Katy ISD Earns Recognized Rating from TEA for Second Straight Year

(August 5, 2009) – For the second straight year, outstanding student achievement produced a “Recognized” accountability rating for the Katy Independent School District. For the 2008-09 school year, 90 percent of Katy ISD campuses received a rating of recognized or above with 24 campuses receiving an exemplary rating (49%) and 20 campuses receiving a recognized rating (41%).  In addition, the district and all campuses, other than the four new campuses that were not rated this year, have met 2009 Preliminary Adequate Yearly Progress.

“We are very excited to be able to celebrate the fact that so many of our campuses received a rating of recognized or above,” says Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey.  However, we cannot rest as there is still much work to do to ensure that we identify every child in our district that is still struggling and that they receive focused attention they need in order for them to succeed.”

On the 2009 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), district-wide performance for all students tested in all grades reached the “Exemplary” level (90%-plus) in reading/language arts (96%), math (91%), writing (97%) and social studies (97%), and the “Recognized” level (80%-plus) in science (88%). On 25 TAKS performance indicators (five student groups tested in each of five subject areas), Katy ISD reached the “Exemplary” level on 18, “Recognized” on four and “Acceptable” on three.

New this year is the Texas Projection Measure (TPM), which is reported in mathematics, reading, English language arts, science, social studies, and writing. The TPM was implemented to satisfy requirements of House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1031, which were passed by the Texas legislature in 2006 and 2007, requiring Texas to measure student progress over time.  More information about the TPM can be found on the TEA website at www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/growth_proposal/index.html.

“One of our goals is to decrease the academic performance disparities among students by addressing their needs individually,” explains Dr. Sharon Boutwell, assistant superintendent for leadership and organizational development. “To determine these needs, we examine data from both the district and campus levels to identify strengths and concerns. State standards are a natural part of this process to ensure we will not only meet but exceed state expectations.  Our approach supports a focus on the response required for identified students that puts into action an effort of teamwork between central office and campus level personnel.

Katy ISD’s “Exemplary” campuses for 2008-09 are Alexander Elementary, Creech Elementary, Exley Elementary, Fielder Elementary, Griffin Elementary, Hayes Elementary, Holland Elementary, Hutsell Elementary, Katy Elementary, Kilpatrick Elementary, Nottingham Country Elementary, Pattison Elementary, Rylander Elementary, Schmalz Elementary, Williams Elementary, Winborn Elementary, Wolfe Elementary, WoodCreek Elementary, Beck Junior High, Beckendorff Junior High, McMeans Jr. High, WoodCreek Junior High, Cinco Ranch High School and Seven Lakes High School.

“Recognized” campuses are Bear Creek Elementary, Cimarron Elementary, Franz Elementary, Golbow Elementary, King Elementary, Mayde Creek Elementary, McRoberts Elementary, Memorial Parkway Elementary, Rhoads Elementary, Stephens Elementary, Sundown Elementary, West Memorial Elementary, Cinco Ranch Jr. High, Katy Jr. High, McDonald Jr. High, Memorial Parkway Jr. High, Katy High School, Mayde Creek High School, Morton Ranch High School and Taylor High School.

“Acceptable” campuses are Morton Ranch Elementary, Cardiff Junior High, Mayde Creek Jr. High, Morton Ranch Jr. High, West Memorial Jr. High. , the districtwide dropout prevention and recovery campus, received an “Acceptable” rating under state criteria for alternative education sites.