TX Commissioner of Education Mike Morath 2023 | State Board for Education
Primary data on overall student readiness in Southard Middle School is derived from the TSI's assessments, which evaluate student capabilities in reading, writing, and mathematics. Certain students may qualify for exemptions from these assessments. In contrast, CCMR focuses on preparedness for life post-high school, factoring in TSI scores along with other criteria like dual credits, AP/IB exam results, and more, to provide insights into specific subject performance.
In the 2021-22 school year, Southard Middle School's student population was made up of 932 students, of which 124 were White, 118 Hispanic, 53 African American, 24 Multiracial, 14 Asian, and one American Indian students.
Data shows that 53% (14) of Southard Middle School 28 Asian students, 50% of its three American Indian students, 46% (24) of its 54 multiracial students, 42% (124) of its 297 white students, 33% (118) of its 358 Hispanic students, and 28% (53) of its 192 African American students had "mastered" their grade level in the 2021-22 school year and were "on track for college and career readiness," as measured by state academic standards.
The TEA says students who meet, but haven't mastered their grade level are "prepared to progress to the next grade," but are not on a college track.
In 2020-21, the TEA noted that 618 Southard Middle School students - equivalent to 73% of the student population - were not on the academic path to college eligibility. This contrasts with 2021-22, where the percentage stood at 64%, marking a 9% decrease from the previous year.
Despite an improvement after the pandemic, Texas students are still struggling to keep a good performance and reach grade level in schools. In the 2021-22 school year, nearly two-thirds (60%) of students were below grade level in math and 48% did not meet the standards in reading language and arts.
According to Chandra Villanueva, director of policy and advocacy for Every Texan, one of the main causes for this is bad funds management. "Your average homeowner is like, 'Look, I'm paying more and more every single year. Why are my schools still underfunded, overcrowded, my teachers underpaid? Obviously, the schools are doing a bad job with my money,'" she said in an interview. Currently, Texas residents pay more than $70 billion annually in taxes destined to public education.
Gov. Abbott has been calling not only for an end to the main school property tax, but to use public money to support private schools. The initiative is called universal private school choice and, if passed, would allow residents to use taxpayer money to pay for their kids' private education.
"School choice not only improves education for every kid and every parent who chooses that pathway," Abbott said at the Texas Capitol on Oct. 16.
| School | Total Students | % On College Track |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Middle School | 580 | 72% |
| Godwin Elementary School | 554 | 79% |
| Harper Elementary School | 578 | 70% |
| Lacy Elementary School | 618 | 74% |
| Lovelady High School | 533 | 73% |
| Lowe Elementary School | 655 | 75% |
| Princeton High School | 1,349 | 82% |
| Smith Elementary School | 678 | 67% |
| Southard Middle School | 932 | 64% |
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