The Plainview Independent School District (ISD) held its regular board meeting on December 19, 2024, where significant progress in the English department was highlighted. The meeting began with a positive announcement regarding the English department achieving 100% certification, which has boosted morale among staff and students alike.

The board reviewed the fall benchmark results for English 1 and English 2, noting substantial improvements. English 1 saw a 1.97 percentage point increase in the "approaches" category and a remarkable 10.73 point gain in the "meets" category compared to the previous year. The "masters" category also showed growth, rising from 0.3% to 3.54%. The English team attributed these successes to a more measured pace of instruction, allowing students to better grasp the curriculum.

The discussion then shifted to English 2, where the results were mixed. Although the scores were higher than last year's STAR results, they fell short of the benchmark. The team identified areas needing improvement, particularly in writing rigor and understanding of author's craft and vocabulary. To address these challenges, the board emphasized ongoing professional development and the retention of a long-term substitute teacher to support both English 1 and English 2.

Plainview Collegiate High School echoed the positive trends seen in English 1, noting that incoming students from junior high are performing better. However, English 2 scores were lower, prompting a focus on writing skills and grammar. The English 2 teacher plans to enhance instruction by emphasizing daily practice and addressing common mistakes students make on assessments.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to adapt teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, particularly those in alternative education settings. The board expressed optimism about the upcoming semester, highlighting the importance of continued support and engagement to ensure student success in English language arts.