Laird school pushing for performance
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

With the ever-increasing demands on students to meet state requirements in TAKS testing, Maude Laird Middle School is implementing strategies this year to help the students.

Jody Clements, Maude Laird Middle School principal, said it is the goal of his administration to help the students of Maude Laird achieve "Recognized" status for the 2006-2007 school year.

The focus on testing at the Middle School is part of what superintendent Jerry Roberts earlier described as "a push to have all campus at the Recognized level" this year.

The primary goal of the middle school is to provide the students of the KISD a sound education and, Clements said, for the 30 years the middle school has been in operation the school has received at least an "acceptable" rating on all of the standardized tests.

Last year the middle school missed being a Recognized Campus by twenty students.

"The task will be even harder this year because the state raised the requirements from 70 percent to 75 percent in all tested subjects," said Clements.

Clements said making recognized is more difficult because 75 percent of all middle school students must demonstrate mastery of the tested subjects. Beyond that, 75 percent of each of the school's defined 'populations' has to master each subject.

Students are tested on reading, science, social studies and writing.

Several new categories have been imple- mented this year. "We will be using benchmark testing, which is done every nine weeks," said Clements. "These results are put into a computer in a Compass computer program and it tells us what areas the students need assistance in."

Clements said math and reading blocks have been in the amount of time a student has in each area. "Mentoring students by teachers, students and the community for those students that are struggling passing the TAKS test," said Clements.

"We are also putting together teams of educators to monitor students progress all year long."

The middle school will offer a TAKS Boot Camp to provide after-school instruction for students that need extra help. "We are even working on providing bus transportation for these students when transportation is a problem," said Clements.

Clements said the new slogan for Maude Laird Middle School is "Strive for 75" hoping that this year will be the first ever for the middle school to achieve the Recognized Campus status.

He plans to meet with parents and in student assemblies to discuss the TAKS goals.

"We need parents to work with their child and we'll have materials available if the parent needs them, become a mentor through your church of other civic organization, attend school meetings to show your support and learn what is going on with your child and make sure your child attends all the requested tutorials," Clements said.