The Student Success Initiative was created
by the Texas Legislature to ensure that all students receive the instruction
and support they need to be successful in reading and mathematics.
Under the Student Success Initiative grade
advancement requirements, students are required to meet the passing standard on
the Grade 3 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) reading test to be
promoted to fourth grade, and to meet the passing standard on the Grade 5 TAKS
reading and mathematics test to be promoted to sixth grade. The requirements also apply to students
served by special education who take accommodated and modified state
assessments.
Beginning this year, 2007-2008, the grade advancement
requirements will also apply to students who take the Grade 8 reading and
mathematics TAKS and accommodated and modified state assessments for special
education students.
Students have three opportunities to meet
the passing standard on each of the tests and will receive additional
instruction after each testing opportunity on which they do not meet the
standard. A grade placement committee,
consisting of the principal, teacher and parent or guardian, meets when a
students has not met the passing standard after two testing opportunities and
decides the most effective way to support a student’s academic success. A student who does not meet the passing
standard after three testing opportunities is automatically retained; however,
if the parents appeal the retention, the grade placement committee may choose
to promote the student if all members agree that the student is likely to
perform on grade level with additional instruction.