Houston Independent School District (HISD) students showed significant academic progress this spring, according to preliminary 2025 STAAR exam results released by the district. The data reflects across-the-board improvements in every tested high school subject — with standout performances in Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History — as HISD wraps up its second year under state-appointed leadership.
Key Takeaways from the Spring 2025 STAAR Results:
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U.S. History: 67% of HISD students met or exceeded grade-level standards — the highest performance across all subjects.
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Biology: 63% of students reached or surpassed grade-level expectations, one percentage point higher than the state average.
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Algebra I: 51% of test-takers met the standard, outperforming the statewide average of 47% and marking a 13-point improvement over 2024.
“This kind of progress doesn’t just happen overnight,” said Mike Miles, the state-appointed superintendent, in a video statement. “It’s the result of focused instruction, hard-working students, and teachers rising to the challenge.”
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Mixed Reactions Amid State Takeover
The promising scores are emerging during a controversial period for the district. HISD has been under Texas Education Agency (TEA) control since 2023, with Miles implementing aggressive reforms focused on boosting test performance through highly structured instructional models.
Not everyone is celebrating. Ruth Kravetz, co-founder of Community Voices for Public Education, criticized the results as a façade rather than a reflection of genuine academic growth.
“What we’re seeing isn’t deep learning — it’s test-focused tactics,” Kravetz argued. “This administration has made a habit of controlling test data by managing who gets tested and who doesn’t.”
In response, an HISD spokesperson emphasized that all eligible students are required by law to take the STAAR exam, and changes in testing figures were primarily due to higher pass rates and shifts in enrollment, not selective testing.
English Scores Improve Slightly
While Math and Science saw notable gains, English results saw modest upticks:
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English I: 46% of students met grade-level standards (up from 44% in 2024)
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English II: 52% achieved the benchmark (up from 49%)
The relatively smaller improvements in English suggest ongoing challenges in literacy education — a trend that could prompt adjustments to the district’s current curriculum model, which has been heavily focused on Math and Science.
Behind the Numbers: More Than Test Prep?
Interestingly, several campus administrators report that the increase in test scores has coincided with a higher number of students participating in in-school tutoring programs and extended-day academic sessions, both of which were expanded this year under the district’s “New Education System” (NES) initiative.
One teacher at Wheatley High School, speaking anonymously, said that while students have more access to test prep and structured instruction, it comes at the cost of creativity and flexibility in the classroom.
“We’re drilling skills every day,” the teacher said. “Yes, the scores are going up. But we’re also seeing students disengage from learning anything that’s not test-related.”
What Comes Next?
With official STAAR scores expected to be finalized later this summer, HISD is already reviewing the preliminary data to determine which schools will receive additional support next fall.
Superintendent Miles has promised to expand the NES model to more campuses if results continue trending upward.
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Still, with questions about the long-term effectiveness of a test-driven system and opposition from advocacy groups, the conversation around HISD’s direction is far from over.
Did you know? In 2024, HISD launched a digital “Acceleration Hub” where students could track their STAAR prep progress online. Over 12,000 high schoolers accessed the portal — and those who used it regularly saw a 15% average performance boost in Math.
Next Steps
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Finalized STAAR results are expected by late summer.
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Community forums on district performance and the NES expansion are scheduled for August 2025.
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Fall 2025 will see potential shifts in instructional strategy, especially in English language arts.
Whether HISD’s early gains translate into long-term success — or simply short-term test victories — remains to be seen.
