Daniela Abadi | willkie.com
Daniela Abadi | willkie.com
Primary data on overall student readiness in Waxahachie High School is derived from the TSI's assessments, which evaluate student capabilities in reading, writing, and mathematics. Certain students may qualify for exemptions from these assessments. In contrast, CCMR focuses on preparedness for life post-high school, factoring in TSI scores along with other criteria like dual credits, AP/IB exam results, and more, to provide insights into specific subject performance.
In the 2021-22 school year, Waxahachie High School's student population was made up of 2,795 students, of which 259 were White, 132 Hispanic, 58 African American, 17 Multiracial, four Asian, and one Pacific Islander students.
Data shows that 41% of Waxahachie High School 11 Asian students, 23% of its six Pacific Islander students, 21% (259) of its 1,234 white students, 19% (17) of its 94 multiracial students, 14% (132) of its 944 Hispanic students, and 12% (58) of its 491 African American students had "mastered" their grade level in the 2021-22 school year and were "on track for college and career readiness," as measured by state academic standards.
The TEA says students who meet, but haven't mastered their grade level are "prepared to progress to the next grade," but are not on a college track.
In 2020-21, the TEA noted that 2,082 Waxahachie High School students - equivalent to 80% of the student population - were not on the academic path to college eligibility. This contrasts with 2021-22, where the percentage stood at 83%, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.
Despite an improvement after the pandemic, Texas students are still struggling to keep a good performance and reach grade level in schools. In the 2021-22 school year, nearly two-thirds (60%) of students were below grade level in math and 48% did not meet the standards in reading language and arts.
According to Chandra Villanueva, director of policy and advocacy for Every Texan, one of the main causes for this is bad funds management. "Your average homeowner is like, 'Look, I'm paying more and more every single year. Why are my schools still underfunded, overcrowded, my teachers underpaid? Obviously, the schools are doing a bad job with my money,'" she said in an interview. Currently, Texas residents pay more than $70 billion annually in taxes destined to public education.
Gov. Abbott has been calling not only for an end to the main school property tax, but to use public money to support private schools. The initiative is called universal private school choice and, if passed, would allow residents to use taxpayer money to pay for their kids' private education.
"School choice not only improves education for every kid and every parent who chooses that pathway," Abbott said at the Texas Capitol on Oct. 16.
| School | Total Students | % On College Track |
|---|---|---|
| Dunaway Elementary School | 446 | 75% |
| Eddie Finley Senior Junior High School | 816 | 75% |
| Evelyn Love Coleman Junior High School | 845 | 75% |
| Margaret L. Felty Elementary School | 557 | 75% |
| Marvin Elementary School | 289 | 87% |
| Max H. Simpson Elementary School | 549 | 71% |
| Northside Elementary School | 497 | 79% |
| Oliver E. Clift Elementary School | 476 | 82% |
| Robbie E. Howard Junior High School | 663 | 74% |
| Shackelford Elementary School | 474 | 81% |
| Waxahachie Global High School | 391 | 67% |
| Waxahachie High School | 2,795 | 83% |
| Waxahachie High School of Choice | 29 | 86% |
| Wedgeworth Elementary School | 668 | 82% |
| Wilemon Steam Academy | 405 | 70% |
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