FWISD News Alerts

March 23, 2004: Higher percentage of FWISD third-graders pass TAKS reading

Facing more stringent standards than their counterparts just a year ago, a higher percentage of Fort Worth Independent School District third-graders passed the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test in reading at their first opportunity in early March.

Eighty-nine percent, or 4,292 students, passed the English language version of the reading exam (82 percent, the Spanish version) that is required by the state for promotion to fourth grade. In addition, 30 percent of students in English and 29 percent in Spanish received "commended performance" designations from the Texas Education Agency.

This was the second year of a three-year phase in of new standards required by the TAKS. In 2003, the district passing rates for March were 84 percent (English version) and 77 percent (Spanish version). Had the passing standards remained at last year's level, the 2004 passing rates would have been 92 percent (English) and 88 percent (Spanish).

At 34 schools, 90 percent or more of the students met the TAKS reading standards on the first try this year.

Higher achievement was also seen within each student group. Among African American third graders, 79 percent passed in 2003; 87 percent passed in 2004. Among Hispanic third-graders, 82 percent passed in 2003; 87 percent passed in 2004. Among Anglo students, 93 percent passed in 2003; 96 percent passed in 2004. The overall scores include those of about 1,550 students considered limited English proficient.

Third-graders who did not pass on the first try will be offered additional support such as tutoring and reteaching before they take the test again on April 28 or June 29.

FWISD students in virtually all grades will face additional TAKS tests in mathematics and other subjects the week of April 27.