"That HISD students are beating the national averages is very significant," Dr. Saavedra said. "Eight out of 10 HISD students live at or near the poverty level, so many of them don't get the kinds of opportunities at home that other children have. These scores are a testament to how hard our teachers, administrators, and students are working. The achievement gap remains, but closing it has always been a high priority in HISD, and we are starting to close it in several grades and subject areas. All of Houston should be proud that our children are learning, and learning at higher levels than most around the country."