WISD receives TEA ratings

WESLACO — Educational success at Weslaco Independent School District continues, according to recent scores released by the Texas Education Agency.

Rodolfo "Rudy" Silva Jr. elementary school, Memorial elementary school, Airport Drive elementary school, A.N. Tony Rico elementary school and Dr. R. E. Margo elementary school received the exemplary designation, meaning at least 90 percent of students in all age groups passed the English language arts/reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies portions of the test.

"In my 12 years as superintendent, I'm proud to say 10 of the 12 years, Weslaco ISD has received recognition in Region 1," Rivera said. "It's been a team effort by the students, teachers and parents to make it happen."

F.D. Roosevelt elementary school, Sam Houston elementary school, North Bridge elementary school and Cleckler-Heald elementary school were also recognized in the report for having at least 75 percent of their students pass all sections of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test.

"We have an outstanding program in everything," Rivera said.

Rivera said he was also impressed that students maintained their solid level of performance after the state added science and social studies to the test.

All elementary and middle school students must pass the entire TAKS in addition to earning passing marks in their classes to advance to the next grade level. High school seniors cannot graduate until they pass the final version of the TAKS test.

"Students are more advanced and challenged more and they're responding," Rivera said. "Weslaco students have met the challenge."

In the future, Rivera said the TAKS testing format would only exist for elementary through middle school students.

Effective with the graduating class of 2011, Rivera said a new system will be utilized by the state.

"It makes it more difficult...I'm confident they'll meet the challenge," Rivera said.

Rivera said teachers are already attending staff development services to better prepare students for testing.