Plan Ahead for TAKS and Graduation
Students have more than one opportunity to pass the TAKS tests required for promotion or graduation. Parents are encouraged to work with teachers for tutoring and other assistance that may be available.
TAKS tests are given in reading (Grades 3-9), writing or English language arts (Grades 4, 7, 10 and 11), mathematics (Grades 3-11), science (Grades 5, 8, 10 and 11), and social studies (Grades 8, 10 and 11). In addition, Spanish-version assessments are given in reading (Grades 3-6), writing (Grade 4), mathematics (Grades 3-6), and science (Grade 5).
There are several years in which students are required to pass certain sections of TAKS in order to be promoted to the next grade level. Third-graders are required to pass the reading assessment in order to move to fourth grade. Fifth-graders and eighth-graders must pass the reading and mathematics assessments to move on to the next grade level. Finally, to receive a diploma, 12th grade high school students must pass exit-level English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies assessments, as well as successfully complete their required high school courses. Students take the exit-level exams for the first time in the spring of their 11th grade year.
Graduation:
How You Can Help:
Monitor your child’s studies in middle and high school so he or she will be prepared. Encourage your teenager to choose the 24-credit Recommended Diploma program. Advocate challenging math, science and other classes; consider Advanced Placement (AP) courses. As a result, your child:
- will become better prepared to pass the exit-level TAKS and graduate;
- will, with the Recommended Diploma, receive a medallion and recognition as a Texas Scholar, a program supported by business/community volunteers who stress the value of higher level coursework to ninth-graders;
- may, as a Texas Scholar, qualify for a TEXAS Grant, a needs-based scholarship, offered first-come, first-served, to any Texas college or university;
- may, based on AP test results, qualify for college credit; and
- will be better prepared for higher education and the workplace.
How to Find Answers to Questions:
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The best person to help you is your child’s teacher. Stop by the school office or call to make an appointment to visit with the teacher. Parents are welcome to visit anytime; however, visitors must sign in at the school office.
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If you still have questions, you may make an appointment to see the principal. You and the principal may decide to schedule a meeting with the teacher and, possibly, your child.
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If your questions still aren’t answered, the principal may refer you to the central office for help.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Support from parents/guardians and our community partners is key when it comes to a child's academic success. Last school year volunteers contributed more than 410,000 hours to our schools. Follow these guidelines to help your child to become a better student:
- Find a study place in your home, complete with supplies such as paper, pencils, ruler, dictionary and calculator.
- Encourage your student to team up with a friend so that they may work on assignments together, get clarification or find out about make-up work.
- Develop a system for writing down assignments. Most students need help in this area. As a parent, you must check daily to make sure homework is completed. If your child never has homework, call the school and speak to the teacher. Either your student has great time management skills or is not turning in completed homework on time.
- Help your student master the needed skills early. Often students will miss key curriculum elements that are necessary building blocks for the school year. Ask your student's teacher how to best reinforce lessons at home.
Contact your child's school if you wish to volunteer or call the Parent and Public Engagement Department at 817-871-2451.
