How did students do? Texas 2036 breaks down STAAR
This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter breaking down the results of this month’s STAAR results and what they mean for Texas students. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
STAAR results are out: What you need to know
This week’s STAAR results are in, giving Texans a clearer picture of how students in grades 3 through 8 are performing in the classroom.
Combined with last week’s end-of-course exam results, the results show how well students are mastering the state curriculum and whether they’re on grade level. We break down what the numbers mean and what’s next.
How are Texas students doing?
Reading:
Scores rose by 1 percentage point, with 54% of students meeting grade level. It’s a small gain but it marks a record high in reading.
Math:
43% of students met grade level, up 2 points from last year.
Still, that’s below pre-pandemic levels, when 50% of students were on track.
Science:
46% met grade level, which was up 4 points from last year. But that’s still 7 points below where students were before the pandemic.
Social Studies:
49% of students met grade level, the same as last year. This remains 5 points lower than pre-pandemic performance.
“It’s encouraging to see signs of progress in math and reading, but we’re still not where we need to be. Continued focus and thoughtful investment in the middle grades will be key to sustaining and accelerating this progress.”
Gabe Grantham, policy advisor
What do the STAAR scores mean for students?
STAAR results fall into four categories: Masters, Meets, Approaches, and Did Not Meet Grade Level. Students in the Approaches or Did Not Meet categories are not on grade level.
Under Texas law, students who do not score at Approaches or higher in grades 3–8 or on high school end-of-course exams must receive accelerated instruction.
📝 Important note:
Students are not automatically held back if they fail the STAAR in grades 3–8. While parents can request a grade repeat, it is rare.
For example, 58% of students are not on grade level in math, and 32% score in the lowest category, yet only 2.3% of students are retained each year.
Did you know? If a child isn’t on grade level by third grade, their odds of catching up are slim. Too many children are missing the strong foundations in reading and math they need for long-term success.
STAAR shows where TX students stand
STAAR isn’t just a test. It’s a critical tool to measure how well students are learning the skills in Texas’ academic standards.
With nearly 9,000 campuses across more than 1,200 districts, consistent data helps us see where students stand and ensures they’re on track for success.
Read more: Why STAAR matters: Keeping Texas students on track
What voters tell us about accountability and assessments
In our surveys of Texas voters, we find consistent support for knowing whether our children are performing academically on grade level:
- 70% said teaching students to read at grade level was the most or next most important element of a good school
- 47% rated teaching students to do math at grade level as the most or next most important element of a good school
- 80% supported raising accountability thresholds for schools to ensure students graduating ready for college or a career
- 79% favored notifying parents beginning in kindergarten whether their children are learning at grade level.
📅 What to watch this fall as HB 2 takes effect
With Texas’ major school finance bill, House Bill 2, going into effect Sept. 1, here are key changes to look out for:
- Teacher pay raises across the board
- Early literacy and math support through new screening tools
- Targeted investments in student interventions and teacher training
- Expansion of college and career pathways, including R-PEP and P-TECH programs
- Better student outcome data for counselors, school leaders and policymakers
Read more: 8 ways the TXLege advanced a career-ready workforce
Achieving long-term success for all students
A strong academic foundation is essential for long-term student success in Texas. When students fall behind, it becomes harder to catch up, putting their future opportunities at risk.
That is why Texas 2036 worked this session to provide lawmakers with data-driven solutions aimed at strengthening academic foundations for students today so they can succeed tomorrow.
We want to hear from you.
Do you think parents should have clear, honest information about how their kids are doing in school? Let us know your thoughts.