15% Rule Delayed but Results Still Count
State law requires that the new STAAR End-of-Course assessments account for 15 percent of a student's final grade in each course. The Commissioner of Education recently gave school districts the ability to defer implementation of the "15 percent rule" for the 2011-2012 school year and the GCISD Board of Trustees has approved a resolution to delay the state requirement for the current year. The Board's decision gives students an extra year to adjust to the new STAAR system. However, it is important to remember that although the end-of course assessments will not count toward a student's final course grade this year, student performance on the STAAR will still count toward the accumulation of points required for graduation. STAAR end-of-course tests are being given in Algebra I and II; geometry; biology; chemistry; physics; English I, II and III; world geography; world history and U.S. history. More information is available on the district website and STAAR Resources page, and you are always encouraged to contact our counselor or campus administration if you have further questions. Thank you for helping us navigate these new assessments and prepare your student for success!
