Special to the Bulverde News

The preliminary Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) scores are in and 93 percent of Comal Independent School District’s third- and fifth-graders, and 97 percent of its eighth-graders passed their reading test the first time. In addition, Comal ISD students exceeded the state passing rate at all levels.

All three grade levels must pass the reading exam in order to advance to the next grade in 2008-09. Fifth- and eighth-graders also must pass the math exam later this semester in order to advance.

“We are so proud of our students and teachers,” said Dr. Marc Walker, superintendent. “Their passing rates and the percentage of students reaching the commended level at each grade are terrific!”

At the third-grade level, 93 percent of Comal’s third-graders passed the reading test the first time in February, up 1 percent over last year. The state percentage passing was 88.

Even better, 52 percent of Comal ISD’s third-graders, and only 38 percent of students statewide, reached the high mastery level known as commended performance. Students who perform at this level miss no more than two questions on the reading test. Last year, 49 percent of the third graders reached the commended level in Comal ISD.

At the fifth-grade level, 93 percent of the district’s students passed the exam, up four percentage points from last year’s 89 percent passing rate.

The state percentage passing was 83. The percentage making commended also increased from 31 percent to 40 percent this year. Only 29 percent achieved commended status in the state.

In Comal ISD, 97 percent of the eighth graders passed the reading test in February and 65 percent received commended honors.

At the state level, 92 percent passed and 51 percent achieved commended status.

Students who did not pass the first administration of reading tests at these three grade levels in February have two more opportunities — April 30 and July 2.

For more information, contact Sandra Shelton, director for Accountability and Instructional Services with Comal ISD, at (830) 221-2059.