Texas Border Business
SACRAMENTO, CA – Educational Results Partnership (ERP), a non-profit organization that applies data science to accelerate student success, recently released its annual “Honor Roll” list of top performing school districts and schools in Texas, which includes South Texas Independent School District (STISD) and four of its campuses.
This is the ninth year that ERP has completed the Honor Roll, which recognizes top public schools, school districts and charter schools that have outperformed their peers in closing achievement gaps, particularly among higher-poverty and historically disadvantaged student populations. The recognition is presented in collaboration with the Texas Business Leadership Council (TBLC).
STISD earned a spot on this year’s Texas Honor Roll Districts list, while four STISD campuses earned spots on the Honor Roll Schools list, including STISD Health Professions in Mercedes, STISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg, STISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, and STISD World Scholars in Edinburg.
In total, 835 schools in Texas – approximately 12 percent of the schools in the state – and only 10 percent of eligible districts made the Honor Roll. The full lists of Honor Roll districts and schools are now posted on ERP’s website at edresults.org/honor-roll.
“We could not be prouder of our district and campus communities for earning this recognition,” said Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., Ed.D., superintendent of schools for STISD. “We are committed to preparing each and every student for college, career, and life, and these accolades are a testament to the work we’re doing in this area.”
“This year’s Honor Roll shines a positive light on schools where students are learning the fundamental skills that employers value and look for,” said Dan Kinney ERP’s Board Chair. “We are proud to recognize these higher performing schools and plan on learning about their best practices for accelerating student learning in the critical areas of reading, writing and math.”
The program is part of a national effort to engage business leaders in recognizing successful schools and educational systems and promote best practices that improve student outcomes. Honor Roll schools are recognized for demonstrating consistently higher levels of student achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and a reduction in achievement gaps among student populations. To learn more about the methodology used to determine the 2023 Honor Roll schools and districts, click here.
“The Honor Roll is the only school recognition program in Texas based solely on objective student achievement data,” said ERP’s Chief Executive Officer James Lanich, Ph.D. “The goal of the Honor Roll program is to use data to find and highlight successful schools and encourage collaboration among educators on best practices for raising student achievement.”
“ERP is all about improving educational equity and promoting career readiness for all students, regardless of family income, background or ZIP code,” said Lanich. “By shining a light on successful systems and practices, we hope to spark dialogue amongst educators to replicate best practices throughout the state.”
“Texas Business Leadership Council is proud to partner with ERP to recognize higher performing schools in our state that are preparing students with the skills needed to be successful in a globally competitive workforce,” said Justin Yancy, TBLC President.
About Educational Results Partnership
Educational Results Partnership (ERP) is a nonprofit organization that applies data science and predictive analytics to identify successful public education systems, practices, programs, and policies that are delivering the best results for students. ERP has accumulated the nation’s largest database on student achievement from kindergarten into the labor market. In partnership with educators and employers, ERP charts the pathways that lead to academic success and living-wage jobs. ERP’s goal is to ensure that more students are equipped to enter the workforce with the skills today’s global economy demands.
About Campaign for Business and Education Excellence
The Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) aims to improve economic mobility for the next generation of learners by matching talent to jobs and career opportunities. Aligning academic achievements with job market needs, the campaign engages employers while helping learners pursue careers matched to their existing skills and abilities. Learners across the United States can discover how their education opens doors to immediate career opportunities.
About Texas Business Leadership Council
The Texas Business Leadership Council is a statewide network of CEOs and senior business executives who advance a long-term vision of a prosperous Texas in a globally competitive business environment. Visit https://txblc.org/.
About South Texas Independent School District
South Texas ISD is a state- and nationally-recognized public school district offering tuition-free college- and career-preparation to students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties. The all-magnet district is comprised of seven secondary campuses within the Rio Grande Valley, including four high schools serving grades 9-12 – South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg – two middle schools serving grades 6-8 – South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito – and one stand-alone virtual school – South Texas ISD Virtual Academy – serving students in grades 6-12. For additional information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.
