Principal's Message

8/30/10
    August Message
6/10/10
    Summer Message
4/26/10
    April Message
2/16/10
    February Message
1/8/10
    Untitled
11/3/09
    November Message
10/5/09
    Untitled
9/1/09
    September Message

February Message

by Bess Gressett
February 16, 2010

Benchmark Testing

            TAKS tests (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) are fast approaching.  Our students and teachers have been steadily working to cover all of the state required objectives.  These tests are very important.  At two of our grade levels, 5^th and 8^th, the math and reading tests must be passed in order for the students to be promoted to the next grade.  At all testing grade levels, 3^rd and up, the test measures the student’s progress toward mastery of the objectives and projected success on the next test. 

            On February 17 and 18 our school will be practicing for the reading and math assessments.  We will change our daily schedules for our 3^rd through 8^th graders in order to allow sufficient time to complete the entire test.  We will use the latest version of the test that has been released by the Texas Education Agency.  Water bottles and peppermints will be provided in an effort to assist student’s concentration.  We call these tests “benchmarks.”  They will help us evaluate which objectives we have covered well and which still need work.  Teachers will adjust their lesson plans to focus on any weak areas.  They will also guide us in identifying any students who need extra assistance.  Some students will be contacted to arrange extra time for tutoring.

            Teachers will be glad to talk to students or parents if anyone has questions or would like to see the results of these benchmark tests.