Alvin ISD, an Exemplary Experience

[Carol Holst <kceh@AIRMAIL.NET>]

From our local newspaper, which isn't online, so please forgive any
typos or bizarre sentences. Ahem ahem ahem, here we go...
=========
Understanding the TAKS test

The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test is closely
aligned with the state's curriculum standards, which are called the
Texas essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

The new test, which was mandated by the texas Legislature in 1999, will
cover more subjects and be more rigorous than the TAAS. Beginning this
school year (2002-2003), annual TAKS testing will occur in grades 3-11.
The exit-level TAKS exam, which students must pass in order to receive a
high schools diploma, will move from the 10th grade to the 11th grade.
the exit exam will cover the subjects of English language arts, math
science and social studies.

Students in third grade this year (2002-2003) must pass the reading
section of the TAKS in order to be promoted to fourth grade.

In the future (2004-2005 school year) more passing requirements will be
in place for fifth and eighth graders. For example, fifth graders will
have to pass both reading and math. by 2007-2008, eighth graders will
have to pass reading and math for promotion to ninth grade.

"Parents can support their children's academic success by talking to
them, asking questions, and keeping in touch with the child's teacher
and school," said Linda Hanson, assistant superintendent of curriculum
and instruction for the Alvin ISD.

"Spend as much time as possible reading a ride variety of books and
other reading material with your child, and ask questions about what
they have read, discussing the meanings of new words, and comparing oe
story with another," Hanson added.

Other tips for academic success include reducing television time and
participating in family learning activities (bullshit, after being
tested and test prepped all day long the kids are perfectly entitled to
ride their bikes and watch Sponge Bob Square Pants. Harumph. Expression
of anger and sadness Carol's).

"Every school has special family math, writing and reading nights.
Attend these special activities with your child," Hanson said.

"And always, discuss with your child's teacher the results of the state
required reading inventory that each student takes in kindergarten,
first grade and second grade. It is an additional tool to monitor
progress and to support the overall quality of reading instruction each
child is receiving," said Hanson.
==========
Another text box on the same page states the following:

2002-2003 District Goals

The Alvin ISD Board of Trustees has set the following goals:
*Score in the top 1/3 of all Region IV schools with a non advised rating
during the implementation of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and
Skills (TAKS) test
*Increase the average daily attendance (ADA)
*Increase the graduation rate
*Reduce the number of college remedial courses taken by Alvin High
School graduates
==============
Juanita, do you have any more carrot cake?

Carol

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L
to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU.