The district recently reported gains in some STAAR test results amid talk of a possible state takeover.
FORT WORTH, Texas — After the release of school accountability ratings in April prompted talk of a potential state takeover of the district, Fort Worth ISD is reporting gains in some recent state test results.
The Texas Education Agency earlier this week released spring 2025 STAAR high school end-of-course assessments, which showed gains in Algebra I and Biology and slight declines in English I, English II and U.S. History.
In Algebra I, 47% of students met grade level, up slightly from 45% in spring 2024. Biology scores also improved, with 62% of students meeting grade level compared to 57% last year. English I and English II saw slight score declines, with 51% (down from 54%) and 56% (down from 60%) of students meeting grade level. U.S. History remained relatively stable, with 68% meeting grade level, down a percentage point from 2024.
“Texas students and educators continue to work hard to demonstrate academic excellence,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. “At the same time, we also recognize that too many students are still not where they need to be academically. Using a reliable system of assessments, we can continue making progress on the strategies that are most effective in improving student learning and long-term success.”
Last week, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Dr. Karen Molinar presented preliminary spring 2024 STAAR test results from spring testing during a school board meeting.
District officials say 2024 STAAR test results for grades 3-8 showed no decreases in reading scores, and gains ranging from 2-7%.
Third-grade 2024 Reading results rose, showing 59% scored at Approaches Grade level, a category that indicates students are likely to succeed in the next grade or course with targeted academic intervention, or higher in 2024, to 65% in 2025.
“Beyond third grade reading, we are also seeing gains in nearly every tested subject in third through eighth grades – a strong signal that our instructional strategies and support systems are driving meaningful outcomes for students across the district,” Molinar said. “Our work does not stop here, in fact, it’s only just begun. Moving forward, we have to remain focused on literacy and be willing to make changes in areas we are not performing as we should be,” she added.
The results showed that 4th-grade reading and math scores were up, with no decreases and some gains in 5th-grade reading scores, according to the district.
The district says the percentage of students who achieved the Masters level in U.S. History, a category that indicates students are expected to succeed in the next grade or course with little or no academic intervention, increased to 25%.
Fort Worth ISD said 85% of students who took the STAAR Biology end-of-course test scored at Approaches Grade Level, or higher.
Fort Worth ISD officials say the district is putting measures in place, including redesigned curriculum and demo classroom with instructional modeling, to address student performance challenges.
“We will continue to work to give every student in Fort Worth ISD the tools they need to succeed. I am proud of our teachers and students and what they accomplished this year, but we will hit the ground running in August and continue to improve. Every second and every student counts,” said Molinar.
The state takeover of Houston ISD has widespread criticism as the district saw its 28 libraries removed and replaced with “discipline centers.”