When Kingwood Park was recognized with two distinctions this year, one in science and another in overall academic growth, the celebration was about more than awards. It was about the hard work of students and teachers being validated.
“Basically it is saying that we did very well in our science department, and then we showed growth year to year, from the prior year to this year,” science teacher Glenn Taylor said.
Taylor explained that the recognition goes beyond standardized test scores. While at first he assumed it was based only on STAAR biology results, he later learned the Texas Education Agency’s system is much broader.
“When you dig into it, it is also things like the courses that we offer,” Taylor said. “It is the college credits that are accomplished through our various programs, whether AP or OnRamps. I think the important thing is that it encompasses the entire science department.”
Science instructional coach Tara Bailey said this is the second year in a row the science department has earned the distinction.
“We got it in 2024–25, but we also got it in 2023–24,” Bailey said. “It is based on our STAAR scores and mastery, our dual credit OnRamps success rate and our AP scores. We have to be in the top quintile of our sister high schools that are similar to Kingwood Park.”
Bailey explained that the distinctions are earned by competing against schools of similar size and demographics.
“The schools we compete against have similar student population, similar demographics,” Bailey said. “They are 5A schools. There are about 40 of them, so we have to be in the top 10.”
While the recognition does not directly bring in additional funding, both Taylor and Bailey said the real value comes in what it means for students and teachers.
“I hope it gets us more funding,” Taylor said. “I think the big thing is that it gives us credibility. The students should recognize that credibility, that we have a really good science program.”
Bailey agreed, emphasizing that the recognition reflects the dedication happening every day inside classrooms.
“It definitely highlights KPark as being a really good school,” Bailey said. “Our teachers and students work hard here, and the recognition shows that we have good things going on at this campus compared to others. It does not necessarily increase funding, but it does give us the recognition that our kids and teachers deserve.”
For Taylor, that recognition is something he hopes will motivate students to take pride in the strength of their programs.
“From here, we can hope it is something that we as teachers can use and our school can use as a star in our high school,” Taylor said.
