Howe ISD usually is in charge of handing out grades, however, they were the recipient of federal standards recently. The good news is that the local district met or exceeded the standard at all campuses in the majority of the tested areas.
“Our first goal is to see student growth from one year to the next. Our second goal is to be 10 percent or higher than the state averages,” said Superintendent Kevin Wilson. “While scores on the state assessments are important, we also strive to provide a well-rounded education and prepare students for either the workforce, military, or higher education.”
Howe ISD also met their goal of being 10 percent ahead of the state average with all grade levels reaching 85 percent of STAAR levels above the state average of 75 percent and well ahead of Region 10 average of 77 percent.
But Wilson says that while the testing levels are very important, Howe ISD has a goal of teaching their students more than just the ability to pass a test.
“Academic achievement is supplemented by encouraging our students to participate and excel in extracurricular activities, such as the arts, athletics, and vocational programs,” said Wilson. “We feel that experience in these fields helps foster leadership and soft skills that help prepare our students for success in future endeavors. I applaud our teachers, support staff and students for working together toward these common goals.”
Upon all grade levels, Howe was 13 percent above the state average in Reading, nine percent above in Mathematics, nine percent above in Writing, 10 percent above in Science, and four percent above in Social Studies.
Some of the testing highlights were in the fifth grade (now sixth graders) where Mathematics scored 97 percent of grade level readiness, Reading was 95 percent, and Science was 92 percent. The eighth grade (now freshmen) scored 95 percent in Reading.
