TEA rates Diboll school as "academically acceptable"

This year, 637 schools in Texas received "exemplary" ratings, compared to 564 schools that received the top rating last year, according to a news release issued by Texas Education Agency after posting the results of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS test.

An "exemplary" rating means all student groups - white, Hispanic, African American and economically disadvantaged on the campus or in the district had 90 percent or more of their students pass each subject of the TAKS. To achieve a "recognized" rating, 75 percent of the total student body and each of the student groups had to pass all TAKS subjects. To achieve an "academically acceptable" rating, at least 65 percent of the tested students passed English language arts/reading, writing, and the social studies TAKS tests, at least 45 percent of the tested students passed the TAKS mathematics exam and at least 40 percent of the tested students passed the TAKS science test.

The Diboll Independent School District (DISD), as a whole, was rated as "academically acceptable." Diboll Junior High earned a "recognized" rating. Diboll High School, Temple Elementary and Diboll Primary were all rated as "recognized."

After receiving results of testing, DISD Superintendent Brent Hawkins says he is well pleased about the results.

"We are very proud of the accomplishments that our students have made in the past couple years. Our scores reflect hard work and team effort from all stakeholders. Our junior high has shown the greatest success in the history of the school on the most rigorous test ever taken by our students". Hawkins said. "The accomplishments that have happened on that campus are not by accident but rather from a culture that has been created for high expectations. When you enter the building you know that the focus is on students attaining the ability to chart their own course in life."

Hawkins said, "We recognize that the success that the junior high is having is also directly linked to our Pre K-5 campuses work and their effort as well. I look forward to seeing our junior high move toward Exemplary and focus on our Commended Performance scores. I know that our team is up to the challenge."

The Elementary/Primary campuses have been one test away from being Recognized for the past couple of years. Hawkins feels like the issue has been addressed through the curriculum and reallocating resources to our areas of need rather than through historical needs. School officials are extremely encouraged by the alignment of these two campuses. The amount of improvement over the past year has poised DISD to really expect great things in our up coming school year.

The high school campus shows signs of solid scores and a renewed emphasis on College/ Career readiness. Hawkins said,

This campus has shown a 'can do attitude' that is exhibited through the past two years graduation rate. We have had all members of our senior class receive their diploma the past two years. And students not walking because of TAKS is not an issue."

The bottom line is that when you look at Diboll ISD's rating, it still has a couple of small areas that are holding them back from being a Recognized district, but top to bottom, the scores are admirable. "There are Recognized districts, that when you look at the big picture, their scores aren't as good as ours. I know that the challenges in education didn't happen over night but our kids deserve that they are fixed over night. We feel like we have answers for our areas of concern. With all the accomplishments that are happening in our district, I am proud that I'm not only the Superintendent here, but, I'm a parent to two young ladies that are enrolled here in Diboll. As a father I know they will receive only the best of education and that is the greatest endorsement I can give to the future of Diboll ISD. We are a place with exciting things happening and a district that is moving from good to great". Hawkins said.