GISD Sets Next Level Goals for Breakthrough Learning Results
Georgetown ISD leaders are setting their sights high for the 2025-26 school year, with a clear vision for what student success should look like across the district. During a recent board workshop, trustees and district leaders discussed goals that reflect GISD’s commitment to learning, growth, and progress for every student.
Raising the Bar on Student Performance
The district’s top priorities center on academic excellence. GISD will outperform the state average on accountability measures and improve the quartile ranking of schools relative to comparable schools. The goal is for GISD schools to exceed the state average on accountability measures, and for all 18 campuses to be high-achieving in the state’s accountability system by June 2026. The message is clear: GISD is committed to achieving learning results that surpass state expectations.
Building Strong Foundations in Literacy and Math
Recognizing that literacy and math are the cornerstones of academic success, GISD is setting measurable targets to increase student performance in both areas. In literacy, the district aims to move from 64% of students reading on grade level to 80% by 2028. In math, the goal is to raise on-grade-level performance from 59% to 66% by 2026, with the same 80% target for 2028. These improvements will mean more students exit elementary school fully prepared for the next step in their education.
Preparing Students for the Future
GISD is also looking beyond the classroom to ensure students are ready for what comes next. The district already delivers impressive Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and plans to increase the percentage of graduates who meet College, Career, and Military Readiness standards from 79% to 90% by June 2026. This includes success on advanced placement and ACT/SAT exams, as well as earning industry-recognized certifications through CTE programs, opening doors for students to pursue higher education or enter the workforce with valuable skills.
Keeping the Focus on High-Quality Instruction
To reach these goals, GISD is placing a strong emphasis on the quality of classroom instruction. Every student should engage in learning tasks that are appropriately challenging, aligned to academic standards, and designed to prepare them for success on state and national assessments. Walkthroughs in every classroom are expected to reflect this level of rigor. Teachers will also post clear learning objectives—“I can” statements or standards—so students know exactly what they’re working toward.
Using Data to Drive Success
Timely, actionable data will guide instructional decisions at every level. Teachers will regularly share data with their principals, who in turn will provide updates to the district. Principals will also discuss progress in critical content areas during district leadership meetings every other month, ensuring that the focus stays on student growth. Parents should expect to receive feedback over the course of the year from their respective schools.
Responsible Stewardship
The district’s goals also reflect a commitment to fiscal responsibility and competitive compensation. GISD will continue to adopt a balanced budget, and teacher pay will remain in the top third of districts in the region—ensuring the district can attract and retain the high-quality educators students deserve.
Superintendent Devin Padavil says the year ahead is about keeping students at the center of every decision. “These goals are ambitious, but they’re achievable because our students deserve to feel challenged and successful. The dedication of our teachers, the support of our families, and the determination of our students will result in great things for Georgetown,” he said. “When we work together and expect a lot of ourselves, we can grow to new heights and positively impact the lives of children in this amazing community.”
Tune in to view the board workshop on our website. Discussion around goal setting begins at 37:00.
