Scores above average in 18 of 22 tested areas

By Donnie A. Lucas

Parents of Albany students in grades 3-11 should soon receive reports for state STAAR testing results administered during the spring.

According to AISD testing coordinator Leigh Lowe, individualized “portfolios” or reports were mailed to parents earlier in the week for STAAR testing and 2019 End of Course (EOC) tests in a variety of subject areas.

“Overall, Albany students did fairly well again, with only two testing areas that were below results for Region 14 and the state,” Lowe said. “We are pleased with the test results, but of course will continue to strive for improved scores.”

Parents can also access individual results online using their child’s Social Security number to obtain a unique access code. Instructions on how to obtain the access code and view results can be found on the district’s website or the district Facebook Page.

Lowe presented the scores to trustees of the district during a school board meeting Monday, explaining that she is currently in the process of comparing the results to previous test results to determine the progress students made in each tested area.

Students statewide are tested in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, including high school students who are required to pass EOC tests in order to graduate.

“We are very pleased with the scores in many areas, but there are a few places where we need to improve,” superintendent Jonathan Scott said. “Test scores only assess where a student was on a particular day in a particular area, but what we think is more important is what progress each student is making and identifying areas where they need help.”

Scores on each test are reported with a scale score that indicates if a student is approaching grade level, meeting grade level, or mastering the grade level.

Currently the Texas Education Agency considers students who meet at least the “approaches” designation as having passed, while any who fall below that are failing and may have to retake the exam. 

In some cases, students will have to repeat tests until they attain a passing designation, such as with the EOC tests.

Lowe noted that of the 22 areas tested, Albany students met or mastered the grade level target in 10 areas, while 12 areas still need improvement. With only a couple of exceptions, local scores were higher than the region and state averages.

“What we have to concentrate on is getting all students to the ‘meets grade level’ target,” Lowe said. “We keep hearing that the state is going to eliminate acceptance of ‘approaches grade level’ as passing, but no definite date or time line has been established.”

The results include all students tested at this point, including students who may have moved in after the official “snapshot” date of Oct. 26. Ultimately, the district will be held responsible only for the results of students enrolled on the snapshot date.

Scores will play a part in the district’s overall “grade” that is expected to be announced in August.