Victoria, please do not be fooled by all the smoke this woman has created.  TAKS scores fell again, only 1/2 of the entering senior class graduated.  Discipline is non existent.  And now, after our city finally coming together to pass the bond with our very hard earned tax dollars,  they have wasted so much this past year that the things we were promised are being cut.  And no, no, no, the drill team has no use for an auditorium.   They need a gym!  More smoke.

We need strong leadership.  Our kids and their education and our town is in trouble.  Keeling has had three years.

VOTE TODAY! for Charlie Jaynes.

The TAKS scores that were released this week by VISD are the results of the TAKS testing throughout the spring.  TAKS test scores do make up the majority of the indicators in the state's accountability system. However, the numbers released by the administration are the raw numbers and not the numbers that will ultimately be used in the accountability system. The TEA system is complicated, but anyone who wants to review the process used in determining the accountability ratings can visit the TEA website at www.tea.state.tx.us and look for the 2008 Accountability Manual. Chapters 2 and 4 explain accountability subsets and the standards for acceptable, recognized and exemplary ratings. The administration expects all campuses to be rated as Academically Acceptable, at a minimum.

The Accountability ratings will come out on August 1. The ratings will be based on the accountability subsets. TEA will analyze enrollment on snapshot day, the scores on the accommodated tests, and a variety of other factors in determining what scores are included in the ratings. It is my understanding that the campuses have been doing manual calculations of those accountability subsets, but they are estimations and it is not appropriate to release a bunch of numbers that are speculation. The Superintendent told us in the news release this week that the expectation is that all the campuses will be rated as Academically Acceptable, based on the accountability system.

 Am I satisfied with our scores? I believe in and support the process of continuous improvement that is happening in VISD, there is always room to grow and our work is never "done".  Given the fact that the standards for accountabilities change frequently and the testing programs change frequently, I can still say that we are on the track to progress.

Are VISD schools better now than they were two years ago? Our budget is balanced. Our teacher pay is higher. Our facilities are improving. Our test scores are improving. Our district is more unified. Our community is becoming involved. Our Superintendent is an effective leader.  We have a clear vision of where we want to be and a pathway to get there.  VISD is moving forward.

The drop out and completion rates continue to be a concern, as does attendance. These are problems that developed over a period of years and unfortunately, they are not problems that will be fixed overnight. These are community issues, as well as school issues, and must be addressed as a team.  

Because I believe you are sincere in your concerns about our students, I strongly encourage you to become apart of the solution by joining one of the AIM teams. Our Strategic Planning process is based upon a vision of "Achieving Excellence for All." Two key components of making that vision a reality are high student achievement and providing for a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment. No doubt you have insights into both areas. Contact the administration offices to learn more about how to become a part of the solution. VISD would appreciate your input.

Thank you for your interest in our schools and this election.

Tami Keeling

parent-

PLEASE contact the secretary of the board - Mr. Murphy.  Then Walden (Pres) and Klimist (VP).  They are your officers.  They have been given the command of our board.  There is no "on call" days for these positions.  I don't understand your logic on choosing 1 trustee?!?  even better yet since you called TEA then you know already that Mr. Moore has it.  Call him.  Let me know what he tells you.  Don't be afraid.  What,  Monday afternoon at the latest I should hear from you, huh?  GEEZ

there are a lot of variables in the testing.  you know where to look.  have you seen some of these kids.  they are exempt just by thier social skills.  know the rules.  let them figure it out and both of us will learn our score.  I would doubt fixing is what you wanna hear is gonna happen.  The consequence is severe and harsh.  I 'd rather "drink" at a VISD event than do that.

proudparent,

The TEA determines accountability ratings.  They will do so in the timely fashion that they do every year.  VISD has published preliminary results (which we do every year) and the information is available.  I have posted the TEA website.  I have also already responded to your questions, so please see the prior post this morning.

Tami Keeling