TEA RELEASES 2023 STAAR END-OF-COURSE ASSESSMENT RESULTS

  

Brenham and Burton ISDs showed a mix of improvement and regression in this year’s STAAR end-of-course assessments.

According to spring 2023 results released on Friday by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Brenham ISD improved in 8 out of 15 areas for “approaches”, “meets” and “masters” grade level across five subjects when compared to spring 2022, while Burton ISD’s grades were higher in 7 out of 15.  For Brenham ISD, 6 other areas declined while another was unchanged.  Burton ISD’s scores dropped in 7 areas and remained the same in another. 

Brenham ISD’s “approaches” grade level scores for the five measured subjects – Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II and U.S. History – were all up from spring 2022.  Burton ISD improved in English I and English II, declined in Algebra I and Biology, and stayed the same for U.S. History.

The “meets” grade level averages for Brenham ISD saw increases from last spring in Algebra I, English I and English II, but Biology and U.S. History dropped.  Burton ISD had higher averages in English I and English II, but lower numbers in Algebra I, Biology and U.S. History. 

For “masters” grade level, Brenham ISD did not report any improvements from the spring of a year ago, with averages holding steady in English II and falling for Algebra I, Biology, English I and U.S. History.  Burton ISD’s mastery levels were better in Biology, English I and English II, but went down in Algebra I and U.S. History.

When compared to the statewide average results for spring 2023, Brenham ISD’s scores either match or are higher than the state for Algebra I, but the district trailed the state in Biology, English I, English II and U.S. History. 

Burton ISD exceeded the state average in English I and English II and was lower in Algebra I.  For Biology, Burton ISD matched the state’s “approaches” level but was below the “meets” and “masters” mark.  The district’s U.S. History scores were above the state for “approaches” and “meets”, but fell shy in “masters”. 

This year’s STAAR test was redesigned in an effort by the TEA to better align with classroom instruction.  The new test required a re-setting of standards and scales from 2022 to 2023.  The STAAR results for grades 3-8 are expected to be released in mid-August.

KWHI has requested comments from Brenham ISD Superintendent Dr. Tylor Chaplin and Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy.