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Gary Emmert

CCISD Reports Strong STAAR Gains Across Grades, Subjects, and Campuses

Copperas Cove ISD released its 2026 STAAR results to parents of students in grades 3–8 on Wednesday, following last week’s release of high‑school end‑of‑course exam scores. The new data shows a district continuing to strengthen its academic performance, with growth on 12 of 18 available exams and results that meet or exceed state and regional averages on two‑thirds of all tests.

Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins said the results reflect the daily work happening across classrooms and campuses.

“These scores illustrate just some of the amazing things that take place in Copperas Cove ISD and show that our district remains on track to be a regional leader,” Hawkins said. “While there is so much more to show how our district truly impacts students on a daily basis, these results prove that our district is on the right track and show where we have opportunities for growth. I’m incredibly proud of every student, parent and staff member who had a part in these positive results.”

Understanding the Scores

The Texas Education Agency defines a passing score as “Approaches Grade Level.” Students who meet a higher standard score at “Meets Grade Level” or “Masters Grade Level.”

Across these categories, CCISD posted notable gains in both elementary and junior high.

Elementary Highlights

Reading

  • 4th grade: Increases in passing rates and at “Meets”
  • 4th & 5th grades: Growth at “Meets Grade Level”
  • Districtwide: More students scoring at “Masters”

Math

  • 4th grade: Across‑the‑board growth
  • 5th grade: Increases in passing rate and at “Meets”

These gains continue a multi‑year trend tied to CCISD’s early literacy initiative, which focuses on ensuring students read on grade level by the end of 3rd grade.

“In the years since CCISD implemented its focused early literacy initiative for the youngest Bulldawgs, we have seen continued growth in reading,” Hawkins said. “Our district truly believes that if a student can read, they have the ability to learn anything and are set up for a lifetime of learning and success.”

Junior High Highlights

Reading

CCISD recorded across‑the‑board growth, including:

  • 6th grade: +5% at “Masters”
  • 7th grade: +7% at “Masters,” +8% at “Approaches,” +13% at “Meets”
  • 8th grade: +8% at “Approaches”

Math

Growth was again seen across all grade levels:

  • 6th grade: +10% at “Approaches,” +17% at “Meets,” +9% at “Masters”
  • 7th grade: +13% at “Approaches,” +18% at “Meets,” +9% at “Masters”

High School End‑of‑Course Exams

CCISD also reported growth on every STAAR EOC exam, including Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History.

Algebra I

Because Copperas Cove follows an accelerated math model, many Algebra I testers are 8th‑graders. Their performance stood out:

  • 83% of CCISD 8th‑graders passed, outperforming both Region 12 and the state, each at 82%.
  • Increases were also seen at “Meets” and “Masters.”

Other EOCs

  • Biology: Growth across performance levels
  • English I: More students passing and scoring at “Meets”
  • English II: Across‑the‑board increases
  • U.S. History: Steady performance with a slight increase at “Meets”

Looking Ahead

The Texas Education Agency is expected to release updated A–F accountability ratings later this summer. CCISD has earned a “B” rating in each of the last four cycles and was the highest‑rated public school district in the greater Fort Hood area in 2025.

As the district continues to grow academically, CCISD is also accepting transfer applications at no cost to families, opening access to its award‑winning programs and 50 industry‑based certifications.

Families can learn more at www.CCISD.com.

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