STAAR scores released last week

By Donnie A. Lucas

Scores on the spring 2022 STAAR testing for grades 3-8 were recently released by the Texas Education Agency, with local scores exceeding state or matching statewide scores in almost all areas.

The results were also higher compared to last year’s numbers for local students in most areas.

“We did well on the testing,” director of student services Leigh Lowe said. “There were just a couple of areas where we scored below the state average, and those were at the same grade level.”

Results for the STAAR tests are reported on three scoring levels including “approaches,” when a student is close to meeting state standards. The next category is “Meets” when a student actually scores at or above the state standard.

A third category, “Masters,” reports scores that well exceed the passing level.

All three categories count as passing by the state. Originally, the plan developed by the state was to eliminate the “Approaches” designation as passing, but due to the ­COVID-19 epidemic, that phase has not been implemented.

“What we are most happy about is the amount of growth students have shown over last year, which was our goal,” Lowe said. “Almost every area tested showed growth by students.”

The eighth grade posted a couple of concerning scores in US history and math, although the group improved math scores considerably over last year as seventh graders. Social studies is tested for the first time in the eighth grade.

“Middle school students seem to be hit the most this year across the state,” principal Glen Hill said. “We will have specific intervention instruction during WIN time to target the students who need more help.”

Results for high school students were reported two weeks ago. The state held the reports for grades 3-8 until last week.