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14 | NEWS | Community Impact Newspaper • Northwest Houston Edition eduCAtioN Raw STAAR scores released, grading standards to be announced in fall By Marie Leonard Cy-Fair ISD ninth graders achieved higher scores on all end-of-course exams when compared to the statewide average in each category, according to preliminary data released in June. “This is our baseline data and gives us the opportunity to see where our strengths are and where there are opportunities for us to grow and improve,” said Roy Garcia, associate superintendent for curriculum, instruction and school administration. Three different standardized tests were administered during the 2011-12 school year. Students in grades three through eight took the new STAAR test, pupils in ninth grade took end-of-course exams, and students in 10th through 11th grade took the TAKS test. Seventy-six percent of CFISD ninth graders passed the English reading exam, 61 percent passed the English writing test, 93 percent passed biology, 89 percent passed world geography and 90 percent passed the algebra exam. CFISD students performed best on the algebra and biology end-of-course exams. Compared to statewide data released by the Texas Education Agency, 68 percent of students in Texas passed the English reading test, 55 percent passed English writing, 87 percent passed biology, 81 percent passed world geography and 83 percent passed algebra. “For algebra 1, which is the first year of the phase-in, students only needed to get 37 percent of the test correct to pass,” said Ashley Clayburn, associate superintendent for school improvement and accountability. “However, with English 1 writing, students needed 61 percent correct to pass. We are seeing a change in passing standards, which is why we could be seeing a change in grades.” For students in grades three through eight, only raw scores—the number of questions answered correctly—are available because grading standards will not be set until the fall. Final scores will not be released to students until early 2013. “The [Texas Education Agency] has developed a four-year phase in cycle for end-of-course exams,”Clayburn said. “The purpose of this is to provide students and educators with sufficient time to adjust to the rigor of assessment and higher performance expectations.” To graduate from high school, Texas students must pass 15 end-of-course exams by the end of senior year. As the new school year approaches, district employees will be focusing on three main areas to prepare students for the new tests: data analysis, campus improvement plans and the board goal-setting workshop. Grading standards—tougher than they ones this year—will be in place by the time students take the tests next year, and the end-of-course exams will count as 15 percent of a student’s final grade. However, students who did not pass this year’s 1 2 3 4 The four STAAR stakes tests can retake them over the summer, Garcia said. “Let’s say I met the passing standard, but feel like I could do better,” he said. “I can take it again to get a better score. Students will have multiple opportunities to retake these.” End-of-course test scores count for 15 percenT of a student’s grade. Students must pass 15 TesTs in grades nine through 11 to graduate. Students must achieve a certain cumulaTive score in each of the four content areas: English, math, science and social studies. The cumulative score is found by multiplying the satisfactory score by the number of tests administered in the four content areas. Example: If 700 out of 1,000 is considered a satisfactory score on the three science tests, a student would need to get a cumulative score of 2,100 (three assessments × 700 = 2,100) to graduate. A satisfactory score may be higher than the passing standard. Based on his or her graduation plan, students must achieve the passing sTandard or a predetermined minimum score on eight to 15 EOC exams. Ninth-grade students choose one of three graduation plans: Minimum, Recommended or Distinguished. The programs differ in the number of required credits. The Minimum graduation plan requires parent and administrator permission. LSC-CyFair 9191 Barker Cypress Cypress, TX 77433 LSC-Fairbanks Center 14955 Northwest Freeway Houston, TX 77040 affirmative action/eeo college Source: Texas Education Agency Start here. Transfer anywhere. That’s why 90,000 students choose us. REGISTER NOW FOR FALL! Weekend College, workforce certificates, First Year Communities, Dual Credit courses and more! Weekday classes begin Aug. 27! Weekend College begins Sept. 7! LoneStar.edu
A TERRIFIC PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO GROW AND PLAY! Serving Cypress... Before and After School Care for: Lamkin - Millsap Adam - Black Hamilton - Farney Sampson Building Rainbows Day School Second location in Tomball NOW OPEN Learning Through Play ...since 1982 Now Enrolling Toddler thru Pre-K Before and after school care Building Rainbows Day School 281-890-7498 13922 Schmidt Rd. Cypress, TX 77429 www.BuildingRainbowDaySchool.com impactnews.com • July 2012 | NEWS | 15 The First Thing They Notice Is Your SMILE A SMILE IS THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY SMILE WITH CONFIDENCE Dr. Logan provides natural-looking, beautiful dentistry that is practically “invisible”. No more metal lines and dark llings SLEEP BETTER Dental Appliances for snoring and sleep apnea REPLACE MISSING TEETH PERMANENTLY You’ll have the ability to smile and eat again! RELAX Sedation dentistry available so that you can have the dentistry you WANT without the ANXIETY! ENJOY Experience the softer side of dentistry and our spa-like atmosphere. STRAIGHTEN YOUR SMILE Invisalign or Six Month Smiles SAME DAY DENTISTRY CAD/CAM technology for your convenience We welcome the entire family! Now accepting New Patients! Call today for an Appointment! 281.256.6866 11808 Barker Cypress Suite G www.lorilogandds.com ,FAGD
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