HISD students score above state average

The students in Hallettsville ISD scored very well in the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests that were administered last Spring.

According to HISD executive director of curriculum and instruction, Dr. Mandy Bucek, the students beat the state average in all areas, except for one.

The STAAR test is the state’s student testing program that is based on the assessment of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. It is the state’s curriculum standards.

In addition, the results released recently showed the district students topping the state average by double digits in some areas.

“Overall, we scored above the state average in reading, math, and science in all grade levels and outperformed the state by double digits in some areas,” HISD executive director of curriculum and instruction, Dr. Mandy Bucek said. “We missed the state average by one percentage point in 8th grade social studies.”

The STAAR test encompasses students in Grades 3-8 tested in Reading and Math, while eighth graders are also tested in Science, Social Studies and Algebra I.

High school students are tested in English I and II, Algebra I, Biology and U.S. History

According to Bucek, the test measures students by reporting the results in the three categories including Approaches, Meets and Masters.

Bucek said Approaches is considered the passing standard for the STAAR and the End of Course (EOC) tests that are administered to students.

The STAAR test results showed HISD students scored anywhere between 80 to 100% in all areas with the exception of falling one percentage point below Grade 8 Social Studies.

“We’re very pleased at the progress we’ve made this year,” HISD superintendant Dr. Jo Ann Bludau said. “We truly appreciate the efforts of everyone (staff, students and parents) in achieving these results.”