Austin School District reports positive trends in mid year academic performance data

The Arlington Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees convened on April 3, 2025, to discuss various topics, including school safety, academic performance, and district improvement goals. The meeting highlighted positive trends in student behavior and academic progress, despite some areas needing improvement.

The session began with a discussion on school safety, where board members expressed optimism about the current climate within the district. One trustee noted that while there are concerns about student behavior, particularly incidents of fighting, the data indicates that only about 2% of students are involved in such issues. This statistic was emphasized to counter negative perceptions about the district, reinforcing that the majority of students are focused on their education.

Following the safety discussion, the board moved on to the mid-year academic report presented by Dr. Natalie Lopez, the Assistant Superintendent of Research and Accountability. Dr. Lopez provided an update on the district's academic performance based on recent benchmark assessments. The report focused on third-grade reading and math, as well as overall district goals for reading, math, and science.

In third-grade reading, the district aimed to increase the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations from 62% to 65% by the end of the year. Currently, the district is at 62%, slightly below the target. For third-grade math, the goal was to rise from 63% to 67%, with current results showing 63%. Overall, the district's reading goal was set to improve from 70% to 72%, but the current performance is at 68%. In math, the district aimed for a jump from 64% to 70%, with current results at 62%.

The report also addressed college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) for twelfth graders, with a goal of increasing readiness from 87% to 90%. As of March 24, 2025, the district reported 77% of seniors meeting this criterion, an improvement from the previous year. Attendance rates were discussed as well, with a goal of increasing from 93% to 94%, although current attendance remains at 93%.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring academic progress and addressing areas needing improvement as the school year progresses. The board expressed confidence in achieving the end-of-year goals, particularly in CCMR, and acknowledged the ongoing efforts of staff and students in enhancing educational outcomes.