DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees Introduce Revised Student Achievement Goals to Drive Educational Progress
In a continued commitment to academic excellence and student
success, the DeSoto Independent School District Board of Trustees adopted a
newly revised body of student
achievement goals following months of research, workshops, data reviews,
and focused board collaboration. These updated goals will serve as a
foundational roadmap for driving student achievement across the district over
the next five years.
The revised goals are the culmination of a transparent and
inclusive process that began in early 2025 with a series of board workshops.
The updated Board goals—designed to sharpen the district’s focus on college,
career and military readiness (CCMR), foundational literacy and numeracy, and
middle-grade performance—reflect a bold, equity-centered vision for the
district:
- College,
Career, and Military Readiness: Increase the percentage of students
graduating CCMR-ready from 88% in May 2024 to 96% by May 2030.
- 3rd
Grade Reading: Increase the percentage of 3rd grade students
performing at the "Meets" level or above on STAAR Reading from
33% in May 2025 to 48% by May 2030.
- 3rd
Grade Math: Increase the percentage of 3rd grade students performing
at the "Meets" level or above on STAAR Math from 29% in May 2025
to 42% by May 2030.
- Middle
Grades Math: Increase the percentage of 8th grade students
achieving "Meets" or higher on STAAR/EOC Math from 35% in May
2025 to 43% by Spring 2030.
- Middle
Grades Reading: Increase the percentage of 8th grade students
achieving "Meets" or higher on STAAR Reading from 45% in May
2025 to 56% by Spring 2030.
The development of progress measures for each goal is now
underway and will guide the administration’s work to deliver transparent,
measurable progress annually through 2030.
“We recognize the urgency of closing achievement gaps and
accelerating student growth,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Usamah Rodgers. “The revised goals challenge us to do more, faster, and better.
Our district is deeply engaged in the work required—from strengthening
curriculum and instruction through our recent acquisition of grants centered on
STEM education to expanding early learning investments and aligning our
resources and systems for student impact. Every step we take is grounded in the
belief that every child deserves access to postsecondary opportunities and the
preparation to pursue them confidently.”
The Board’s renewed focus on aggressive but attainable
student achievement goals marks a new chapter for DeSoto ISD.
“DeSoto ISD is entering a phase of reinvention, grounded in
bold leadership and high expectations,” said President McKissic. “We are
raising the bar and doing so with clarity and compassion. As a Board, we remain
steadfast in our oversight and support of the work ahead, ensuring that all
decisions and investments align with improving student outcomes.”
As part of next steps, Superintendent Rodgers and her
leadership team will introduce detailed progress measures, define key
implementation strategies, and continue to engage the community through updates
and dialogue as progress is tracked.
“The journey ahead will require collaboration, consistency,
and care,” added Dr. Rodgers. “But we are up to the task, and most
importantly—our students are worth it.”
For more information about the revised Board goals and
progress updates, please visit www.desotoisd.org.