News Summary
Recent STAAR test results reveal that students in Dallas and Fort Worth schools have shown improvement in reading and math scores, with noticeable gains in reading proficiency. However, math performance still faces challenges, particularly in middle school grades. Despite the overall positive trend, both Dallas Independent School District and Fort Worth Independent School District fall below state averages, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts in educational strategies. The Texas Education Agency emphasizes a continued focus on literacy and math to support academic recovery post-COVID-19.
Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas
Recent results from the Spring STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) tests, released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), indicate an overall improvement in reading and math scores for students across the state. This trend of recovery after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly evident in the performance of students in grades 3-8, with most showing gains in reading proficiency. However, challenges remain in mathematics, as improvements were not as pronounced.
Statewide STAAR Test Results
In reading, the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations exceeded pre-pandemic benchmarks in nearly every grade level. The following percentages reflect the students who met grade-level standards:
- Third Grade: 49%
- Fourth Grade: 52%
- Fifth Grade: 57%
- Sixth Grade: 54%
- Seventh Grade: 52%
- Eighth Grade: 56%
Comparing to last year’s scores, reading proficiency showed increases as follows:
- Fifth Graders: Up 4%
- Third and Fourth Graders: Up 3%
- Eighth Graders: Up 2%
Scores for sixth and seventh graders remained stable compared to the previous year. In addition, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath highlighted the importance of these results as indicators of academic recovery yet stressed the necessity for continued efforts in mathematics.
Math Performance Overview
In mathematics, performance varied significantly across different grades. Notable gains were registered in third and eighth grades, with the following results:
- Third Grade: 44% met grade level
- Fourth and Fifth Grades: 45%
- Sixth Grade: 38%
- Seventh Grade: 31%
- Eighth Grade: 45%
Year-over-year increases in math scores were observed primarily in:
- Third Graders: Up 4%
- Fourth Graders: Up 1%
- Sixth Graders: Up 1%
- Eighth Graders: Up 5%
- Fifth Graders: Down 3%
- Seventh Graders: Down 1%
Dallas ISD STAAR Results
Despite the statewide improvements, Dallas Independent School District (DISD) scored below the state average in both reading and math. In reading, the percentages of students meeting grade-level expectations were:
- Third Grade: 47%
- Fourth Grade: 52%
- Fifth Grade: 57%
- Sixth Grade: 48%
- Seventh Grade: 47%
- Eighth Grade: 51%
However, DISD’s reading scores showed some improvement, with an increase from 42% to 47% in third graders from the previous year. In math, the performance for DISD was:
- Third Grade: 42%
- Fourth Grade: 45%
- Fifth Grade: 46%
- Sixth Grade: 32%
- Seventh Grade: 7%
- Eighth Grade: 39%
Fort Worth ISD’s Performance
Similarly, Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) reported improvements, although results also remained below state averages. The reading performance for FWISD was:
- Third Grade: 41%
- Fourth Grade: 41%
- Fifth Grade: 46%
- Sixth Grade: 38%
- Seventh Grade: 35%
- Eighth Grade: 26%
In math, the performance was as follows:
- Third Grade: 34%
- Fourth Grade: 37%
- Fifth Grade: 34%
- Sixth Grade: 17%
- Seventh Grade: 5%
- Eighth Grade: 31%
Educational Implications
The latest STAAR test results underscore notable advancements in reading for both DISD and FWISD, with both districts emphasizing the need for continuous efforts in literacy programs and adjustments in teaching methodologies. District leaders also pointed to the importance of engaging with educators and parents to enhance student performance, particularly addressing challenges in seventh-grade math scores and the impacts of automated testing scoring.
Overall, while both districts are making strides, there remains a clear need for continued focus on student outcomes and instructional strategies across all grade levels.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Schools Show Academic Growth in STAAR Results
Texas Schools Report Mixed Progress in STAAR Test Results
Texas Schools Show Promising Gains in STAAR Test Results
Texas Schools Unveil 2023 A-F Accountability Ratings
Dallas Schools Receive New A-F Ratings for 2023
Dallas Schools Get Their Grades: A New Look at Performance
Texas Schools Receive Latest Accountability Ratings
Dallas Schools Receive Accountability Grades for 2023
Additional Resources
- Fox 4 News: STAAR Scores Dallas ISD & DeSoto ISD
- Dallas News: How did Dallas ISD students perform on STAAR?
- WFAA: Dallas ISD Superintendent says latest STAAR results show progress
- CBS News: STAAR Testing Begins for Students Across Texas
- Dallas News: What do Texas parents need to know about STAAR?
