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Lancaster ISD reports preliminary gains on STAR/EOC; algebra I and TSI show notable growth
Summary
District leaders presented preliminary STAR/EOC cohort results showing double-digit gains in algebra I meets performance and increases in TSI met counts; leaders flagged cohort drops in some middle-grade math cohorts and said targeted interventions are planned.
Lancaster ISD presented preliminary 2024–25 STAR and end-of-course (EOC) results showing measurable cohort growth in several subjects, with district staff and partners citing targeted supports and external technical assistance as contributing factors.
Dr. Barker introduced the report and said the district reviewed cohort growth (tracking the same students year to year) rather than cross-sectional grade snapshots. "For us, growth is our goal," Dr. Barker told the board, adding the district measures cohort progress in grades 3–8 and EOC subjects.
Miss Bell and Dr. Barker highlighted specific gains: algebra I showed a 15‑percentage‑point increase at the meets level year over year; eighth‑grade science grew 4 points; U.S. History grew 9 points at the meets level; and multiple reading cohorts showed 2–7 point gains. Miss Bell reported that more than 200 students had already reached TSI (college-readiness) benchmarks in 2025, a milestone she called ahead of projections.
Board members pressed staff on areas of concern. Trustee Johnson asked about negative cohort movement in fourth, sixth and seventh grade math. District staff said they will use Commit strategic investments — specifically a grades 6–8 math focus — to fund instructional alignment, staffing and interventions. Dr. Barker cited participation in the ACE/Commit partnerships, use of high-quality instructional materials and expanded learning time at targeted campuses as contributing to growth.
District leaders said several causes are under review for cohorts that dropped, including curriculum rollout, classroom instructional supports and staffing. They said more detailed, cleaned data will be provided to the board in mid‑July for deeper review.
No formal board action was taken; trustees asked staff to return with further analysis and implementation plans.
