TASD CELEBRATES ACADEMIC PROGRESS, MAINTAINS FOCUS ON CONTINUED STUDENT GROWTH
District improves overall letter grade as campuses demonstrate gains in achievement and growth
TEXARKANA, Ark. — The Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD) is celebrating measurable academic progress reflected in the 2025–2026 school accountability results while maintaining a clear focus on continued improvement and student growth.
TASD improved its overall district letter grade from a D to a C, increasing its accountability score by 19 points. Student achievement was a major contributor to the improvement, with proficiency increasing in all three tested subject areas. English Language Arts increased from 24.26% to 28.75%, mathematics from 20.45% to 24.02%, and science from 25.37% to 29.81%. The district’s graduation rate also increased from 86.96% to 89.42%.
“These results demonstrate encouraging progress and reflect the intentional work taking place across our district,” said TASD Superintendent Dr. Lloyd Jackson. “We celebrate our students and staff for the gains we are seeing, while recognizing that there is more work ahead. Our focus remains on building upon what is working and strengthening support where our students need it most.”
Progress was also evident across TASD campuses. Five of seven schools increased their overall accountability points, and two improved by a full letter grade. North Heights Community School moved from a C to a B with a 62.68-point increase, while Kilpatrick Academy of Public Service moved from an F to a D after gaining 43.69 points. Fairview Academy of Humanities & Innovation finished less than one point from a B, and Arkansas Middle School gained 28.49 points over the previous year.
While TASD celebrates these gains, district leaders are also using the results to identify areas requiring continued attention. Overall achievement remains below state medians, and accelerating growth for students performing in the lowest 25% is an important priority. In particular, while overall ELA achievement improved, ELA growth among students in the lowest 25% declined, reinforcing the need for continued emphasis on literacy support.
TASD continues to invest in strategies designed to strengthen teaching and learning. These efforts include Solution Tree Professional Learning Community (PLC) work to strengthen instructional collaboration and the use of student data; targeted tutoring through Kids First; CKLA intervention to provide additional literacy support; and Kagan Structures which provide instructional strategies that strengthen how teachers deliver the curriculum.
“These results give us both reason to celebrate and direction for the work ahead,” Jackson said. “Our goal is not simply a higher letter grade. We want sustained academic growth that reaches every classroom and every student. We will continue working alongside our educators, families, and community partners to move our schools forward.”
