TAKS Test Results Show Progress: Local Students Closing Gap Between Valley and State Scores
Posted on: Saturday, 3 June 2006, 15:00 CDT
By Amy D. Lynch, Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas
Jun. 2--HARLINGEN -- Local students have started to close the gap between their own standardized test scores and the state average.
Spring 2006 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test results show Harlingen School District students did not fall below 10 points of the state average score, averaging two points above or below the state scores.
"We are, of course, very proud of our students as they continue to excel," Linda Wade, Harlingen superintendent, said. "Academically standing, we think the number of our recognized campuses will triple this year after doing some math ourselves."
Wade is counting on this year's TAKS scores to push up the district's campuses in the Adequate Yearly Progress reports that will be released in August. The annual AYP rating, mandated by the federal government, is based on Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills scores, dropout rates and attendance.
A recognized rating is the second highest a campus can receive. The highest is exemplary, the third-highest is academically acceptable and last is academically unacceptable, which is a failing grade.
However, Wade said there is still room for improvement.
"The scores do signify an improvement in science, but there is additional improvement needed," Wade said, "just as the rest of the state."
Science testing is administered in fifth, 10th and 11th grades, and for the first time this year, eighth grade.
The Texas Education Agency also noted math and science as the highest hurdle for eighth-grade Hispanic students with only 45 and 39 percent passing, respectively.
"Science performance has been an area of concern. So these strong gains are very encouraging," Commissioner of Education Shirley Neeley said in a statewide news release. "Clearly, science instruction is receiving more time and attention in elementary school. I have a lot of work to do in both math and science."
"We did increase significantly in elementary levels and we continue to work in all fields for more improvement," Wade said. "We commend the teachers, staff and students for the excellent job in the classroom for their dedication and hard work."
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Copyright (c) 2006, Valley Morning Star, Harlingen, Texas
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.
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Source: Valley Morning Star (Harlingen, Texas)
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