More HISD high school students met higher performance standards in biology and U.S. history on the 2015 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams, according to preliminary statewide results released this week by the Texas Education Agency.

When compared to last year, the percentage of students already meeting the tougher passing standards being implemented next year has increased for both biology and US History. This year, 78 percent of first-time tested students met the higher standard on the biology end-of-course exam and 79 percent of first-time tested students met the higher standard the U.S. history exam.

Texas students are required to pass five STAAR end-of-course exams – algebra I, English I, English II, biology, and U.S. History – in order to receive a high school diploma.

This year, more students tested in all subjects compared to 2014. Results this year also show a slight decrease in the achievement gap among white, Hispanic, and African American students who were first-time tested students in algebra I, biology, and English I.

“The fact that more students are performing at a higher level on these exams shows that our teachers and administrators are committed to making sure students are on track to graduate,” said HISD Superintendent Terry Grier. “It’s important that we continue to find ways to ensure students excel across the board in STAAR. There is still room for improvement.”

Students who did not pass STAAR end-of-course exams required for graduation will have the opportunity to retake the tests during the week of July 6-10.

HISD 2015 STAAR End-of-Course Exam Preliminary Results for First-Time Tested Students
Percentage indicates percent of students who met state’s current satisfactory passing standard. 

• Algebra I: 79 percent
• Biology: 87 percent
• English I: 58 percent
• English II: 61 percent
• U.S. History: 88 percent