Dateline: August 11, 2005

Clarendon, Hedley exceed TEA standards

By Ashlee Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Less than 15 percent of the school districts in Texas can call themselves “exemplary” or “recognized,” and Clarendon and Hedley school districts are part of this exclusive club.

The Texas Education Agency announced on August 1 that Clarendon and Hedley were both rated as “recognized” school districts, despite a more rigorous standard this year.

Clarendon campuses were also rated individually with Clarendon High School and Elementary being named “recognized” for the second year and Clarendon Junior High falling from “recognized” to “academically acceptable.”

Clarendon ISD Superintendent Monty Hysinger said it’s difficult to achieve a “recognized” rating, and he is excited about the results.

“The fact that less than 20 percent of the state reached this level says something,” he said. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re getting there. We do have some areas where we need to improve, math especially.”

Hysinger said the reason for the junior high results was due to Texas Assessment of Knowledge & Skills  (TAKS) math scores.

“There was something statewide not quite right in math,” Superintendent Hysinger said. “We have a dedicated staff, and they want the kids to get better.

“We may not be there yet, but it’s not because we’re not trying. Our staff is so dedicated. If we’re low in an area, they’re the first to say what can I do to get better.”

Hedley ISD Superintendent Bryan Hill was also pleased with his school’s ratings.

“We’re pretty happy about it,” he said. “Being ‘exemplary’ isn’t impossible, but the state is making it seem that way, and we’re really excited to be ‘recognized.’”

The ratings are partly based on TAKS results.

Clarendon results are as follows: Third grade – reading 100 percent, math 89 percent; Fourth grade – writing 92 percent, reading 82 percent, math 74 percent; Fifth grade – reading 96 percent, math 91 percent, science 90 percent; Sixth grade – reading 92 percent, math 80 percent; Seventh grade – writing 83 percent, reading 83 percent, math 64 percent; Eighth grade – reading 97 percent, math 56 percent, social studies 84 percent; Ninth grade – reading 88, math 61 percent; Tenth grade – English/Language Arts 85 percent, Social studies 97 percent, math 71 percent, science 67 percent; and Eleventh grade – English/Language Arts 100 percent, social studies 100 percent, math 87 percent, science 97 percent.

Campus results for Hedley are as follows: Reading, 93 percent; Writing, 100 percent; Social Studies, 88 percent; Math, 82 percent; and Science, 76 percent.