PAISD says test scores show improvement

The Port Arthur ISD has released a statement applauding students, teachers, parents and staff members for contributing to improvements in test scores this year.

The Texas Education Agency released Accountability Ratings on Friday for districts across Texas.

PAISD was rated Academically Acceptable.  7 campuses received that rating.  One campus, Travis Elementary, was rated Recognized.  Edison and Wilson Middle Schools, as well as Washington and Lee Elementaries, were not rated due to the impact of Hurricane Ike.

The district is appealing the rating of Lee and expects it to receive an Acceptable or Recognized rating.

The district says despite the challenges posed by the hurricane and other factors, Reading/ELA (80%), Writing (83%), and Social Studies (81%) scores exceeded the level required for Recognized performance. 

Administrators say PAISD also experienced an overall improvement in math, science and social studies scores.  Some schools, administrators say, were only a few points shy of a Recognized rating.  They include Austin Middle School, Lee Elementary and Tyrrell Elementary.

While acknowledging room for growth, administrators say they're excited about improvements.  They applaud teachers, students, parents and staff for working toward the district's goal of "ensuring that PAISD leads Texas in continuous school improvement."

PAISD says it "aims to strengthen district initiatives in order to provide the necessary support in those areas where students are most challenged.  With the implementation of research-based practices, data-driven instruction, effective leadership and high expectations, we look forward to heightened success throughout the district in the upcoming year and years to come."