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Kermit High School & Kermit Junior High School
Most Improved TAKS Scores in Region 18

Of the 35 school districts in Region 18, only two districts can boast that their students showed improvement in TAKS scores from the 2009-2010 school year to the 2010-2011 school year at both the junior high and high school levels in all tested areas and in all sub population groups. The two districts involved in the impressive improvements are Kermit and Big Bend.

Kermit Junior High School students progressed in all tested areas as follows: +1% in reading, +1% in math, +7% in writing, +6% in social studies, and +8% in science, for an overall 23% increase. Kermit High School students also progressed in all tested areas: +3% in reading/English language arts, +4% in math, +7% in social studies and +8% in science, for an overall 22% increase.

Besides charting the above tested areas, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) defines and charts four additional groups; these groups are known as sub-population groups or sub-pops. The four charted groups are African American, Hispanic, White, and Economically Disadvantaged. Because both the Kermit Junior High and Kermit High School improved in all sub-pops at both levels, the improvements the schools made are even vaster and more inspiring.

According to Education Commissioner Robert Scott, TEA raised requirements for acceptable scores in two subject areas: math and science. Last year, acceptable scores in math were achieved if only 60 percent of students passed the test; however, this year, that percentage was raised 5 points to 65 percent. Likewise, the passing score last year for science was only 55 percent; whereas, this year, TEA raised the passing standard to 60 percent.

Besides raising the passing standards in both math and science, TEA added two additional hoops in which schools must jump: the elimination of the Texas Performance Measure (TPM) and an increase from 90 percent to 94 percent of students who must take the tests. TPM predicted eventual TAKS mastery based on current scores and inflated schools' accountability ratings based on this factor. The agency also increased the number of special education students involved in the school accountability program by providing special tests for some special education students.

Many districts had lower scores, thus lower accountability ratings this year due to the lack of TPM and the increase in students taking the tests. Kermit ISD stayed at the same rating on all three campuses: elementary - academically unacceptable; junior high - academically acceptable, and high school - academically acceptable. Kermit ISD also stayed at the same accountability rating - academically acceptable.

When asked about the accountability ratings, Superintendent Bill Boyd had this to say: "We are very proud of our student achievements at the junior high and high school levels, as well as the hard work put in by many stakeholders. To see the passing percentages increase at the junior high and high school levels even with tougher standards is impressive and rewarding. I was shocked our elementary scores were not better than they were because a lot of people worked very hard and made numerous sacrifices on that campus. We will continue to get better."