By Gary Emmert

Copperas Cove ISD is celebrating academic momentum after releasing its preliminary 2025 state testing results, showing gains across grade levels and subjects. With growth on 14 tests and outperformance of state averages on 13, the district is proving its commitment to academic excellence—even in the face of rising assessment challenges.

“Our district has long had a track record of excellence, and this year is no different,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “The tests are more rigorous and the accountability tougher—but our students and staff rose to meet the moment.”

According to results from STAAR and End-of-Course (EOC) testing, CCISD’s highlights include:

• Growth on all science assessments
• Surpassing pre-pandemic scores in Reading and Language Arts
• Districtwide gains in Algebra I, English I & II, U.S. History, and Biology

At the high school level, Copperas Cove and Crossroads students excelled. More than 90% passed Biology, with Crossroads earning a 100% pass rate. English I and II saw over 70% passage, with steady gains at the “Meets” performance level. U.S. History stood out, with 96% passing, 72% at “Meets,” and 40% at “Masters.”

The wins extended into younger grades as well. Third-grade students made notable jumps in Reading and Math, with a 13% improvement at the “Approaches” mark in Math. Williams/Ledger Elementary drove dramatic gains in Reading, up 19% at “Meets” and 15% at “Approaches.” District literacy investments in K–2 appear to be paying dividends.

Deputy Superintendent Amanda Crawley credited the district’s unified approach. “Our instructional team—coaches, teachers, and campus leaders—has worked tirelessly,” she said. “Our consistent or improving scores show that CCISD remains a school district of choice.”

Growth was also evident in:

• 6th-grade Reading and Math, with gains at both “Approaches” and “Masters”
• 5th-grade Science, up 6% at the “Approaches” level
• Social Studies, where the district logged a 10% increase at “Meets”

With clear momentum post-COVID and defined targets in its Vision 2029 strategic plan, CCISD is doubling down on growth—especially at the “Meets Grade Level” in 3rd-grade Math and RLA, with a 10% improvement goal over five years.

As Dr. Hawkins summed up, “We are achieving what matters: better outcomes for every student—and we’re just getting started.”