San Saba ISD is so fortunate to have GREAT students. In today’s educational system students are required to be able to do a great deal. On a social level, they must know how to communicate with children their own age and with adults and to do this well. additionally, they must know how to use technological gadgets that many adults do not know how to use. And they also must know how to perform well on a state assessment that does not accurately measure the student’s entire knowledge and worth.

We are twenty-six (26) days away from our first TAKS test of 2011. Assessment of students is very important, but it does not measure the worth of the whole child. I believe in assessment and accountability, but we can not let it negate the hopes and dreams and aspirations of our children. We must look at TAKS as the jumping off point for our student’s future academic success. Not long ago at an accountability workshop, we were provided with an illustration of how the assessment of Texas students has changed over time. The example provided math questions from the first assessment called the TABS test (Texas Assessment of Basic Skills) to the current test, the TAKS test (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills). The most striking conclusion that was drawn from this example is that what was once on the graduation level TABS test is now on the third grade level math TAKS test. Needless to say, standards have increased and it is our job to meet that challenge and keep expectations high!

In preparation for "TAKS Season," please make contact with the campus principal where your child attends school so that they can give you information to help you practice at home with your child. Not only do we want our student to pass the TAKS, we want them to reap the benefits of passing at the higher commended level! The current TAKS test and in the future, the STAAR test (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness), is the gateway to success in Texas public education. It is the "gateway" that opens the door to help our students go where they want to go in their grown up life. We believe our students can achieve great things, and it is our job to help then realize they can actually achieve these great things. Furthermore, it is our job to provide them with the academic knowledge to make it happen.

Please visit www.san-saba.net to view events and find information you need to know about SSISD. As well, don’t forget to sign up for the "alerts" available from the website, and don’t miss the opportunity to sign up for the Parent Portal giving parents access to grades and attendance. Parents, let us know how we can help you the first day of school all the way until the last day of school!! If you have any question about this article or any other question about school happenings please contact me at 325/372-3144 or email me at lglaze@san-saba.net . We are San Saba! We are together!