The Student Success Initiative

State Law Requirements

In 1997, the State Legislature created the Texas Reading Initiative to help all children learn to read on grade level by the end of third grade.

Two years later, lawmakers passed the Student Success Initiative, which requires third-grade students beginning in 2003 to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in reading to be promoted to the fourth grade.

Beginning in 2004, eleventh-grade students must pass the exit-level TAKS, along with course requirements, to receive their diploma. Fifth-grade students in 2005 must pass the reading and math portions of TAKS to be promoted to the sixth grade. Eighth-grade students in 2008 must pass the reading and math portions of the TAKS to be promoted to the ninth grade.

What happens next?

Third-grade students have three opportunities to take the reading portion of the TAKS. If a student does not pass, additional instruction is provided each time. Parents will be notified if their child does not pass a TAKS test that is required for promotion.

After the second failed attempt, a Grade Placement Committee (GPC), which consists of the principal, teacher, and parent, is formed. The GPC will create an educational plan based on the instructional needs of each student.

The committee will decide, based on local policy, whether the student will take the TAKS or an authorized alternative assessment on the third attempt.

Parents' role in the Process

A student who is unsuccessful after the third opportunity will automatically be retained. However, the student's parents may appeal the decision to have their child repeat a grade by submitting a request to the GPC within 5 working days of receiving the retention notice. The committee may decide to promote a student to the next grade, but only if everyone on the GPC agrees the student is l ikely to succeed in the next grade.

Parents may request a waiver so that a student does not participate in the third testing oportunity. Your child's school can give you more information about waivers. If a waiver is approved, the student must still participate in all required extra instruction and is retained.

Note: Parents of students receiving special education services should check with the special education contact person on your campus for more information.

TAKS Testing

Three testing opportunities are available each year — two during the spring semester and one during the summer. The exact test dates are available at www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/admin/calendar/

 

Parent Tips
to Prepare for Success

• Start Early: meet your child's teacher in person, through e-mail, or by telephone.
• Ask your child's teacher to go over the results of the required reading inventory that each student takes in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades.
• Attend the school's Open House and parent teacher conference. Find out if there are activities you can do with your child at home to help improve reading skills.
• Read and discuss a variety of materials with and to your child daily.
• Review what your child has read, discussing the meanings of new words and comparing stories.
• Don't be afraid to talk, ask questions, and keep in touch with your child's teacher and principal throughout the entire school year.
• If your child seems to be struggling, ask the teacher about tutoring programs or other forms of assistance.

Promotion Requirements

2002 - 2003 & beyond
3rd Grade - Students must pass the Reading TAKS test to be promoted to the fourth grade

2003 - 2004 & beyond
11th grade Exit-level - students must pass the Exit-level TAKS test in order to graduate.

2004 - 2005 & beyond
5th grade - Students must pass the Reading and Math TAKS to be promoted to the sixth grade.

2007 - 2008 & beyond
8th grade - Students must pass the Reading and Math TAKS to be promoted to the ninth grade.