Longview, TX — With the public release of ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for Texas districts and schools on Friday, July 29th, current data shows Pine Tree ISD has retained the rating of “Academically Acceptable for the 2010-11 school year.
“I am very proud of the academic gains made by the students in Pine Tree ISD,” reported the district’s new Superintendent, Dr. T.J. Farler. “This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work by all of our teachers and staff.”
As with previous years, the 2011 Accountability Standards are based on the percentage of students at the campus and district level who scored high enough to meet the standard and pass the test.
The overall data for Pine Tree ISD shows significant gains, particularly in math and science. In 2011, the percent of students required to meet the standard in order for a campus to be rated Academically Acceptable increased five percentage points over the 2010 standard in both mathematics and science.
The current scores also reflect an increase in the number of special education students’ scores included in the district and campus performance. Testing results for students who took the TAKS Modified and TAKS Alternate assessments were counted in the accountability ratings this year. “Despite the higher standards,” stated Farler, “our students met the challenge.”
A highlight for the district is the achievement gains at Pine Tree High School as it showed gains in every tested area and in every student performance group except one. In particular, Pine Tree HS has very strong gains in math (all students and every subgroup) and in science (all students, Hispanic, White, and Economic Disadvantaged).
The graduation rate for Pine Tree High School also shows improvement. “We anticipate that ExCEL, the alternative campus for high school students which opened in 2010-11, will continue to help PTISD improve the completion rate,” stated Dr. Nate Carman, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
The rating for the new ExCEL campus is Academically Acceptable under the Alternative Education Rating System. This is the highest rating obtainable for an alternative campus.
Pine Tree Junior High showed positive growth in terms of student achievement as well. The campus had gains in social studies (all students and subgroups), math (all students and subgroups) and science (all students and subgroups).
Pine Tree Middle School earned gains in math (all students, Hispanic, White, and Economically Disadvantaged) and in science.
Pine Tree Intermediate scores revealed gains in math (all students, African American, Hispanic, and Economically Disadvantaged), however needs have been identified in some reading and writing scores.
The standard states that 70% passing is required for all students and for all subgroups. Scores did not meet the required standard for African American students in reading and writing, and the required standard for Economically Disadvantaged students in writing. TEA rates districts and campuses on specific indicators: Not meeting the standard on any one of these areas will rate a campus Academically Unacceptable. Writing is only administered at the fourth and seventh-grade levels; the district has already begun addressing this area for the upcoming school year.
Farler, who started with the district in July has high expectations, “We will continue to be committed to the education of all students and to achieving high levels of academic excellence beyond what is required by the accountability system. Pine Tree schools offer an outstanding opportunity for students to excel. Of course it is imperative that we continue to improve in specific areas, but I have no doubt that we can meet and exceed those expectations.”
According to the preliminary data, the following ratings are expected for the
2010-2011 District and Campus Ratings:
Pine Tree ISD – Academically Acceptable rating
Pine Tree High School – Academically Acceptable
Pine Tree – ExCEL – Academically Acceptable
Pine Tree Junior High School– Academically Acceptable
Pine Tree Middle School – Academically Acceptable
Pine Tree Intermediate School – Academically Unacceptable
Pine Tree Elementary – Academically Unacceptable (Ratings for the Elementary Campus are automatically determined as a feeder campus to the Intermediate School)
Pine Tree Primary – not rated
The Texas Education Agency will release official state accountability ratings shortly after 1 p.m. Friday. The ratings for public schools, school districts and charter schools will be posted at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/ [1] at that time.
Commissioner of Education Robert Scott will also hold a press briefing at 1 p.m. in room 2-195 in the William B. Travis State Office Building at 1701 N. Congress Ave. in Austin.
Assessment results and accountability ratings, along with other factors are to be compiled as part of the state’s annual Academic Excellence Indicator System report, which is published by the Texas Education Agency later in the fall.
During the 2011-12 school year, all districts will begin administering a new test called, the “STAAR” exam, and accountability ratings for 2011 will remain unchanged for two years until STAAR is fully integrated. This new state assessment will bring new challenges and higher standards for Texas schools and districts.
From: Pine Tree I.S.D.