We love GCISD and want every student in it to succeed!
We think this is best accomplished by providing them with a solid foundation in core subjects. This page is intended to give parents an idea of what GCISD's academics currently look like.
We've compiled technical academic data from these sources:
1) the TEA (Texas Education Agency),
2) the TAPR (Texas Academic Performance Reports),
3) AP scores,
4) SchoolDigger (which pulls from the STAAR), and
5) GCISD's own resources.
The STAAR is a standardized test that has compared all Texas schools on the core subjects of math, English, science, and history since 2011. The test isn't perfect, but for now, it's the best metric we have.
The Curriculum and Instruction Directors are leading the charge to realign GCISD's curriculum with the TEKS to improve classroom outcomes.
*TEKS = Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (aka the state standards)
The district will provide, on its website, community-facing documents to keep taxpayers in the loop about what is being taught in the classroom. These documents include Year-at-a-Glance (YAG) information for K-12 that have:
Other curriculum revisions on the back-end will utilize the TEKS Resource System (TRS) and include teacher-facing documents to help design lessons (TEKS Clarifiers and Lesson Guides).
*Canvas is an on-line learning platform that organizes student classes and work. It starts being used in middle school. K-5 students likely use a platform called Seesaw, but that varies by class and school.
These are the results for the Reading STAAR from Spring of 2022. According to the test-makers, "Approaches Grade Level" is passing. According to common sense, "Meets Grade Level" is passing the grade level. These scores are an improvement from last year.
These are the results for the Mathematics STAAR from Spring of 2022.
7th grade math is always low because only on-level students take that class.
The scores from higher-performing math students, such as those who skip grade levels or take accelerated classes, are not there to raise the average. These scores are an improvement from last year.
What percent of elementary school students failing basic reading and math is an acceptable standard for GCISD?
Currently, 35% of GCISD elementary school students do not meet grade level expectations for reading and math.
What percent of middle school students failing basic reading and math is an acceptable standard for GCISD?
Currently, 25% of GCISD middle school students do not meet grade level expectations for reading and math.
Mom asks for a plan from the district to focus on academics, especially given recent poor academic performance reports. She points out the district's Lead 2021/Lead 2.0 strategic plan doesn't address academics. Further, she states that the district as a whole seems more focused on social and emotional issues and the social justice movement, asking "Why can't those conversations be left at home?" She then advocates for better teacher pay with respect to our area.
Grapevine High School Pre-Covid State Rank
2004 value is 97.1%
2009 value is 91.7%
2019 value is 70.7%
~21% point drop since 2009
Colleyville Heritage High School Pre-Covid State Rank
2004 value is 95.6%
2009 value is 94.4%
2019 value is 76.5%
~18% point drop since 2004
--12 out of 119 students received a 4 or 5
--68 out of 119 received A's in the class
How can so many students fail the exam but still "ace" the class?
--17 out of 145 students received a 4 or 5
--57 out of 145 received A's in the class
How are so many students earning As but not passing the exam?
"LEAD 2021 made the classroom teacher become a facilitator 'guide on the side.' Now the kids are just teaching themselves. We need to let our teachers step back in. They can fix this."
"Over the last 10 years, GCISD has gradually changed its goal from offering rigorous college-level AP courses to enrolling as many kids as possible into AP classes. This deemphasizes learning in those classes."
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