Students in the Boerne ISD continue to perform above the state norm in key subject areas, as evidenced by recent preliminary STAAR testing results reviewed at Monday’s board of trustees meeting.
The Texas Education Agency released preliminary STAAR test data on June 14, allowing districts to compare aggregate and grouped test scores with schools statewide and in their regions.
Larissa Flores, BISD chief instructional officer, led a review of the preliminary data showing Boerne’s “all grades and subjects” aggregate scores landing 13 to 15 percent better than the state scores.
But the results show much work remains to be done, particularly in math and science categories. For the STAAR testing, passing performance levels include “masters,” “meets” and “approaches” percentages. Only a score of “did not meet” grade level means a student did not pass a test.
Overall, 88 percent of Boerne’s third-through-eighth grade students recorded at least “approaches” scores, compared to 73% for all of Texas. Boerne test-takers reached 70% “meets” compared to just 47% at the state level; 36% of students mastered the tests, nearly double the state mark of 20%.
In science, fifth grade, eighth grade and biology I scores were tabulated. Boerne ISD was well above the state and region scores, Flores said.
“But we did see some decreases in fifth grade science, by an average of 6%,” she said. “Biology (scores) did stay steady in the approaches and meets, although the number mastering the topic fell off slightly.”
A similar pattern emerged in mathematics, where sixth, seventh and eighth grade math and Algebra I scores test results were compiled.
Again, Boerne ISD’s scores eclipsed the state and region results — but Flores injected a dose of realism, bolstered by sagging percentages.
Even though the district’s scores — “approaches” of 84% in sixth grade, 81% in seventh grade, 82% in eighth grade and 91% in Algebra I — are well above the region, “we did see dips, straight across,” she said. “Sixth grade dropped by 4 percent, seventh grade by 8 percent, and eighth grade by 9 percent.”
Masters levels were 25% in sixth grade, 26% in seventh grade and 16% in eighth grade. But that number shot up in Algebra, as 43% scored in the masters category.
“Fifth grade math scores did have a downturn in all levels,” Flores said. “But this cohort of students did show improvement from their fourth-grade year.” She said only 10% of fifth graders this year did not pass, compared to 17% last year.
The district’s reading and language arts STAAR results were, again, above the state and region scores. Some scores were higher than a year ago, while others were down slightly.
Flores said teachers and campus leaders have already begun to assess the data and will begin plans of action to rectify as many of the subject matter issues as possible.
“Data points are used in studying the campus goals that drive the campus professional learning plans, to monitor and adjust instruction,” she said. “These are also launching points for our teaching staff to plan for appropriate learning design.”
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