HISD is celebrating a significant improvement in student performance on the latest round of STAAR exams, marking a bright spot in the first year of a state takeover.
The data, released on June 11 showed an increase in the percentage of students meeting grade-level standards in reading across grades 4-8 and in math for grades 5, 6, and 8. These gains come amidst significant changes in HISD, which is currently under state control. A new educational system is being implemented under Superintendent Mike Miles.
“One year does not a trend make. But having said that, you can often tell that you’re heading in the right direction with one data set if that data set is tied to clear strategies that have been outlined.”
mike miles
The results suggest that the “New Education System” that Miles championed may yield positive early results. Schools impacted by the new system, roughly 70 elementary and middle schools, saw an average increase of seven percentage points in the share of students scoring at or above grade level in reading and math, compared to a one percentage point increase in the rest of the district.
“HISD still has much work to do to increase proficiency for all students,” he acknowledged in a press release, “but STAAR tells us that we are headed in the right direction.”
Miles pointed to the data as evidence of improvement in struggling schools and a narrowing of achievement gaps within the district.
While celebrating overall improvement, the district acknowledged the continued need to address achievement gaps, particularly for minority students. He pointed to an increase in reading scores for Black and Hispanic students but also recognized that scores for these groups and overall district scores remain below the state average.
The released data is preliminary, with statewide results expected on June 13. Miles expressed confidence that HISD would outperform the state and other large urban districts in growth. Moreover, he praised students and teachers across the district, calling it “one of the best years in academic growth the district has ever experienced.”
While acknowledging the need for continued data collection, Miles expressed optimism about the future.
“One year does not a trend make,” he stated. “But having said that, you can often tell that you’re heading in the right direction with one data set if that data set is tied to clear strategies that have been outlined.”
He even hinted at the possibility of a faster-than-anticipated return to local control for HISD if the positive test results continue.
The improved STAAR scores offer a welcome sign of progress for HISD. However, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of these gains and the broader impact of the new educational system.