Richardson Edition | September 2024

Education

BY CONNOR PITTMAN

Richardson ISD grade 38 STAAR scores mostly in line with state averages

Plano ISD trustees approve settlement

RISD adopts new code of civility

Passing score changes, 2023 vs. 2024 Richardson ISD State average

-20 -10

0 +10 +20

A settlement agreement could signal the end of a lawsuit over the Robby & Lynore Robinson Fine Arts Center in Plano. What happened In approving the terms of a settlement agree- ment, legal proceedings that began in February 2022 over the $67.5 million ne arts center located at 1800 Alma Drive could end. District ocials said the details of the settlement are subject to a condentiality agreement. At the meeting, Johnny Hill, PISD’s deputy super- intendent for business and employment services, said the district’s administration recommended approval of the settlement agreement. McCarthy Building Companies, the construction manager at-risk for the ne arts center, had sought $11.45 million in damages for alleged breach of contract. The lawsuit claims the company was

Richardson ISD approved a new code of civility during its Aug. 8 meeting. The new code of civility is included as part of the regular updates to the district’s code of conduct. In a nutshell This year’s changes to the code of conduct included three focus areas: • Code of civility, which emphasizes kind- ness to peers and others, and peaceful and responsible conict resolution • Changes to the appeals process for disci- plinary action • An emphasis on the consequences of vio- lent acts, gang-related activities and ghts

3rd grade

Aside from seventh grade math scores who scored 15% compared to 53% statewide, Rich- ardson ISD students performed close to the state averages on the STAAR but lower than 2023, according to results released in June. The overview Students took a redesigned STAAR for the second straight year, which is conducted online. The new test is intended to more closely resemble what is taught in classrooms. According to a news release from the Texas Education Agency, scores in math and science assessments for third through eighth grade were lower than those from the spring 2023. Scores for the STAAR are broken into four levels. Scores above the “did not meet” grade level are considered passing.

The specics Richardson ISD students scored close to the state averages for reading across the board. Except for fourth grade reading, all scores were down slightly compared to 2023. Math scores were slightly lower than 2023 results. Sixth grade math scores were the only set above the state average. Richardson ISD fth and eighth grade students scored close to the state averages for the science assessment. Richardson ISD students scored above the state average for the eighth grade social studies STAAR. What else? Parents can visit the TEA’s website to access their child’s STAAR scores.

4th grade

5th grade

Plano ISD trustees approved a settlement agreement for the lawsuit at the Aug. 20 meeting.

6th grade

7th grade

MICHAEL CROUCHLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

8th grade

not paid for the entire balance of the project and change orders for the ne arts center, as previously reported by Community Impact . How we got here The ne arts center was included in PISD’s $481 million 2016 bond program and hosts sev- eral events for students and outside artists. The 82,000-square-foot facility opened after several delays in July 2023 and includes a visual arts gallery, 1,500-seat performance hall and a black-box theater.