March 23, 2009

Ninety percent of third, fifth, and eighth graders in Granbury schools have passed the reading portion of the state-mandated Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).  The first administration of the state exam was given on March 3, 2009.

The reading test in these three grade levels is part of the Student Success Initiative, which was enacted in 1999 by the Texas Legislature with the goal to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be academically successful in reading and mathematics.  Students in these grade levels must pass the TAKS reading test in order to be promoted.  Fifth and eighth graders must also pass the TAKS math test, which will have its first administration given on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.

“These strong results speak well of the hard work of our students, teachers, principals, and curriculum department.  Our schools will be working diligently with the students who did not pass this first administration, as we want every student to be successful and to be able to reach new heights,” said Superintendent William Harris.

The results are preliminary, and the passing rates will increase when the tests are given again to students who were absent or who were not successful on the first administration.  The district will administer the tests again on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, and Wednesday, July 1, 2009.