STAAR Results Show State Schools Are Failing Texas Students

Newly released results of academic performance assessments show that state schools are failing Texas students.

On Friday, the Texas Education Agency released the results of the 2024 STAAR test, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, for students in Grades 3-8.

The results include assessments in math and reading for students in 3rd-8th grade, 5th and 8th grade science, and 8th grade social studies.

Not only did student performance decline compared to 2023 in almost every category, but the percentage of 3rd-8th grade students meeting grade level in the assessed subjects was a failing 26 to 54 percent.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath blamed the “significant gaps in mathematics achievement” on “pandemic-induced disruptions.”

“As a result, we must keep our foot on the gas to intensify efforts in providing targeted interventions and research-based education strategies to ensure that students obtain necessary foundational skills and concepts and achieve the desired academic outcomes not only in math but across all subject areas,” Morath said in a statement announcing the results.

Friday’s report on Grades 3-8 followed disappointing end-of-course assessment results released last week that showed students’ academic performance “held steady” or declined in most subjects.

Worse, only 45 to 69 percent of high school students met grade level in the assessed subjects.

According to the TEA, STAAR results help parents know how well their child learned this year’s academic material and whether their child is on track for success in future grades and after graduation.

Parents can view their child’s STAAR 3-8 results by logging into their school district’s family portal or TexasAssessment.gov.

An analysis of statewide 2024 STAAR 3-8 results is available on the TEA website.

STAAR aggregate level data by state, region, district, and campus is available on the Texas Assessment Research Portal.

Erin Anderson

Erin Anderson is a Senior Journalist for Texas Scorecard, reporting on state and local issues, events, and government actions that impact people in communities throughout Texas and the DFW Metroplex. A native Texan, Erin grew up in the Houston area and now lives in Collin County.