How Austin ISD, Texas students performed on high school STAAR tests

Texas high school students' performance on state tests improved this year locally and statewide across nearly every subject, according to end-of-course assessment results released Wednesday. Austin Independent School District students' performance dramatically improved on Algebra I tests to 78% of students passing, up from 69% last year. There were gains across all subject areas. Students in both Austin ISD and the Central Texas region performed largely on par with state averages. Despite improvement across the board for Texas low-income students, both the region and Austin ISD continue to lag behind the state in educating those students in Algebra I and English literature exams. The results represent students' performance on required high school-level State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, tests. The scores released Wednesday reflect results for mandated end-of-course exams, which students complete after taking five high school–level classes. While most of the students taking these tests are in high school, some middle school students taking advanced coursework also take the tests. Students are required to pass the end-of-course exams to graduate, although there are some exceptions. Commissioner Mike Morath said in a statement, "These results reflect the hard work of Texas students, educators and families and demonstrate that focused instruction and high expectations continue to produce positive outcomes for students across our state." Morath also speculated that the state's 2025 ban on cell phones in schools could be helping students focus while in class. Austin ISD largely performed on par with students across the state. But low-income, Hispanic and Black students in Austin ISD performed far lower than their district peers and lower than similar students across Texas in math and reading. However, Austin ISD made notable progress this year narrowing the performance gap between its general population and high-needs students, including those who are low-income. Statewide, 77% of low-income students passed Algebra 1 and 63% passed English I. About 93% of Texas students passed the biology test, compared to 91% last year. Mary Lynn Pruneda, director of education and workforce policy for the nonpartisan think tank Texas 2036, attributed the results to state investments in community college programs, which often partner with high schools, and career and technical programming. The state's release of STAAR results comes at a key time for Austin ISD. The district is facing the possibility of a state takeover. Three Austin ISD middle schools — Dobie, Burnet and Webb — have received four consecutive F ratings. The state will release scores for third- through eighth-graders' tests next Tuesday, foreshadowing how those campuses may perform on state letter grades. In 2023, students started taking the exam entirely on a computer. The test also includes more open-ended, short response questions and places a greater emphasis on writing. Last year, lawmakers voted to replace the STAAR test with three shorter assessments at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. This change will go into effect in the 2027-28 school year. Families can view their child's individual scores at TexasAssessment.gov.