The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees held its monthly information session to review progress on key goals related to student achievement and compliance with state requirements.
The board examined Scorecard Goal 4, which aims to increase the percentage of economically disadvantaged eighth-grade students who complete Algebra 1. The district is focusing on interventions as early as sixth grade. Last school year, 24% of economically disadvantaged sixth graders completed an advanced math course, up from 21% the previous year. Strategies used include small group instruction, targeted tutorials, opportunities for retaking assessments, and participation in AVID, a college readiness program. At Murchison Middle School, which has a 33% economically disadvantaged population, 67% of these students completed advanced math in sixth grade. Based on current data trends, the district expects to reach its goal of having 14% of eighth-grade students pass Algebra I with credit and meet grade level standards by June 2029.
Scorecard Goal 3 addresses College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR). This goal measures how well the district prepares students for postsecondary life by supporting them in earning industry-recognized credentials. During the 2024-25 school year, 55% of juniors and seniors enrolled in courses aligned with industry-based certifications (IBC), surpassing last year’s numbers and meeting both annual and five-year targets ahead of schedule. Akins Early College High School reported that 67.9% of its students are enrolled in IBC-aligned courses; among economically disadvantaged students at Akins, enrollment is at 64.7%. The district plans to continue using data-driven planning to support career-focused education and help staff and students prepare for graduation and future goals.
Trustees also received an update on compliance with a Texas Education Agency (TEA) Agreed Order regarding Lone Star Governance requirements. Three out of four priority areas have been completed; Priority III remains ongoing with a focus on improving data systems. The district has transitioned to a new special education data platform and provided training for relevant staff. Ongoing efforts include continued training, close monitoring of data, and timely reporting to TEA.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing updates to the District Scorecard and targets under Agenda Item 8.3. As part of the TEA Agreed Order process, the board works with a Lone Star Governance Coach for guidance. The scorecard and related documents are being revised to ensure full compliance. District administration noted that preparing materials for board presentations requires substantial time investment. To address this issue, possible changes—such as reducing reporting while maintaining necessary data tracking—were reviewed; any proposed adjustments will be voted on at the next regular voting meeting scheduled for September 25.
“Three of the four priority areas have been completed… Priority III remains ongoing with a focus on improving data systems. The district successfully transitioned to a new special education data platform and provided training to the staff that supports evaluations and ARDs.
We’ll continue to train staff, monitor data closely, and ensure timely reporting to TEA to finish up requirements as part of this priority.”
“As part of the TEA Agreed Order, the board works with a Lone Star Governance Coach who has offered guidance on ensuring the board meets all requirements. The scorecard, board monitoring calendar, and other documents are being revised to ensure they meet all requirements.
District administration also shared that they currently spend a significant amount of time on materials and reports tied to District Scorecard board presentations.
As part of a possible solution, the board and administration reviewed the goals and constraints to determine if any reports could be dropped to ensure data is still tracked but the time spent on reporting can be minimized.
Any proposed changes will be brought to a vote at the next voting meeting.”
The next Board Regular Voting Meeting will take place September 25.
