SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the spring 2026 STAAR results on Tuesday, revealing notable advancements in mathematics and social studies for students across grades three to eight. However, reading results remained relatively stable statewide.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath highlighted the improvements in mathematics and middle school reading as significant achievements in this year’s results. He stated, “We are encouraged by continued gains in mathematics, especially with the growing number of students participating and succeeding in advanced mathematics courses. The gains in middle school reading are also notable, as it may be associated with the statewide ban on the use of cell phones in schools.”
The assessments covered reading and mathematics for grades three through eight, with social studies assessed for eighth graders. The TEA announced that science results for fifth and eighth grades would be released on July 31, 2026, following a standard-setting process linked to updated curriculum standards.
The STAAR scores were categorized into four performance levels, providing insights into student achievement across the state. Notably, fourth-grade students demonstrated the largest gain in math, increasing by four percentage points, suggesting that more students are meeting grade-level standards now compared to pre-pandemic levels.
In reading and language arts, eighth graders saw a three percentage point increase, with seventh graders improving by two percentage points. This data reflects a broader trend of academic recovery in Texas schools following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Examining the performance of San Antonio’s three largest school districts—San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), Northside Independent School District (NISD), and North East Independent School District (NEISD)—provides additional context to the statewide results. Each district’s performance in math and reading compared to regional averages in Region 20 is outlined below.
Math
In mathematics, NEISD outperformed or matched the regional average in most grade levels. NISD closely tracked regional averages across grade levels, while SAISD lagged behind the regional average in all grade levels. The TEA noted that the lower percentages in seventh grade math across all districts are attributed to a legislative change.
Under Senate Bill 2124, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, students demonstrating strong elementary math performance are automatically enrolled in advanced math courses. Consequently, more seventh graders are now taking the eighth-grade math assessment, which may impact overall performance statistics.
Below are the math scores for the state, Region 20, NEISD, NISD, and SAISD:
STAAR math results by gjimenez
Reading
In reading, NEISD outperformed the regional average across every grade level, demonstrating strong language arts skills among its students. NISD closely matched the regional average, while SAISD fell short of expectations across all grade levels in reading.
The disparities in reading results highlight the need for targeted interventions and resources in underperforming districts to enhance literacy rates. Below are the reading scores for the state, Region 20, NEISD, NISD, and SAISD:
STAAR reading results by gjimenez
Social Studies
The STAAR social studies assessment is administered exclusively for eighth-grade students. The TEA reported a statewide increase from 30% to 32% of students meeting grade level in social studies for spring 2026.
Both NEISD and NISD outperformed the regional average in social studies, while SAISD’s performance significantly trailed behind. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses in social studies can provide valuable insights for curriculum development and resource allocation in districts that need additional support.
Below are the social studies scores for the state, Region 20, NE
