Leander ISD students and schools earned 63 Distinction Designations awarded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for academic performance, an increase of 62 percent from the previous year.

TEA groups schools with similar campuses from throughout the state and awards performance-based distinctions based on those comparisons. Elementary schools can earn distinctions in six areas while middle and high schools can earn distinctions in seven areas. To earn a distinction, a school must score in the top quartile of their 40-school comparison group.

“We are proud of the astounding results from our teachers, schools and students, as clear from the additional distinction designations,” Superintendent Dan Troxell, Ph.D. said. “Our teachers focused on academic growth for all students, working to find solutions for every student in our classrooms. When educators work to build relationships and provide opportunities for students to succeed, great things happen for our young men and women.”

LISD grew the total number of distinctions in all three school levels compared to 2017. That includes an increase to 26 in elementary schools, a 53 percent growth; to 19 in middle schools, a 111 percent growth; and 18 in high schools, a 38 percent growth.

Laura Welch Bush and Grandview Hills elementary schools earned five of six distinctions. Henry Middle School earned five of seven distinctions. Vandegrift High School earned six of seven distinctions.

Throughout the district, 22 of 40 schools earned at least one distinction, including all six comprehensive high schools. In addition, 15 schools earned distinctions in Closing the Gap and 11 in Academic Growth.

TEA maintains distinction designations separately from its accountability ratings for campuses (Met Standard or Improvement Required) and Districts (A through F grades).

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