News Summary
Students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) are experiencing a troubling decline in SAT scores, with an average composite score dropping to 929 in the 2023-2024 school year. This marks a significant decrease of over 30 points since the pandemic began. Various factors, including chronic absenteeism and the lingering effects of COVID-19, are contributing to this downturn. HISD continues to implement initiatives aimed at improving student performance, particularly among underrepresented groups, as they work towards equitable educational outcomes.
Houston – Students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) are demonstrating a concerning trend in SAT scores, as average composite scores continue to decline despite participation rates returning to pre-COVID levels in 2024. The average composite SAT score for HISD students showed a significant drop of over 30 points in the first school year following the COVID pandemic. This decline has not only persisted but worsened, with the average SAT score falling to 929 in the 2023-2024 school year—nine points lower than the previous year.
When compared to national averages, HISD’s performance mirrors a broader trend affecting educational institutions across the country. The national average composite SAT score has also declined, dropping by 43 points from the 2018-2019 academic year to a reported 1,024 in 2024. Unlike the College Board data that focuses solely on high school graduates, HISD’s reporting encompasses all students tested, which provides a more comprehensive picture of student performance in the district.
Several factors have been identified as contributors to the declining standardized test scores. The lingering effects of the pandemic, chronic absenteeism among students, and existing literacy trends have all played significant roles in impacting performance. During the pandemic, HISD adopted a “back-to-basics” approach, emphasizing math and reading, which may have inadvertently affected students’ preparedness for the SAT.
Approximately half of HISD’s high school graduates pursue college education, but there remains a significant gap in job readiness, especially among Black and Hispanic students. The SAT participation rates for HISD saw a notable increase from 14% in the 2019-2020 academic year to 28% in 2021-2022, stabilizing at around 24% in 2024. HISD had previously implemented programs to encourage SAT participation, offering the test for free during school hours since 2011, which doubled initial test-takers.
The SAT School Day initiative peaked at approximately 2.2 million students for the Class of 2019 but faced a decline in participation due to the pandemic. HISD’s overall average SAT scores have dropped by 39 points from 2018-2019 to 2023-2024, with particularly alarming declines of over 40 points for Black students and nearly 60 points for Hispanic students. Although five HISD campuses showed improvements in scores, many high-performing schools experienced significant declines.
Research indicates a correlation between standardized test scores and the socioeconomic backgrounds of students and the schools they attend. Pre-existing inequalities in test performance were magnified by the pandemic, particularly affecting low-income students who faced additional challenges during remote learning. In response to these challenges, HISD has introduced SAT preparatory programs integrated into core subjects and organized targeted SAT Boot Camps to support underrepresented students in bridging the achievement gap.
The ACT test, an alternative college admission assessment, also saw a slight increase in participation, with over 1,000 HISD students taking the test in 2024, representing only 2% of the high school student population. Unfortunately, students from Black and Hispanic backgrounds are still underrepresented among ACT test-takers. HISD’s performance on both the SAT and ACT is subject to ongoing evaluation as part of the state’s efforts to support academic recovery.
Furthermore, the district has strategically aligned its curriculum to expose students to test content throughout their coursework. The overarching goal is to ensure that students are not only college-ready but also equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in their future careers, aiming to achieve equitable outcomes regardless of socioeconomic status. As HISD continues to address these educational challenges, the focus remains on fostering an environment that supports all students in reaching their full potential.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston Faces Tough Times: School District’s Challenges Explored
Houston ISD Celebrates Improvement in School Rankings
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: HISD ACT Rates
- Wikipedia: SAT
- Houston Chronicle: SAT Scores HISD
- Google Search: HISD education
- KHOU: Texas Student Perfect Test Scores
- Google Scholar: Standardized Test Scores
- Houston Chronicle: Houston High Schools Best SAT Scores
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Standardized Testing
- KTRH: SAT Scores Sink Again for Houston Area Schools
- Google News: HISD SAT scores
