What happened: Midland ISD improved its STAAR scores on 14 of the 18 STAAR tests released so far this year, according to Texas Education Agency testing data. However, the gains do not mean the district is performing at state levels. As The Permian Press reported earlier this month, MISD met or exceeded the state average in only four of 18 released so far this year, all in elementary math.

The district is improving in many areas, but it remains below state performance in most tested subjects. Scores listed below are the percentage of students reaching Meets Grade Level or above. Proficiency rates show how many students can read and do math at a level in line with expectations for their grade. Students who ‘meet’ or ‘master’ grade-level standards are on track to know what they should each year, and ultimately by the time they graduate.

The Permian Press compared MISD’s 2026 results with its 2025 results. The district’s biggest jumps came in junior high math and high school end-of-course exams, the same areas where MISD trails the state average most.

By the numbers:

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Grade Subject 2025 2026 Change
High School Biology 54% 67% +13
7 Math 14% 26% +12
High School English I 36% 42% +6
8 Math 34% 40% +6
High School Algebra I 31% 37% +6
7 Reading 42% 46% +4
High School English II 42% 46% +4
5 Reading 49% 52% +3
8 Reading 45% 48% +3
5 Math 44% 47% +3
3 Math 41% 44% +3
8 Social Studies 17% 20% +3
6 Math 43% 45% +2
High School US History 59% 60% +1
6 Reading 51% 51% 0
4 Math 50% 49% -1
4 Reading 49% 48% -1
3 Reading 46% 44% -2

What they’re saying: MISD announced the 3-8 results in a press release, noting the gains but also saying that systemic instructional changes take multiple years to fully show up in student outcomes.

“We are seeing encouraging results from our continued focus on utilizing consistent, aligned instructional practices in reading language arts and mathematics across the district,” Superintendent Stephanie Howard said. “While we are pleased with the gains our students have made in both reading language arts and math, we know there is still important work ahead.”

What’s next: Science results for grades 5 and 8 arrive July 31, though they won’t support a year-over-year comparison because the state redesigned the science tests this year to match new curriculum standards. The state will release A-F accountability ratings in August.