The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released its latest accountability ratings, and DeSoto ISD improved its overall academic rating. The district is rated a C overall, reflecting steady, districtwide academic improvement. This progress underscores the district’s commitment to strengthening student achievement from the boardroom to the classroom.
Over the past year, DeSoto ISD has made strategic investments in curriculum design, high-quality instructional materials, teacher training, and technology-driven learning innovations. Guided by Board-adopted student achievement goals—focused on early literacy and math, college, career, and military readiness (CCMR), and personalized student growth—the district has implemented targeted strategies to accelerate learning and close achievement gaps.
“We recognize the urgency of closing achievement gaps and accelerating student growth,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Superintendent of Schools. “By strengthening curriculum, expanding early learning opportunities, and aligning resources for maximum impact, we are setting our students on a path toward long-term success.”
The DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees has also updated its student achievement goals to build on this momentum.
“Our Board’s goals serve as a compass for the district, aligning every decision, resource, and initiative with the ultimate aim of improving student outcomes,” said Board President Chasiti McKissic. “Clear, measurable targets create a shared vision that empowers our educators and supports every student’s journey.”
Campus Highlights and Academic Gains
DeSoto High School improved to a B rating, driven by a stronger focus on TSI readiness, expanded Career and Technical Education pathways, and enhanced core instruction. Additionally, Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School, The Meadows Elementary, Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy, and the former Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy posted notable academic gains.
Driving Improvement Through Instruction and Innovation
The district’s adoption of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) has standardized and elevated classroom instruction. Professional learning communities (PLCs), teacher professional development, and district-developed course content guides have ensured consistency and rigor across grade levels.
Technology is also fueling growth. DeSoto ISD uses i-Ready to personalize learning and provide teachers with real-time data, contributing to notable gains in third-grade performance. Partnership with Education is Freedom has strengthened college readiness, while major grants including $220,000 from Burns & McDonnell for Project Lead the Way (PLTW) STEM programming and $1.7 million from Educate Texas and the Texas Instruments Foundation are expanding academic opportunities.
The district is also committed to the whole child, implementing Character Counts and Safe and Civil Schools to foster respectful, safe, and supportive learning environments.
Looking Ahead
DeSoto ISD is expanding advanced academic and arts offerings, as well as career pathways in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, robotics, biomedical science, and aerospace engineering. Programs in world languages, leadership, and service-learning will ensure students graduate prepared for success in a global society.
With clear academic targets, rigorous instructional resources, enhanced campus strategies, and technology-powered learning, DeSoto ISD is constructing a future where every student can achieve at the highest levels.
For more information about DeSoto ISD’s academic programs and initiatives, visit www.DeSotoISD.org.