FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

Preparing for Success – The Student Success Initiative – It’s Up To The Eighth Grade, Now

     The Student Success Initiative (SSI) was created by the Texas Legislature to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be academically successful in reading and mathematics.  This system was implemented 6 years ago when 3^rd graders were required to pass their reading and math TAKS testing before they were allowed to promote to 4^th grade.  This year, those 3^rd graders are in 8^th grade and for the first time, they will again be required to pass the TAKS testing in reading and mathematics before they can be promoted to 9^th grade next year. 

     As in the past, each student will have the opportunity to take the test 3 times before the start of next school year.  If a student does not pass the first or second testing, the student will be given additional instructional and parents will be notified.  If a student has not passed after the second testing opportunity, a Grade Placement Committee, which consists of the principal, teacher, and parent or guardian, is formed.  This committee will create an instructional plan based on the individual needs of the student.

     What’s the Parents’ Role in the Process?  A student who is unsuccessful on the reading and/or mathematics test after the third testing opportunity will be retained automatically. If this happens, the student’s parents may appeal the decision to have their child repeat the eighth grade by submitting a request to the Grade Placement Committee within five working days of receiving the retention notice.  The Grade Placement Committee may decide to promote a student to ninth grade, but only if everyone on the committee agrees that the student is likely to succeed in the ninth grade.

     Parents may request a waiver on the third testing opportunity if they do not want their child to test.  If the waiver is approved, the student is automatically retained, but the parents may still appeal the retention.  A student must participate in all additional instruction required by the Grade Placement Committee, even if the third testing opportunity is waived. 

     Tips for Parents: 

• Review your child’s progress and seventh grade test results with the eighth grade teacher to determine if extra help is needed in reading or math.
• Reinforce what your child is learning in school by asking questions about classroom and homework assignments.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences.  Ask about activities you can do at home to improve your child’s skills.
• Keep in contact with your child’s teacher throughout the year.  If your child seems to be struggling, ask the teacher about tutoring or other forms of available assistance.

     If you are the parent of an 8^th grader this year, take advantage of the communication available to you through the Parent Portal where all student grades and attendance is posted on a regular basis.  If you do not have a computer with Internet access at home, call the school at 226-2191 and request info on the use of a computer in the Jr/Sr High School library during school hours.  Let the person on the phone know if you will need help getting set up to access your student’s account and someone will be happy to be there to help you.  All students in 8^th Grade took benchmark exams last week and teachers have detailed reports on the subject content strengths and needs for each individual student – contact the teacher for details on your student. 

     It would appear that this is just one more thing to worry over.  We are in this together and it IS do-able. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Laura Zanchettin

Superintendent – Claude ISD

Please Note:  Claude ISD is now accepting nominations from parents for Gifted and Talented identification testing of students in all grade levels.  Call Counselor Kim Shreffler at 226-2191 to sign your child up for the assessment.