Texas Schools Unveil 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings
Texas School Districts Propose Major Bond Packages for Voter Approval
Dallas Bright Futures Scholarship Initiative Celebrates Semifinalists
Dallas Schools Receive New A-F Ratings for 2023
Additional Resources
- Dallas News: DISD Student Performance on STAAR
- Wikipedia: Education in Texas
- Community Impact: Richardson ISD Academic Growth
- Google Search: DISD Academic Performance
- NBC Dallas: DISD Academic Improvement
- Google Scholar: STAAR Results Texas
- Dallas Innovates: Academic Alliance Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- ABC13: HISD Education Experiment Results
- Google News: Texas Education System
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
