YISD STAAR pass rate well above region, state

Yoakum ISD students outperformed regional averages in 17 of 20 STAAR and EOC 2022 standardized test scores, according to preliminary results shared during the July 11 YISD meeting.

The results indicate a second consecutive year of YISD earning a higher passing rate than state averages on most assessments given. YISD Superintendent Tom Kelley emphasized his pride in students, parents and teachers for accomplishing such scores.

“I can see that our teachers do a great job of teaching our kids the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and the requirements put forward by TEA,” said Kelley. “We are doing a great job because that is a very difficult test. If you think it’s not difficult, you go take that any STAAR or EOC test at any grade level.”

Kelley said the scores appeared even further above average when compared to schools with similar demographics. 

“This is a very hard test and it’s not luck because we’re doing it consistently,” said Kelley.  

Kelley discussed standardized testing being moved online next year and the challenge it may pose to YISD students as well as those state-wide. 

“We’ve got to train our kids to take that text online because it’s moving to an online test…” said Kelley. “Part of our benchmark and part of our assessment when we practice has got to be online. So, that’s what we’re moving toward right now for next year that we’ll train in.”

The school board also voted to accept a grant worth $286 thousand that will cover many of the costs associated with full-day preschool at YISD. The grant assists with costs for just one year, the district would have to reapply next summer.

 Kelley said the grant covers furniture, portions of teacher and teacher aid salaries, new hires, etc.

“It’s great,” said Kelley of the grant. “We’re going to get to have those pre-k-ers full-day instead of half a day. That’s going to enhance their learning and I think our enrollment is going to be up for pre-k so we’re excited about that.”