Mesquite ISD reports gains in SAT/TSI, AP participation and college-path metrics

District staff presented an effectiveness report on advanced academics and CCMR (college, career and military readiness) showing measurable growth in several college-readiness indicators.

Russ Weeks, director of advanced academics, and CCMR coordinator Alicia Upton described improvements in SAT and TSI metrics and rising participation in AP, dual credit and OnRamps programs. Upton summarized senior-class metrics, saying that the prior year’s SAT evidence-based reading and writing rate was "28%, 28.7%" and that "right now we're sitting at 30.6." The presentation also noted AP exam volume increases (projected 4,834 AP exams this year) and OnRamps enrollment growth from 639 (2022–23) to over 1,100 currently.

Presenters described practical efforts behind the numbers—bringing Dallas College enrollment offices onsite to reduce enrollment barriers (a tactic that yielded a 9% increase in Dallas College enrollment) and targeted advising/support to drive FAFSA and college application completion (82% of current seniors have completed at least one college application). Board members asked clarifying questions about how OnRamps differs from dual credit and whether advanced programs are open-enrollment; staff confirmed OnRamps allows students to decline college credit if they choose and that advanced coursework is open to students meeting readiness criteria.