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Federal Report Card on Clear Creek ISD
Clear Creek Independent School District
Office of Communications
2425 East Main Street
League City, Texas 77573
August 4, 2011
Contact: Elaina Polsen, Director
Office of Communications
(281) 284-0020 or epolsen@ccisd.net
Federal Report Card on Clear Creek ISD
League City, Texas- Strong student performance, graduation and attendance rates are reflected in the federal report card issued for the Clear Creek Independent School District. Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), school districts must demonstrate “Adequate Yearly Progress” in 29 areas. Of the 29 indicators, the Clear Creek Independent School District met 27. “Our student performance this last year reflects our commitment to ensuring each child reaches his or her highest academic potential,” said Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools.
The two areas in which the District missed AYP are Mathematics and reading/English among the special education student group. This is not because special education students did not pass the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test but because the District exceeded the federal cap on how many special education students can take an alternative or modified state assessment.
Under the NCLB, only 3% of the passing scores can result from students in special education taking an alternative or modified Texas Assessment of Knowledge Skills (TAKS) test. As a district of 38,500 students, the federal cap was exceeded by 1.9% in reading/English language arts and by 2.2% in mathematics. Passing scores of students in special education that exceeded the cap resulted in a reduction of the actual passing rates from 89% to 70% in Reading/English language arts and 87% to 65% in mathematics.
“While the school district strives to exceed federal guidelines and standards, decisions on what type of test a child receives will remain in the hands of those who know the child best- his teachers, parents and campus administrators,” said Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. “We will use this data as a means for continuous improvement.”
The law, and good practice, states a committee determine the testing environment for a child. The committee is known as the Admissions, Review and Dismissal and often consists of the parents, teachers, special education staff and administrators.
The Clear Creek Independent School District is not alone in trying to exceed federal standards but falling short because of quotas and caps. According to an article in the Austin American Statesman on July 22, 2011, the U.S. Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, admits problems with NCLB and if not adjusted, 83% of the nation’s schools will be considered failing under the current system next year.
The Clear Creek Independent School District made AYP in all other criteria. To view the full AYP report, click here. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ayp/2011/index.html