Dr. Stephanie Howard, Plains ISD Superintendent, recently sent TownTalk Radio the following Press Release regarding their 2016 STAAR Results.
The district continues to analyze data from the 3-8 STAAR and EOC. The state averages were recently released from TEA for tests given in grades 3-8 (EOC state averages have not been released.) Out of 16 areas we were above the region and state in eight areas. We were above the region in another, but one point below the state. The areas where we lag behind the state are the same as they were in 2015 – grades 3-5; however, we are closing those gaps. We are seeing good gains when looking at cohorts of students. The district has lagged behind the state in 3-5 reading for the past four years (with only one time equaling the state in 3rd grade and last year scoring above state in 5th grade reading); however, this year, we are seeing those gaps shrink. In 2015, 3rd grade reading was 13 points below the state average. That same group of students in 4th grade closed that gap by six points (down to 7). In 2015, 4th grade reading was 15 points below the state average. In 2016 as 5th graders, they reduced the difference between their scores and state averages by seven points. The chart below outlines gains made by the same students (i.e., 4th graders’ scores compares to when they were in 3rd grade):
In 2016 the passing standard increased as part of the phase-in plan with STAAR and EOC test implementation. When comparing 2015 scores at the 2016 passing standard, Plains ISD saw gains in 17 out of 22 tests given.
Other highlights include areas where the passing percentage was 85% or better: 6th grade reading, 8th grade reading, 6th grade math, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History. The district is also excited to see the percentage of students scoring at the advanced level (what was formerly called commended performance) increase in writing and social studies.
While we are pleased with the growth we saw in many areas, the district and campuses are putting plans in place to address the areas of need and improve the performance of all students for the coming year. I commend our students, faculty and staff for the work they did this past year. We have some areas we have identified for improvement, and we will begin the year with a focus on those areas as we strive for continuous improvement for all our students.
