TX Commissioner of Education Mike Morath 2023 | State Board for Education
Primary data on overall student readiness in Lowery Freshman Center 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, Lowery Freshman Center's student population was made up of 1,784 students, of which 292 were White, 275 Asian, 56 African American, 49 Hispanic, 30 Multiracial, four American Indian, and three Pacific Islander students.
Data shows that 66% (275) of Lowery Freshman Center 418 Asian students, 59% of its eight American Indian students, 55% of its seven Pacific Islander students, 38% (292) of its 770 white students, 36% (30) of its 84 multiracial students, 22% (49) of its 227 Hispanic students, and 21% (56) of its 270 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 1,098 Lowery Freshman Center students - equivalent to 61% of the student population - were not on the academic path to college eligibility. This continued with 2021-22, where the percentage stood at 61%.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Allen High School | 5,315 | 60% |
| Alton Boyd Elementary School | 553 | 84% |
| Alvis C. Story Elementary School | 453 | 75% |
| Beverly Cheatham Elementary School | 747 | 48% |
| Bolin Elementary School | 533 | 57% |
| Carlena Chandler Elementary School | 583 | 62% |
| D. L. Rountree Elementary School | 441 | 89% |
| David and Lynda Olson Elementary School | 537 | 62% |
| Dr. E. T. Boon Elementary School | 770 | 45% |
| Ereckson Middle School | 1,256 | 42% |
| Flossie Floyd Green Elementary School | 574 | 62% |
| Frances E. Norton Elementary School | 672 | 52% |
| Gene M. Reed Elementary School | 471 | 68% |
| George Junior Anderson Elementary School | 397 | 68% |
| James and Margie Marion Elementary School | 549 | 64% |
| Jenny Preston Elementary School | 613 | 50% |
| Kerr Elementary School | 711 | 48% |
| Lois Lindsey Elementary School | 842 | 53% |
| Lowery Freshman Center | 1,784 | 61% |
| Mary Evans Elementary School | 732 | 38% |
| Max O. Vaughan Elementary School | 696 | 47% |
| W. E. Pete Ford Middle School | 847 | 58% |
| Walter & Lois Curtis Middle School | 1,343 | 51% |
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