LTF Blog

Laying the Foundation's focus is to ensure all teachers have the resources and training they need to deliver a challenging, college-ready curriculum to their students. Our blog provides the latest information on Pre-AP and AP testing, curriculum and trends. Please join the conversation and let us know your thoughts.

Lower Than Anticipated STAAR Results for English I Writing

Results from the new State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams are beginning to trickle in. The Texas Education Agency released statewide results for several tests, but the one making headlines is the English I End of Course exam.

Out of all the EOC exams released, students had the most trouble with the writing portion of the English exam. Using current cut off scores, 55 percent of students passed the writing section statewide. The state will phase in more rigorous passing requirements over the next four years.

Admittedly, this was the first time ninth graders were assessed on their writing skills. Students were asked to respond to two writing prompts, one literary and one expository, and answered multiple choice questions testing their revision and editing skills.

Ronda Brandon, our Chief Academic Officer, observed that the STAAR rubrics indicate they are looking for a level of ability that is significantly higher than anything they've ever asked of students. With higher standards comes a renewed interest in making sure teachers are provided with the resources to help their students succeed. The reason many districts turn to LTF for training is because the professional development we provide not only covers teaching strategies, but it also aims to increase the content knowledge of teachers as well.

*The graph below has been updated and can be found in this blog post: STAAR Writing Results for 38 Texas Districts.

The Texas Education Agency has not released district-level scores, but some districts have independently released their scores. Citations for district scores: