District News

WACO, TX — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released accountability ratings for the 2025–2026 school year, showcasing a year of significant academic growth and momentum across Waco ISD.

"Waco ISD is on a clear upward trajectory," said Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer. "While state accountability scores are a part of the story, it’s not the entire journey. We look at student growth, achievement, experiences and make sure we speak to the whole child. This past year, we saw incremental growth, and we are excited about what is to come. We hit our highest score since the state implemented new standards in 2023, nearly 60 percent of our campuses saw score increases, and both of our high schools raised their letter grades. Waco ISD is in pursuit of excellence, and excited to see the future as we improve exponentially."

The preliminary data highlights widespread progress across all grade levels, reflecting the hard work of Waco ISD students, teachers, and campus administrators:

• Highest Score since New Accountability Standards: The district’s overall performance score increased to 66, which is the highest score achieved since the TEA’s 2023 STAAR redesign and implementation of updated accountability standards.

 

• High School Grade Level-Ups:
  • University High School earned a B, jumping 6 points from a C.
  • Waco High School earned a C, climbing an impressive 9 points from a low D.

 

• TEA Distinction Designations: Select campuses within Waco ISD earned TEA Distinction Designations in social studies, science and comparative academic growth, recognizing outstanding outcomes.

 

• Widespread Campus Improvements: Nearly 60 percent of all Waco ISD campuses increased their numeric performance scores. Notable campus highlights include:
  • G.W. Carver Special Campus: Led the district with a massive 12-point increase.
  • Cedar Ridge Elementary: Moved up from a C to a B.
  • Provident Heights Elementary: Advanced from a D to a C.
  • Parkdale Elementary: Jumped 8 points, climbing from an F to a D.

The district's upward trajectory is the direct result of intentional, research-based strategies focused on classroom instruction and leadership development:

 

• Curriculum Momentum: Waco ISD is entering Year 2 of implementation for its new Math and updated English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. Demonstrating notable growth in Year 1 confirms that instructional consistency is taking root district-wide.
   
• Direct Classroom Support (New for 2026–2027): To further accelerate student achievement, the district is introducing dedicated Campus Teaching & Learning Coaches in core subjects. These coaches will co-teach, model lessons, and provide direct instructional support inside classrooms.

 

• Strengthened Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): District teams are aligning PLC practices to foster collaborative, data-driven teacher environments. Research shows that effective PLCs are among the most impactful strategies for accelerating student growth and actively closing achievement gaps.

 

• Targeted Leadership Development: Central office and campus leadership structures have been refined, backed by intensive coaching partnerships.

While accountability scores serve as one metric, Waco ISD remains focused on individual student progress, closing learning gaps, and delivering high-quality education to every neighborhood.

"Accountability ratings are a journey, not a single destination," Dr. Spicer added. "A score of 66 reflects measurable, meaningful progress under a rigorous state evaluation system. Seeing nearly 60 percent of our schools gain points proves our strategies are working. We aren't where we ultimately want to be yet, but we are moving forward rapidly and committed to serving our students and community well."