TAKS Results (Round One) and Perfume

I received my students' Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skill (TAKS) test results yesterday. The TAKS is a standardized state test and a very high pressure test for students, teachers, and schools as it determines just about everything in Texas education. Based on these tests, schools are rated: "Exemplary," "Recognized," "Academically Acceptable," or "Academically Unacceptable." These rating are very important to the school. Last year my school was "recognized." From what I understand this was the first time in a long time that Berry Elementary school was labeled as "Recognized" (it was previously lower). Also in Texas, teacher, principal, and staff bonuses are given based on student performance on the TAKS test. The TAKS test results are also a large factor in whether or not a student is promoted to the next grade level as well.

With all that said, 78% of the 5th grade students passed on the first administration of the math TAKS test. (of that 78%, 2-% were commended (highest student ranking you can get!)

Although I am excited about this number, (it is a larger number than projected and much higher than last years scores on the first administration) my principal seems to be more excited. My students did very well. The 12 total fifth graders who need to retake the TAKS examine will be doing so in a few weeks and I will be analysing data and working to prepare them the best I can between now and then. These students will have rather intense session with myself and the other math teacher (also first year TFA) during tutorials, Saturday school, and small group pullouts during class. I think that we should be at least able to get five more students to pass the math test before the next administration.

Before the intense preparation for the math TAKS can begin, my students will need to complete their science TAKS test next Thursday. Seeing as our school is a science magnet school, I hope that our students will do well.

I am very excited to be finished with testing!

On another note... as Spring has come to Texas so has a large cloud of perfume that seems to have slowly entered my room. My 5th grade girls have discovered perfume and my room is beginning to smell like the fragrance department at Macy's. It seems as if many of the girls (and some boys) have come to the conclusion that if one spray is good and makes them smell better, that 8 sprays is even better.

Next Wednesday evening I will be leaving for Minnesota. My close friend Zach is getting married and since Zach and I have been practically brothers since we were little, I am going to fly home on Wednesday to be there for the wedding.

Other than testing... life is good.