JANUARY 2014

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Don’t forget to vote! Clear Creek ISD Exceeds State Expectations

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he Clear Creek Independent School District and all 43 campuses scored well above the state’s standards regarding student achievement, student progress from year-to-year, closing the achievement gap, and postsecondary readiness. The state introduced a new accountability system based on four categories. The means in which each category is calculated by the state is complicated, but essentially a school and school district must have achieved a certain percentage in each area or higher to be recognized as a Met Standard district or school. The state utilized student performance on the STAAR exams, STAAR performance growth of specific student groups over two years, high school completion rates, and the percentage of students who graduate on the state’s Recommended and Distinguished plans to determine a campus and district rating. The CCISD Performance Index Report demonstrates CCISD exceeded the state’s index score for student achievement by 38 points, the state’s index score for student progress by 17 points, closing the achievement gap index score by 25 points, and postsecondary readiness by 16 points. Nine campuses earned an academic achievement distinction in Reading/English Language Arts, seven campuses earned an academic achievement distinction in mathematics, and 17 campuses earned a distinction for student progress. Distinction designations are awarded to the top 25 percent of campuses that are similar to each other from across the state. Under the new Texas accountability system, a school and school district can only be rated as Met Standard or Needs Improvement. This is a

departure from the traditional ratings of Exemplary, Recognized, Acceptable and Unacceptable. “While the names of the ratings have changed, our mission has remained the same, and that is to ensure all students graduate college and career ready,” CCISD Superintendent Greg Smith said. “This transition from TAKS to STAAR has been a herculean effort on the part of our teachers, students, and parents. Yes, the state’s system is confusing, but the simple message to walk away from on this report card is that we are not complacent, we will continue to meet the needs of all children, and raise our own expectations every year. That is the CCISD Way.” Dr. Smith encourages parents and the community to not look at the state’s report in isolation, recognizing that there are multiple indicators of student success. “Over the last two years we have been engaging our community in the discussion of what they value as measurements of success, and it cannot be solely based on the STAAR exam. “We have students who excel in many areas that are not measured by a standardized test. Those successes should be highlighted such as the growing number of students who are receiving state certifications in the areas of health, manufacturing and culinary arts allowing them to enter the workforce today and positively contribute to the community.” Smith also points to student performance on college entrance exams. Based on the latest SAT results, CCISD students outperformed their peers in all areas. This year’s college bound seniors’ mean score was a 520 in Critical Reading on the SAT compared to 496 for the nation. The mean score for CCISD was a 546 in Mathematics compared to 514 for the nation. The mean score for CCISD 2012 was a 504 in Writing, compared to 488 for the nation.

As WE BEGIN THIS GREAT NEW YEAR, let us reflect on all the good that we saw in 2013. Give your favorite bar, business, restaurant, doctor, or establishment their well deserved kudos and vote for them in the 2013 Bay Area Houston Magazine Best of the Bay Awards. Every year we lift up the people’s voice, tally up every vote and announce the winners of these coveted awards at a big party in 2014. Voting ends Jan. 31, so go cast your ballot now! Visit our website www. bayareahoustonmag.com to vote today. Best Mortgage Best Auto Repair Best Credit Union Best Cafe Best Bank Best Hair Salon Best Hair Stylist Best Bartender Best Pub/Bar Best Local Entertainer Best Brunch Best Seafood Best Steak Best Sushi Best Pizza Best Italian Best Mexican Best Cajun Best Asian Best BBQ Most Romantic Restaurant Best Family Restaurant Best Burger Best Margarita Best Contractor/Remodeler

Best Health Club Best Spa Best Realtor/Agent Best Mens Apparel Best Womens Apparel Best Dentist Best Entertainment Spot Best Ladies Boutique Best Yacht Club Best Physician Best Marina Best City To Live Best Massage Therapist Best Web Design Agency Best Vision Center Best Gift Shop Best Home Builder Best Wine Bar or Winery Best Furniture Store Best Breakfast Best Car Dealer-domestic Best Car Dealer- foreign Best Oysters Best Private School Best Resale Shop

Vote Now at www.BayAreaHoustonMag.com JANUARY 2014 | Bay Area Houston Magazine

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