Study Background

Schools across Texas are working to improve Algebra 1 outcomes and ensure more students meet grade-level expectations. Across 2023-2024, a study of STEMscopes Math’s effect on STAAR end-or-course Algebra 1 scores showed that STEMscopes helped keep school scores stable in a time when non-STEMscopes schools showed Algebra 1 score declines. The 2024-2025 looked at whether using the STEMscopes Math Algebra 1 curriculum is associated with improved results on the 2025 STAAR Algebra 1 assessment in a new and returning cohort of schools.

What We Did

We compared results from 228 matched schools across Texas using STEMscopes Math to similar schools that were not using the program. Approximately 2/3 of schools participated in the 2023/2024 study, with 1/3 of the sample made up of new schools. We matched schools based on prior performance and student populations to ensure a fair comparison.  We then tested the effect of STEMscopes Math on the following Algebra 1 outcomes:

• STAAR Algebra 1 passing rates (benchmarks)
• Average scale scores
• Key math skill areas (learning categories)
• Results for different student groups
• Differences across school performance ratings (A–F)

Key Findings

1. Improved Student Performance

Schools using STEMscopes Math had stronger Algebra 1 outcomes overall:

• A significant increase in the percentage of students meeting grade-level expectations compared to non-STEMscopes schools
• Positive gains at other performance levels (approaches and masters), and fewer students who did not meet expectations

• STEMscopes schools showed significantly greater improvement in average scale scores from 2024 to 2025 compared to non-STEMscopes schools.
• Students in STEMscopes schools performed significantly better in several key algebra areas tested, including: 1. Number & Algebraic Methods, 2. Describing & Graphing Linear Functions, Equations, & Inequalities, and 3. Exponential Functions & Equations.

2. Positive Results Across Student Groups

Outcomes were positive across all student subgroups tested and significant improvements were found for:

• Males and females
• Hispanic/Latinx students
• Economically disadvantaged students
• English speakers and English Language Learners

Effects were generally consistent across groups, suggesting benefits for diverse learners.

3. Strongest Impact in Lower-Performing Schools

STEMscopes had the largest impact in lower-rated schools, especially D-rated schools.

Effects were smaller in higher-performing schools but still generally positive. This suggests that STEMscopes may be particularly helpful in closing achievement gaps.

 

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that STEMscopes Math is associated with improved Algebra 1 performance across Texas middle and high schools for the second year in a row. Students in STEMscopes schools were more likely to meet grade-level expectations.