Richardson ISD students have shown significant improvement in their academic progress test scores, with growth seen in all grade levels from kindergarten to eighth grade. Gina Ortiz, senior executive director of accountability and continuous improvement, presented the results at the June 4 board of trustees meeting.
Breaking it Down
The district uses MAP exams, which are administered three times a year, to gauge student progress. Ortiz noted that the exams are an integral piece in making decisions for students and determining what interventions they need. All grade levels showed growth from the fall assessments to the end-of-year assessments in English reading and Spanish reading exams, with the district performing above the national norm expectation for every grade level.
The math exams also showed growth from the fall to spring assessment in all grades, with every grade level except eighth grade at or above the national norms. Ortiz highlighted that over half of Richardson ISD students met their expected growth goals in reading and math, outpacing the national norm of 50%.
A Closer Look
DeMarcus Goree-Watkins, Forest Lane Elementary principal, said his campus ensured that each student knew their growth goal and had touch points throughout the year to check in with their teachers and celebrate accomplishing their goals. The board highlighted a few campuses that showed outstanding growth from the fall to spring exams, including Jess Harben Elementary, Forest Lane Elementary, and Richardson North Junior High.
Looking ahead, Ortiz said the district will analyze the MAP data to create individual growth plans for each student in 2026-27, with a deeper focus on targeted intervention and enrichment opportunities for students. Although the district has seen student growth, Superintendent Tabitha Branum said the results are not where they want to be yet, and the district will continue to work towards its goal of 100% of students meeting or exceeding their academic growth goals.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Richardson — read the source article.
