Student Handbook - McKinney Independent School District

STEROIDSSTAAR-L., which is linguistically accommodated assessment, will be available for students whohave been determined to be limited English proficient (LEP) and who require this type of testingaccommodation.Additional information will be provided to students and parents prior to the spring 2012administrations.Also see Course Credit, Grading Guidelines and Graduation for additional information.TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)TAKS is a state-mandated assessment currently being transitioned to the STAAR program.However, depending on the grade level of the student, TAKS may still be administered to astudent.For a student in grade 10 or 11 during the 2011-2012 school year, the student will be assessedwith TAKS in the subject areas of mathematics, English/language arts, social studies, andscience. The test at grade 11 is called “exit-level” TAKS, and satisfactory performance on thistest is required for graduation. Any student in grade 12 who has not met the passing standard onthe exit-level TAKS will have an opportunity to retake the exam in accordance with timelinesestablished by TEA.Also see Graduation for more information.THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)Prior to enrollment in a Texas public college or university, most students must take a standardizedtest, such as the Texas Higher Education Assessment [THEA]. The purpose of the THEA is toassess the reading, mathematics, and writing skills that entering freshmen-level students shouldhave if they are to perform effectively in undergraduate certificate or degree programs in Texaspublic colleges and universities. This test may be required before a student enrolls in a dualcreditcourse offered through the district as well.State law prohibits students from possessing, dispensing, delivering, or administering an anabolic steroid.Anabolic steroids are for medical use only, and only a physician can prescribe use.Body building, muscle enhancement, or the increase of muscle bulk or strength through the use of ananabolic steroid or human growth hormone by a healthy student is not a valid medical use and is acriminal offense.Students participating in UIL athletic competition may be subject to random steroid testing. Moreinformation on the UIL testing program may be found on the UIL Web site athttp://www.uiltexas.org/health/steroid-information.STUDENTS IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OF THE STATEThe district strives to assist any student who has been placed in either temporary or permanentconservatorship (custody) of the state of Texas with the enrollment and registration process, as well asother educational services throughout the student’s enrollment in the district.Please contact the Director of Counseling and Student Support, who has been designated as the district’sliaison for children in the conservatorship of the state, with any questions.- 48 -