ECISD Elementaries Shine in Preliminary State Assessment Scores, Sixth Grade Math Drops
Arnoldo Mata
EDINBURG TX — Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District officials presented an overview of preliminary State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores during last week’s board meeting, highlighting district-wide performance trends and calling for targeted improvements in middle school math instruction. The meeting was held on Tuesday, July 24.
Assessment Director Jose Garza shared that the preliminary scores, based on data from DMAC Solutions and Lead4ward, will be used to guide planning for the 2025-26 school year. Official accountability ratings are expected from the Texas Education Agency on August 15.
According to the data presented, ECISD’s current preliminary district rating stands at a B, with a number grade of 83.1. This reflects consistent performance compared to last year’s 83, with improvements in several academic areas.
Elementary campuses performed particularly well, exceeding both regional and state averages in most subjects, including reading, math, and science. Notably, 88% of campuses earned three or more points on the TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) growth indicator, a strong showing for English learners.
Middle schools also demonstrated gains, with the district possibly seeing one or two middle schools earning an A rating for the first time in two years. ECISD increased its number of A-rated campuses from 6 in 2022-23 to a potential 15 this year, pending final results.
However, Garza and board members acknowledged ongoing challenges in sixth-grade math performance. The shift from 90 minutes of math instruction in elementary school to a 49-minute period in middle school was cited as a key factor. Board members and administrators discussed expanding math instructional time—potentially through scheduling changes, enrichment period reallocations, and hiring additional teachers—to better support student growth.
Trustees and staff also emphasized the importance of reducing teacher pullouts for training, aiming to preserve classroom instruction time. Superintendent Dr. Mari Salinas noted a 50% reduction in substitute-related spending, reflecting fewer teacher absences due to training.
Garza added that while the district’s CCMR (College, Career, and Military Readiness) score currently sits at 82, schools must reach 88 to secure an A rating under state accountability metrics. English I, English II, and Algebra I remain targeted areas for academic growth at the high school level.
Final accountability ratings and more comprehensive performance reports, including comparisons with regional and state averages, will be available in December with the release of the TEA’s Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR).
Source — Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District.