Home > Talk of East Texas > Archives > 2008 > October > 11 > Entry
Local schools deny TAKS rewards
State education leaders want Texas schools to stop publicly rewarding students who pass the TAKS, for fear they are violating federal privacy laws.
Local schools say they got the message long before Thursday, when Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott issued a letter to the state’s school superintendents. The letter warns schools that rewarding TAKS-passing students with pizza parties, cash and off-campus trips singles out students who did not pass.
“Students’ educational records, including performance on state assessments, are confidential records that must be protected,” the letter stated.
Some area schools, such as Longview’s Mozelle Johnston Elementary, have recognized students who achieve the commended level of performance on the TAKS, which is allowed by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
How do you feel about the law forbidding rewards?
Comments
By Mo
October 14, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
I think rewarding or recognizing the kids who passed is a great incentive to inspire other kids to pass. Just passing the TAKS test is not that hard and there are plenty of resources. When I went to school, we knew who failed and who passed. When I went to school kids were also seen as really stupid if they did not get their high school diploma. Maybe incentives would up our pass/graduation rates.
By tracy
October 13, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
that is were you are wrong it wasn’t for the kids who passed all parts of the test the kids also had to have passing grades all year to be able to be released early for those days and besides that i know several students that went for those days even though they didn’t have to, which didnt hurt them. everything in this world has rewards and punishment so why not give the students a little reward for trying hard all year long and being at school paying attention as they should.
By Sarah rogers
October 11, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
LISD is not the only school that this happens in. South Marshall El. In Marshall takes the ”good behavior” kids on a trip to Dallas. Funny how those were the kids that passed Taks and the ones left behind were the ones that failed the test. The kids know and they felt left out. Administrators should be ashamed.
By Walker
October 11, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
The Two Week Program is actually a state program that any district can apply to use. It takes the place of summer school for younger students and gives extra TAKS help to older students. If parents want their students to attend until the last day, they may. As a teacher, I think it is great because it gives me a chance to get a little more work done with my lower students in a small group environment.
By Dana
October 11, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Call it what you want, but it distinguished those who passed and failed.
And for kids, skipping school is about the BIGGEST incentive you can offer.
By Dan
October 11, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
That was not an incentive. The two week early dismissal was given to students who had PREVIOUSLY passed all parts of the TASK. The reason behind this was to allow teachers to work in teams focused solely on meeting the individual needs of students struggling with passing the test. Students were divided into groups according to which subject area they need additional help. It would seem that LISD would be appreciated for their efforts in trying to help students needing extra help.
By Dana
October 11, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this
What? Longview ISD recognizes EVERYONE who passes and doesn’t!
Those who passed last school year began their summer vacation almost 2 weeks before those who didn’t!
Why is that incentive not mentioned in this article?