Willis ISD presents TAPER report showing mixed STAAR results, gains in CCMR and enrollment growth

A staff presenter for Willis Independent School District reviewed the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPER) at the Feb. 12 board meeting, telling trustees the report reflects the district’s results from the 2022–23 school year and showing both areas of steady progress and continuing challenges.

The presenter said the district’s enrollment has grown rapidly in recent years — from roughly 8,000 to more than 9,300 students at the last snapshot — and projected the district could exceed 10,000 students within five years. The TAPER review emphasized four district goals that were used as a framework: raising STAAR proficiency, increasing industry‑based certifications for seniors, improving special education outcomes on STAAR, and expanding enrichment programs such as summer offerings.

Why it matters: the TAPER is the state’s annual snapshot of a district’s test performance, graduation and college/career readiness indicators, and other key measures. Trustees said the presentation will be used to guide curriculum adoptions, staffing choices and targeted interventions across campuses.

District highlights and challenges - CCMR: The presenter said Willis ISD recorded a marked increase in CCMR outcomes, reporting a district‑level CCMR growth of 36% (district slide, 2022–23 vs. prior year). The presenter attributed gains to higher TSIA testing at district testing sites, Texas College Bridge college‑prep classes, and growth in dual‑credit and CTE certification pathways.…