AISD Posts Solid Gains, Graduating More Students

Posted Date: 06/02/2020

August 8, 2014- ­Amarillo ISD and all schools met the state’s standard on academic performance as shown in the accountability ratings released by the Texas Education Agency.

In the STAAR and End of Course exams, comparisons show AISD students generally outperformed their peers in both the state and region. Math and science remained strong areas for the district. Reading and writing scores generally saw growth either matching or slightly beating the state.

AISD’s four-year graduation rate has increased to a high of 90 percent, two points above the state average and 15 percentage points above the district’s graduation rate five years ago.

“This success is the direct result of teachers focusing on classroom instruction and students giving their best effort,” said Superintendent Rod Schroder. “Our goal moving forward will be to maintain the success we've seen in math and science and continue to grow in English language arts and social studies beyond the good results this year.”

Even though the accountability results show AISD is academically ahead of the curve, district leaders see challenges ahead for continued success. AISD’s economically disadvantaged rate of 67 percent (seven points above than the state average) and the influx of refugee students in recent years are reasons the district must continue to improve classroom instruction.

“High poverty rates correlate with lower passing rates in the classroom, so we are trying to break that connection. In regards to our refugee population, we appreciate the diversity they bring, but the language deficiency for those students is a big challenge,” explains Schroder. “Regardless of those difficulties, as we move into another school year, I want our district to be all about improvement.”

2014 AISD State Accountability Ratings

Overall Summary of Results:

• All 52 campuses met the state standard.
• AISD schools received a total of 152 distinguished awards with San Jacinto, Whittier, Woodlands and Tradewind elementaries along with De Zavala Middle School receiving the maximum number of distinctions for their level.