September 26, 2025

Texas School Graduation Rates Showcase Growth

News Summary

The Texas Education Agency’s latest report reveals impressive high school graduation rates, with nearly 90% of students graduating on time. The report highlights innovative teacher compensation models in the Dallas Independent School District, which reward performance, contributing to improved teacher retention and student proficiency. Additionally, discussions on cell phone bans in schools aim to enhance student engagement. These initiatives underscore Texas’s focus on educational improvement and accountability, promising better outcomes for students across the state.

Dallas

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) showcased impressive graduation statistics and innovative teacher compensation models during its 2025 State of Education Report presented at the Dallas Regional Chamber’s annual education luncheon. The report indicates that around 90% of students in Texas graduate from high school on time, which positions the state among the top 5 to 8 nationwide for graduation rates.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath highlighted the transformative efforts within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD). He commended the district for implementing a performance-based compensation plan for teachers. This plan allows educators the opportunity to earn salaries of up to $102,000 annually based on their performance and impact on student learning rather than solely on their years of service.

The TEA’s findings reveal that across Texas, 809 school systems have adopted similar performance-based compensation plans. These initiatives are reported to enhance teacher retention rates by approximately 8-9%. Furthermore, districts implementing such compensation structures have seen students being nine percent more likely to achieve grade-level proficiency.

Focus on Teacher Quality

In his presentation, Morath underscored the importance of fostering high-quality educators. The state’s current emphasis includes not only the growth of teacher numbers but also the recruitment and retention of effective teaching professionals. This strategy is deemed essential for continuous educational improvement across Texas.

Statewide Initiatives

During the report, Morath also advocated for a statewide ban on cell phones in public schools, suggesting that this could significantly enhance student focus and engagement with their studies. This recommendation is part of a broader initiative to refine educational practices in an effort to improve overall student outcomes.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion followed the presentation, bringing together various education leaders to deliberate on pertinent issues such as school accountability ratings, district budgets, and their overall impact on workforce readiness. These discussions are vital for aligning educational objectives with real-world work requirements, fostering synergy between school systems and the demands of future employment opportunities.

Background on Texas Education

The recent report from the TEA underscores significant strides made in Texas education, particularly in the context of high school graduation rates. The state’s ranking among the top cohorts nationally reflects ongoing efforts to enhance educational standards. Additionally, the shift towards performance-based teacher compensation aligns with national conversations regarding educational reform and the value of teacher effectiveness in student success.

Overall, as Texas continues to focus on enhancing its educational framework through innovative practices and accountability measures, the ongoing dialogue among education leaders will likely shape future policies and educational outcomes across the state.

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Additional Resources

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.

STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

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