Dallas families, educators, and local leaders are being called to the table as the Dallas Education Collective (DEC) kicks off its fall convenings.
The Dallas Education Collective (DEC) will host the first of three community convenings tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Moorland YMCA at Oak Cliff.
This timely gathering comes on the heels of new Texas Education Agency (TEA) Student Achievement Scores released two weeks ago and profiled in The Dallas Express, which underscores that while Dallas ISD’s Overall Accountability Rating improved to a B, Student Achievement Scores remain in the C range for a second consecutive year — 76 in 2025 and 73 in 2024, scores too low to influence the district’s overall rating.
Achievement Gaps Remain
According to TEA data, only 49% of all students in Dallas ISD met grade-level expectations in Reading/Language Arts and 43% in Math for 2025. Although growth rates reached 70% in Reading and 69% in Math, helping School Progress, proficiency levels remain stagnant.
The data also reveals troubling disparities: while some groups perform notably higher, others—often in neighborhoods grappling with systemic disadvantages—continue to lag behind in both Reading and Math. Graduation rates, too, vary widely across student groups.
A Community Response
Nakia Douglas, Executive Director of DEC, frames the convenings as response forums—not just data discussions.
“These convenings are about more than numbers — they’re about coming together as a community to ensure every child in Dallas has the opportunity to thrive. The data reminds us there’s work to be done, but it also gives us a roadmap for action. We want parents, educators, and neighbors at the table because real solutions will come when we build them together.”
The event will include an overview of the TEA data, breakout discussions, and opportunities for participants to voice concerns and ideas directly with DEC staff.
Build, Learn, Act Together
Tomorrow’s convening is the first of three, with the others scheduled for:
- Tuesday, September 9 — Pleasant Oaks Recreation Center, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 23 — Park South Family YMCA, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Douglas emphasizes the importance of collective action: Student Achievement Scores reflect true mastery—not just progress—raising the stakes for strategic, inclusive interventions.
With the TEA’s data now public, the Dallas Education Collective invites everyone interested in strengthening student success to attend, learn, and help craft community-driven solutions for the future.