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Student Success Initiative The Goal of the Texas Reading Initiative:All students will read on grade level or above by the end of Grade 3 and continue to read on grade level or above throughout their schooling. To best serve the needs of Texas public schoolchildren, parents, teachers, administrators, business leaders, and community members all need to be involved in improving the reading skills of our children. |
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A Parent Guide to Testing Requirements Texas state law includes provisions to help all children in Texas learn to read. These requirements apply to all students who are enrolled in the third grade during the 2002-2003 school year and thereafter.
What the State Law Requires Students enrolled in third grade during the 2002-2003 school year must meet the new testing requirements of Texas state law. Students must pass the reading section of Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) during their third grade school year in 2002-2003 in order to be promoted to the fourth grade. These promotion requirements begin with students enrolled in second grade during the 2001-2002 school year who will enter third grade in 2002-2003. These same requirements continue with all third grade students thereafter. Additional testing requirements must be satisfied in the fifth and eighth grades. New Promotion Requirements Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)
Frequently Asked Questions Will the current TAAS test be the state assessment used in 2002-2003? No, a new test called the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) is being developed based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It will replace the TAAS test in the 2002-2003 school year. What will happen if a student doesn't pass the 2002-2003 TAKS reading assessment? Extra instruction to strengthen the skills needed to be a successful reader will be provided through your child's school. A student will have two more opportunities to take and pass the reading test before the next school year begins. A committee may be formed to ensure the best placement of your child. Do these same promotion requirements apply to students who are Limited English Proficient (LEP) or in Special Education? This law applies to these students as well if they are not exempt from testing. Who can families contact if they have questions? Families should contact your child's teacher, principal, school district office, or the regional education service center in their area. Families may also contact the Texas Education Agency through any of the phone numbers on the web site, www.tea.state.tx.us. Your child's success is a priority for all of us. How Can Families Help? Talk, ask questions, and keep in touch with your child's teacher and school. Spend as much time as possible reading a wide variety of books and other kinds of materials with your child. Ask questions about what your child has read, discussing the meanings of new words and comparing one story with another. Reduce television time. Plan family learning activities that will support your child's learning. Discuss with your child's teacher the results of the reading inventory that each student takes in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. The reading inventory is required under Texas state law. This is an additional tool to monitor progress and to support the overall quality of reading instruction that your child is receiving. To learn more about helping your child begin to read, you may order the booklet Beginning Reading Instruction: Practical Ideas for Parents ($1.50) by calling the Texas Education Agency Publications Distributions distribution Office at (512)463-9744.
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