The recent state assessment results tell the powerful story of Dallas ISD — one of momentum, possibility and progress.
While there is still much room for additional growth, our students made faster and greater gains than their peers across Texas this past year. In fact, Dallas ISD students outpaced the state gains in 80% of STAAR categories — a milestone that speaks volumes about what is possible when we commit to our students.
For context, Dallas ISD doubled the number of A-rated campuses, going from 30 to 60, and more than 70% of our campuses earned an A or B with 93% garnering an A, B or C rating. The number of failing schools decreased significantly from 65 to 16, according to recently released Texas Education Agency assessments.
More than numbers, these gains represent potential unlocked in classrooms across our district, from pre-K to high school. They show that with the right support, our students, especially those too often underestimated, can not only catch up, but lead the way.
Opinion
Students of all backgrounds are leading the growth. Our African American students, emergent bilinguals, and economically disadvantaged students — many of whom could be first-generation college graduates — outpaced their state peers. That doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of deliberate focus, hard work, expectation and belief that all children can achieve.
As someone who grew up in this city, I know the challenges that many of our students face. I also know what can happen when a child is given an opportunity — when they are surrounded by adults who believe and invest in them.
Our investments in prekindergarten, early literacy and high-quality instruction matter. These initiatives have laid a foundation for the gains we’re now seeing, and for the futures our students are building.
Our success reflects the unwavering dedication of our teachers, campus leaders and administrators. It also reflects the trust of our families and the support of our greater community.
This growth is not possible without the continued support of the greater Dallas ISD community.
Everyone plays a role in helping students succeed. Whether you are a parent, teacher, mentor, business leader or neighbor, your support matters. When our students thrive, we all benefit — as a city, as an economy and as a community.
These results are worth celebrating, and they are a call to action — to stay focused, stay united and to keep building a future where every student in our city can create their own narrative of success.
Joe Carreón is president of the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.