Academic growth evident in spring STAAR scores, Frisco ISD students grades 2-8 show improvement

Frisco, Texas – Frisco Independent School District (FISD) students have demonstrated noteworthy progress in the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), according to data released on August 16th. The results show considerable improvement in most subjects when measured against the previous year.

“While we are pleased with the spring 2023 STAAR and [end of course] scores, we know that the true measure of a student or campus cannot be captured by the score of a single standardized test,” FISD Associate Deputy Superintendent Wes Cunningham said in a statement.

Mixed results in reading scores

Reading and math are universally tested subjects for students in grades 3-8 within the district. In addition, science is assessed in both fifth and eighth grades, with the latter grade also tested in social studies. In each of the subjects examined in grades 3-8, FISD’s performance exceeded the state average. Comparing the 2023 results with the district’s 2022 scores, it was noted that the majority of reading scores remained constant or displayed positive academic growth.

However, the district did witness a slight decline in fifth-grade reading scores. As per the Texas Education Agency (TEA) data, this year’s scores dropped from 93% in 2022 to 92% in 2023. Meanwhile, math scores for students in grades 3-8 showed marked improvement from 2022 to 2023, according to TEA data, with FISD surpassing the state’s average across all grades.

STAAR passing rate remained stable in a year-over-year

With respect to the science STAAR, students’ passing rates were relatively stable year-over-year. Fifth graders retained a passing rate of 82%, while the passing rate for eighth graders saw a slight improvement from 92% in 2022 to 93% in 2023. In social studies, the district made considerable strides as FISD’s scores showcased academic advancement, leaping from an 85% passing rate in 2022 to a remarkable 96% passing rate in 2023.

It should be noted that the 2023 STAAR was restructured to bring the assessments into closer alignment with the teaching methods employed in classrooms. The alterations encompassed modifications in the types of questions posed and a transition to an online format. As a result of these changes, the release of STAAR scores experienced a delay.

Cunningham mentioned that the district is presently awaiting a more detailed breakdown of scores for specific student groups and demographics from TEA. The comprehensive report, slated to be shared with the community in October, will also coincide with the release of the campus and district accountability report once TEA publishes its A-F accountability reports.

STAAR scores for students in the third grade or higher are posted on the district’s Home Access Center.

Click the link to learn how Dallas and Fort Worth ISD students performed on the STAAR test.