Students who have spent most of June in summer school face crucial tests this week before classes end on Thursday.
Awaiting the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests and students have been working hard to enhance their reading, math and writing skills, said Greta Peacock, the curriculum coordinator.
Ten teachers were selected to teach the summer school courses. Classes are at the Northeast Campus for the East and Northeast students and at the Southwest Campus for the Southwest students.
“There’s a lot of learning taking place,” said Yolonda Brown, director of the Northeast Campus. “The kids are very motivated.” The 10 assigned teachers represent “a change of scenery” for many students and that can be beneficial, Ms. Brown said.
Students will take the math test on Tuesday, June 28, reading on Wednesday, June 29 and writing on Thursday, June 30 when summer school ends. The classes started on June 13 and took place Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“This is an intensive, three-week program where small group instruction is utilized,” Ms. Peacock said. She acknowledged that some students may not like taking classes while others are on vacation, but they must face reality. “Some of the kids would rather be outside playing but the parents need to know what their children have to do to be prepared for the next grade,” Ms. Peacock said.
Ms. Brown said the teachers have been making a special effort to focus on the students’ weaknesses during the enrichment period. And according to Dwain Wiley, assistant director of the Northeast Campus, the students are trying to meet the challenge. “We are providing them a quality of instruction on how to meet the state standards,” he said.