The Houston R-1 School District led Texas County and the South Central Association in statewide scores released this week analyzing performance to state standards. Houston and Raymondville significantly improved their scores for the 2024-25 school year.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said the state’s public schools have shown significant gains in Annual Performance Report scores. APRs demonstrate the progress educators, students, parents and the community are making toward meeting the standards and indicators in the sixth iteration of the Missouri School Improvement Program – MSIP 6.
“The more rigorous expectations of MSIP 6 are making a difference,” said Dr. Karla Eslinger, Commissioner of Education. “These results reflect the support of Missouri public schools from our business and industry leaders, and our strong families and communities. I am proud of our school leaders and educators.”
HOUSTON SCORE IMPROVES 7 POINTS
Houston led the county with a score of 86.5 – up from its mark of 79.5 the previous year. Raymondville was second in the county and showed the biggest improvement by jumping from 64 to 76.6. Summersville and Licking were close behind at 73.9 and 72.4, respectively.
Houston topped the SCA in front of Willow Springs (84.6), Mountain Grove (78.2) and Thayer (77.8).
“This is a great celebration for our district,” said Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent of Houston Schools. “These results reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and families, as well as the ongoing support from our community.”
Social Studies and Science continue to be strong subject areas for Houston in statewide scoring. Copley additionally praised growth in Math and English Language Arts as well as high graduation rates and solid college and career readiness scores.
“While we’re excited about this progress, we remain committed to continuing our focus on improving proficiency in all areas,” Copley said. “With the momentum we’ve built through growth over the last couple of years, I’m confident we’ll see even greater success ahead for the Houston School District.”
RAYMONDVILLE RISES IN COUNTY
While scores decreased in five of the county’s seven districts, Raymondville saw a double-digit increase in its score from the previous year. The rise moved the school from second-to-last to second-best in Texas County.
Here’s the breakdown by school district with the previous year’s score in parentheses:
- Cabool 69.8 (79.6)
- Houston 86.5 (79.5)
- Licking 72.4 (75.2)
- Plato 69.7 (70.6)
- Raymondville 76.6 (64)
- Success 63.4 (65)
- Summersville 73.9 (78.8)
“The 10% increase reflects not only higher student achievement but also stronger instructional practices, targeted interventions and a shared dedication from teachers, staff, students and families,” said Dana Buschmann, superintendent of Raymondville R-VII. “This improvement is a direct result of our staff’s hard work, our students’ determination and the community’s unwavering support. Every point gained represents real growth in learning and opportunity for our students.”
Buschmann said she and the district are committed to continuing the upward momentum through data-driven instruction, expanded student support services and strengthened collaboration at every grade level.
“This increase shows that Raymondville is on the right path. Our teachers and students have embraced a growth mindset, and those results speak for themselves,” Buschmann said. “However, we know that the work is ongoing. Raymondville remains focused on sustaining growth, addressing learning gaps and preparing every student for future success in school and beyond.”
STEADY PROGRESS ACROSS STATE
Eslinger said more than 92 percent of public school students attend districts that meet or exceed state expectations. She highlighted that attendance rates, graduation rates and Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scores continue to improve.
Looking at core subjects, English Language Arts MAP scores showed slight improvements for most grade levels. Mathematics MAP scores showed improvements overall, apart from the fourth and fifth grades.
“Although the trendline shows slow and steady progress, there is still work to do,” Eslinger said. “We know that ambition is the path to success, but success is only achieved through persistence. We remain diligent in working with our school systems until every child reaches their potential.”
MSIP is the state’s system for reviewing public school performance and classifying school districts. It outlines expectations for school practices and student outcomes, with the goal of each student graduating ready for success in college, career and life.
DESE considers multiple years of performance data prior to making classification recommendations. The APR will not be used to lower classification designations for school districts this year.