AUSTIN, Texas — Texas students improved on all five State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness end-of-course (EOC) exams in Spring 2026, the Texas Education Agency said Wednesday.
Biology saw the biggest jump, with 71% of students meeting grade level. That is up nine percentage points from last year and above the 63% recorded before the pandemic.
Algebra I rose seven points to 54%, though it remains below its pre-pandemic mark of 62%.
English I, English II and U.S. History also posted gains, with 70% of students meeting grade level in U.S. History, though that subject also remains below pre-pandemic performance.
“These results reflect the hard work of Texas students, educators and families and demonstrate that focused instruction and high expectations continue to produce positive outcomes,” said Commissioner Mike Morath. He suggested the legislature’s recent classroom cell phone ban may have contributed to the gains.
Results improved for economically disadvantaged students, emergent bilingual students and students receiving special education services across every subject. Economically disadvantaged students saw a seven-point jump in Algebra I, rising to 45% meeting grade level, while Biology climbed 10 points to 61% for that group.
The gains come after recent legislative investment in Texas high schools, including House Bills 2 and 120 passed in 2025.
Dual credit enrollment grew 87% from 2015 to 2024, and postsecondary credentials earned in high school rose 532% from 2018 to 2024, according to Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy organization.
“Grade-level proficiency in foundational subjects like Algebra I and English is more than a snapshot in time,” said Mary Lynn Pruneda, Texas 2036’s director of education and workforce policy. “It is a direct indicator of long-term workforce readiness and economic opportunity for Texas students.”
Grades 3-8 STAAR results are scheduled for public release Tuesday, June 16. Individual EOC results are available at TexasAssessment.gov.