STAAR Test Scores Continue to Decline in Region 11

When STAAR released their 2022-2023 test results, the outcome was rather neutral. When looking down the numbers, not much has changed at a glance. For example, when comparing students who approach grade level standards in the state of Texas versus our Region 11, we are performing roughly the same numbers, give or take a percentage point. 

We even saw a few specific populations make gains, such as Emergent Bilingual students in 6th grade reading increased their approaching grade level standards from 60%-67%, whereas multiple populations in 7th grade reading dropped ( African American students from 72-68, Hispanic students from 75-71, economically disadvantaged students from 72-68, and Emergent Bilingual students 71-67). Some populations remained relatively unchanged, such as economically disadvantaged students and other populations gained or lost only one percentage point. 

When we look at these numbers, it is easy to assume that last year was a wash-not what we were looking for, but not the worst news. Not exactly. When only comparing our state test results to the previous year, we see a percentage point here and there, but when looking at the bigger picture it can be quite alarming.

For example, African American students gained a point in 4th grade reading, moving from 54 to 55% approaching grade level. But is this what we should be striving for? This population is still 15% below the state and region 11 average at 70%, especially when we look at their performance in 2018, where 64% were approaching grade level. 

When looking at 2018-2019 STAAR data, our region and state have overall dipped consistently. Certain subjects such as 5th grade math, used to have 90% of its students approaching grade level standards, where it is now 77%, that is almost 3% of children falling behind every year.

We need to not see these test results as stagnant or disappointing, but as a call to action. We can blame these failing test scores on COVID, the national teaching shortage, or other factors, but the fact of the matter is that our children are not stagnant in growing up and we need to make sure they are getting caught up today.