STAAR

Highland Park ISD monitors STAAR assessments, combined with other data sources such as report card grades, local assessments, teacher input, classwork and observations to diagnose student learning. The results of these combined assessments help school leaders and teachers evaluate student learning. 

STAAR longitudinal data shows that, over time, HPISD has remained a leader in state performance. Results from the combined STAAR scores from all grade levels and content areas for the past 18 years indicate that HPISD students consistently outperform state peers by an average of 24.5 percentage points. HPISD 2021 student performance data shows HP students scored 28 percentage points above the state, six points higher than HPISD’s 2017 results. 

The above chart represents all STAAR scores for all grade levels and content areas. 

It is common to see fluctuations in state assessment scores within grade levels and content areas from one year to the next. These changes can occur when the state adjusts either the STAAR exam or the required TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which is the state curriculum). For example, the district saw a decrease in third-grade reading scores as ELA TEKS were undergoing revisions and before the new curriculum was implemented in 2019-2020. 

The district carefully examined results and implemented a systemic instructional commitment in ELA that includes professional learning and job-embedded support. At the same time, it is important to note that district-wide performance was steadily increasing even with the fluctuations. Therefore, evaluating HPISD year-to-year STAAR score fluctuations can be better understood by using the state scores as a reference point.   

How did the pandemic impact student performance on state and national exams?

The state of Texas noted significant declines in STAAR scores due to the pandemic while HPISD saw minimal changes. The pandemic impacted STAAR combined scores for all grade levels and content areas to decline by 17 percent across the state and 10 percent across the Dallas region. HPISD experienced a dip of only 2 percent.

The 2019-2020 school year experienced a dramatic interruption with the closure of schools in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic; no STAAR exams were given that school year. The 2020-2021 school year operated in a unique environment where small groups and other important instructional approaches were limited due to health concerns. Even with those extenuating circumstances, STAAR scores, although there was an overall decrease, showed increases in some areas. Any dips in performance were significantly smaller than those experienced in other districts.

Unlike other school districts that saw major shifts in student performance, Highland Park ISD results remained more stable during the pandemic.