STAAR Scores Will Not Affect Course Grades for 2012-2013
Texas Commissioner of Education Michael Williams announced last week that he will again defer the requirement that states that STAAR end-of-course examinations be counted as 15 percent of a student’s final grade in each subject tested. With this announcement, local school districts have the option to move forward with the 15 percent rule for the 2012-2013 academic year. Last year, Katy ISD opted to participate in the deferral as the district adjusted to the rigor of the new STAAR test.
“Katy ISD will again participate in the deferral as we feel that this will allow both students and teachers an opportunity to better understand STAAR, while focusing on the subject matter and not just a final test score,” said Dr. Christine Caskey, Katy ISD Chief Academic Officer.
As posted on the Texas Education Agency’s website:
“Deferring the 15 percent rule for this school year relieves some of the pressure being felt in Texas districts as we continue the transition to a more rigorous accountability system,” Williams said. “This deferral also allows the Texas Legislature ample opportunity to address the various issues and concerns that have been expressed about implementation of the new system.”
On Nov. 29th, Williams received letters from Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Senate Education Committee Chair Dan Patrick urging deferral of the 15 percent rule. All three state leaders noted the rule would be an issue that would be discussed during the upcoming legislative session.
Click here to read the full announcement from the Texas Education Agency.
Katy ISD is a TEA Recognized district serving more than 64,000 students. Covering 181 square miles west of downtown Houston, Katy ISD is comprised of 57 campuses, and with more than 7,600 employees is one of the largest employers in the West Houston area.
