Education
BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG
Local districts exceed state average on STAAR Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD students were approaching grade level at a higher rate than state averages for several topics in the spring 2023 administration of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, according to results released Aug. 16. Approaching grade level is equivalent to passing and indicates a student is likely to do well in the next grade level. The overview The most notable disparities between local and state scores were in seventh and eighth grade math. LISD students scored 35 percentage points higher than the state average, while RRISD students scored 23 percentage points higher. One significant score difference was RRISD’s seventh grade math score, which went down 9 percentage points year over year.
District preparing students for post-grad Natalie Nichols, Round Rock ISD’s senior chief of schools and innovation, shared new instructional priorities Aug. 17 for the 2023- 24 school year with the intent to improve students’ college, career and military readiness. What’s happening? Nichols said the district is working to instill a stronger sense of belonging in students and target early literacy as well as advanced math to enhance their confidence in their ability to succeed academically. What they’re saying “Being college ready simply represents the idea that you have a certain level of skill. ... You can go into any area that you choose and be successful,” Nichols said.
Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD students surpassed the state average by more than 10 percentage points in four subjects. Standout scores
Leander ISD Round Rock ISD State average
88%
7th grade reading
85%
77%
67%
7th grade math
58%
35%
88% 87%
8th grade math
44%
86% 85%
8th grade science
72%
78% 77%
8th grade social studies
60%
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Vacancies push LISD to hire uncertified teachers Leander ISD may begin hiring uncertified teach- ers in an effort to fill vacant teaching positions. What’s happening? The LISD board of trustees voted to apply for teacher certification waivers with the Texas
Updated requirements The district will require the following qualifications for teachers hired on a certification waiver:
certification for one to three years as they work toward getting certified, excluding bilingual and special education positions. The board voted to utilize the waivers for a two-year period beginning this school year. LISD will help teachers get certified by tracking their progress toward certification and providing an online test preparation program, according to the district.
Bachelor’s degree or higher
Enrollment in an alternative certification or standard teacher certification program Related education or experience in assigned teaching area Ineligibility for a temporary classroom permit or emergency permit
Education Agency at an Aug. 24 meeting. If approved, the waivers will allow LISD to employ teachers without the required state
SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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