STAAR: GISD pupils perform above region, state

Granbury ISD students in grades 3-8 performed above others in the region and the state when taking the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) in the spring of 2012, according to new data recently released by the Texas Education Agency.

Granbury shined in math, science, reading and social studies. Granbury’s writing wasn’t as high.

Students in elementary and middle schools took the state-mandated tests in various subject areas pursuant to requirements in state law and agency regulations.

GISD Superintendent James Largent addressed the need for major changes in the state testing system, which the Legislature is evaluating.

“Most people by now have heard the public outcry from parents, students and schools about our current testing program,” Largent said. “An overwhelming majority of people believe that testing in Texas is out of control.

“The testing program in Texas has evolved from a test that was originally designed to show that students were on grade level in reading, writing and math in a few grade levels to the program today that is based on trying to predict the college readiness of elementary school students and having them take more and more tests every year.

“I find that change in focus very troubling.”

Largent said the GISD focus is not to prepare students to take a multiple choice test.

“We believe we are beyond that in 2013,” the superintendent said. “Our focus is to prepare our students for life, teaching critical thinking skills, collaboration, and college and career readiness – all things our community and businesses have told us are important to them. These skills are very difficult to measure using a once-a-year bubble test.”

Students are preparing for the latest round of testing to be conducted over March-May 2013.

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