Half of Dallas fifth graders aren’t ready for junior high, much less college, according to a new analysis done by the Dallas Morning News using data released by Dallas ISD. Based on passing TAKS tests and class work, only 52% of fifth graders were deemed “on track,” with six DISD elementary schools falling below the 30% mark.
The DMN didn’t analyze RISD with the same depth, but their comparison using TAKS data only left us smelling like a rose. Compared to DISD’s 68% overall pass rate for fifth graders, Frisco led the metroplex with 95% and Richardson was next at 91%. Plano was behind us at 89% and McKinney passed 87% of fifth graders.
“You don’t just get on the college track in high school,” DISD spokesman John Dahlander said. “You’re really on that college track well before that.” Or not. Ironically, the principal of the DISD school faring best said “I will tell you this: We do not emphasize the TAKS test here. We teach the kids.” The Travis Talented and Gifted Magnet, which scored highest at 97%, does limited test prep just before TAKS, “then we forget it and we go on and teach again.”
Hopefully, the data analysis and hand-wringing that comes from these startling results in DISD will lead to improvements which might help RISD schools get better, too. No doubt the RISD administration folks will be watching.
