Blanco Middle School was rated “Recognized” by the Texas Education Agency in its release of accountability ratings last Friday. Blanco Elementary, Blanco High School, and Blanco ISD received “Acceptable” ratings.

Jennifer Seales, Blanco Middle School Instructional Specialist, said, “The Middle School is excited to achieve Recognized status. Improvements have been made in all areas. The reading teachers are doing an exceptional job focusing on our at-risk students and challenging all students with 47% scoring commended. The writing scores are again excellent with a passing rate of 92%. Eleven students scored the highest rating of “4” which is a record number at the Middle School. Social Studies continues to do well with a passing rate of 95%.”

Mrs. Seales continued, “Changes in our math program contributed to the success of our students. 88% of the Middle School students passed the math TAKS assessment. The passing standard statewide was raised in Science. Despite that increased standard, Blanco Middle School saw significant increases of scores in Science. The addition of a second tutorial class focusing on math and reading helped teachers offer more individualized instruction for the students. The Middle School is continuing to work hard to achieve and support student success.

Scott Kvapil, Blanco Elementary principal, said, “Blanco Elementary School received a rating of “Acceptable” by T.E.A. for the 2007-2008 school year. The results of the accountability data indicate that we were relatively strong in reading and writing, meeting the criteria for “Recognized” in all sub populations. While we were fairly stable with our overall math performance and saw growth in our student sub-population indicator for science, these areas will be targeted for additional improvements.

Some of the ways we will be targeting these areas are:

•Additional supports for math and science curriculum implemented this past year

•Increased community participation/involvement with our Math and Science Night(s)

• Having the new science lab running and available to all grade levels.

• Expansion of our after-school intervention programs.”

Dustin Barton, Blanco High School principal, said, “The 2008 TAKS scores for BHS show considerable gains in performance. Of the 16 categories measured BHS made improvement in 12, with substantial increases in social studies and science. On average social studies scores improved 8%. TAKS science scores increased 13% from the previous year. Improvements were also observed in Math TAKS scores. BHS will continue to pursue excellence and address areas for improvement by utilizing C-Scope curriculum, internet based TAKS support, TAKS remediation classes, and by diversifying curriculum through the addition of AP, dual credit, and technology classes.”

Kathy Anderson, BISD Curriculum and Special Programs Director, said, “At the district level we have focused on our Curriculum in both Science and Math, and the test results indicate improvements in our different populations in those academic areas. In addition, we saw significant improvements in all groups in our Social Studies scores at the district level.”

Dr. Buck Ford, BISD Superintendent, said, “These ratings are based upon a range of indicators that TEA uses to evaluate public schools. Roughly 65-70% of the schools fall into the “Acceptable” category. These results let us know where we are doing well, and where we need to improve. They also let us know in which areas we are improving, and in which areas we aren’t. We are always looking to improve.”