BEAUMONT, Texas — The Beaumont Independent School District is weighing in on this year's controversial STAAR test results, where the Texas Education Agency (TEA) used artificial intelligence to help grade.
Along with using AI to grade the tests, they were completely redesigned to use more open-ended questions instead of multiple choice.
BISD Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen says the district had the largest growth in 4th grade English and language art (ELA) as well as algebra 1, but they saw a decline in math and science across all grade levels.
Dr. Allen says the scores don't reflect the hard work put in by students and staff.
She tells 12News that she's spoken to other district leaders who are all saw a decline in math and ELA across all grade levels. Dr. Allen says officials with the TEA recognized the statewide issue.
"While we continue to see progress in other areas which is a testament to dedication and skills of our Texas teachers. It's clear that math performance is not where students need to be for success after graduation. This is a quote directly from the commissioner," said Dr. Allen.
BISD's 2024 STAAR test results show that while the district saw promising scores in 4th grade ELA and algebra 1, 3rd, 5th and 8th grade reading and language arts along with math and science across all grade levels saw a statewide decline.
"Our students are graded in the State of Texas by this one assessment on this one day. But this does not reflect what actually happens," Dr. Allen said.
She tells 12News that these scores do not reflect a lack of effort. Last winter, students took a shortened version of the STAAR test where she says they preformed better.
"Previous trends show that interim assessment data correlated directly to how our students performed on the STAAR so that was very surprising," said Dr. Allen.
Meanwhile in central Texas, Temple ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Ott says his STAAR test results were also on par with state data.
"It's happening in affluent districts, it's happening in districts that have a lot of students that are economically disadvantaged," Dr. Ott said.
Dr. Allen believes the COVID pandemic and the TEA's new grading system are to blame for low scores.
"AI graded 75% of the written responses," Dr. Allen told 12News.
She says the results will ultimately impact the district's accountability rating.
"If you have a campus that slips into a low accountability rating and they become chronic, meaning repeat year after year, there are sanctions and consequences," she said.
Dr. Allen says the district plans to revisit task forces for reading and math and make adjustments to the curriculum. In the meantime, she's encouraging parents to make sure their children are reading so they don't fall behind.