Published: June 11, 2008 05:01 pm      

LC-M’s TAKS strides in math add up

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of stories highlighting TAKS performance scores by area school districts. Readers can look forward to Bridge City ISD’s TAKS results in Friday’s Orange Leader.



By Tommy Mann Jr.

The Orange Leader



The results are in and the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test does not appear to have been a problem for students in the Little Cypress-Mauriceville school district.

According to the district’s 2007-2008 results, LC-M CISD is above the state average in reading scores for all grade levels.

Mathematics scores for fourth, fifth, seventh, ninth, tenth and eleventh grades are also above the state average.

For third grade students, a total of 83 percent met standard, which is a 7 percent drop from 2007. Seventh grade results were also at 83 percent, which was a 5 point decline.

However, 90 percent of eighth grade students met standard on the math portion of the TAKS test, a remarkable 14 point increase from 2007 scores. This group of students improved results, as a whole, in all four subject areas.

“The Little Cypress-Mauriceville school district will continue to analyze data and improve any areas of weakness, especially mathematics,” said Kathy Finch, director of elementary curriculum and instruction. “The district goal is to ensure all of our students are successful and our challenge for next school year will be the new 2009 state accountability standards, which will be increasing. We are definitely planning ahead now to meet the demands of the new standards.”

Seventh graders again scored above the state average in their writing results for the second consecutive year. Social Studies results continue to be consistent for students in grades eight through eleven.

Even with a 5 point decrease compared to 2007 results, 94 percent of eleventh grade students met standard on the TAKS test this year.

Science results continue to show improvement for grades five through eleven with averages above the state and region, including a 5 point increase by tenth grade students.

To earn an “Academically Acceptable” rating from the state, a district’s students must meet the minimum standard score as determined by the state. Those minimums increase almost yearly and will increase by 5 percentage points in 2009 in writing, social studies, math and science. Reading will remain at 70 percent.

To earn recognized status, 75 percent of students must meet standard in all subject areas, while 90 percent must meet standard in all subject areas to earn an exemplary rating.

The state uses a complex formula, which includes various subgroups, to determine accountability ratings. These ratings are typically announced at the beginning of each school year.



Reach this reporter at 409-883-3571, Ext. 2619 or tmann@orangeleader.com