• Elementary STAAR scores
• Middle School STAAR scores
• High School "End of Course" exams
• How parents can help

• The STAAR is a standardized test that has compared all Texas schools on the core subjects of math, English, science, and history since 2011.
• The test isn't perfect, but for now, it's the best metric we have to track student growth over time.
• It's also the best metric we have to measure the academic health of our district--that's why we need to take it seriously.

For this video, saying that students "didn't meet grade level expectations" is the same as saying that they failed the grade.

PLEASE WATCH THE SHORT VIDEO BELOW. ALL DATA IS PRE-COVID.

• It's difficult to track student progress over time because the STAAR benchmark and measuring methods change so much.
• The STAAR data for this video is from years in which the measurements were taken in the same way (that's why the data starts at the year 2017).
• The STAAR was not proctored in 2020 due to the "state of emergency" declaration.
• Keep in mind that the 2021 scores will be lower because of learning loss during 2020.
• The video takes all of this these talking points into account and always looks at the highest possible passing rate for our kids.

>>This video was the best possible take on things.

• The video below is from a special meeting on February 21, 2022.
• All GCISD trustees and Dr. Ryan discuss the district's academic progress report for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade reading and math.
• Dr. Ryan concurs with the 35% not meeting grade level reading when he says "65%" pass (1:07), and he specifically says that these numbers were from before C*vid--just like in the video above.
• Trustee Sullins reads that in 2021 it's 57% passing (2:52).
• He then shares that in 2019 it's 61% passing (2:52) and 64% passing (3:08).
• The administration is well aware of the district's academic standing.

For this video, saying that students "didn't meet grade level expectations" is the same as saying that they failed the grade.

PLEASE WATCH THE SHORT VIDEO BELOW. ALL DATA IS PRE-COVID.

• 25% of graduating 8th graders failed basic reading and middle school math. How should we expect them to perform academically in high school?
• Is it reasonable to expect these students to perform well in an Advanced Placement class?
• How will they do on their AP tests?
• How will these deficits in student education be filled when the administration accepts a failure rate of over 25%?

>>Is this what you thought academics in GCISD looked like?

• Algebra: 26% met standard
• Biology: 56% met standard
• English 1 Reading: 31% met standard
• English 2 Reading: 71% met standard
• History: 87% met standard

*The Algebra score is extra low because only "on-level" students take that test that year. The "advanced" kids skipped to the next grade.

This data is from SchoolDigger, which takes data from the district's own academic data.

Algebra: 37% met standard

Biology: 68% met standard

English 1 Reading: 30% met standard

English 2 Reading: 74% met standard

History: 91% met standard

*The Algebra score is extra low because only "on-level" students take that test that year. The "advanced" kids skipped to the next grade.

This data is from SchoolDigger, which takes data from the district's own academic data.

• According to Niche, GCISD ranks 9th in Texas.
• Notice how this ranking is based on statistics AND opinions from students and parents.

• When you're given a rank, know how it's calculated, or you'll be misled.
• Niche's district rank of 9th does not focus on Academics.
• If you want to learn about Academics, then you look only at Academics.
• STAAR Academic data comes directly from the district--not from any other outside source.
• SchoolDigger.com also uses data from the district's STAAR scores.

• The Director of Accountability & Continuous Improvement
• Shannon Tovar | shannon.tovar@gcisd.net

1) academics, 2) teachers, 3) clubs & activities, 4) administration, 5) food, 6) diversity, 7) college prep, 8) health & safety, 9) sports, & 10) resources & facilities.

If you want an ACADEMIC rank, you have to look at Niche's ACADEMICS only, which is still in the 60s for passing.

• Recent information has brought to light that a key reason teachers are leaving the profession is lack of equal parental partnerships.
• In short, they need you to help your kid out with some schoolwork at home.
• Reading with your child just 20 minutes a day and practicing basic math facts on the drive to school can make all of the difference in the world!

• While teachers appreciate notes of thanks, there's no better gift than just making their job a little bit easier every day.
  
• Two highly devoted teachers compiled all of the STAAR data for our videos.

• What sort of academic experiences have you had in GCISD?
• What do you do to help with the academic growth of your child?
  
• What do you do to support your teacher?

Tell us your story. With your permission, we'll put it on our webpage <gcisdparents@gmail.com>.