Dear Parents:

As part of the Texas Student Success Initiative (SSI) to ensure that every student makes

the academic progress necessary for success, beginning in Kindergarten and continuing

through all Elementary grades, students are required to be given diagnostic assessments

by the teacher. The purpose of the assessment(s) is to provide useful information that

teachers will use to plan the most appropriate instruction for your child. The results will

ensure that your child is not overlooked and receive assistance in learning at the earliest

possible time.

Beginning in Kindergarten through Grade 2, we have selected the Humble Early Reading

Screening Inventory (HERSI) as our district reading assessment. The HERSI evaluates

elements important to reading success: phonological awareness, oral reading accuracy

and fluency, comprehension of text, word reading, concepts about print, and writing.

The Humble Elementary Math Inventory (HEMI), Grades K-2, is used to assess each

student’s mathematical progress. The HEMI evaluates understanding in the areas of

numeracy, patterns, geometry, measurement, and probability as well as process skills

such as developing strategies for solving problems.

In Grades 3-5 multiple forms of data are gathered and analyzed to monitor students’

progress in their understanding of knowledge and skills taught for the grade level. We

conduct reading inventories (Humble Intermediate Literacy Screening-HILS),

curriculum-based and campus-based assessments (CBAs), district benchmark

assessments (DBAs), and use classroom assessments and student work (grades), in all

content areas, so that we can make the best data-based decision regarding grade

advancement. With a new state assessment, STAAR, in Grades 3-5 this year,

performance standards will not be set until October, 2012. Therefore, our district will

make promotion/retention decisions based on a preponderance of evidence from multiple

data points.

Our goal, as well as the goal of SSI, is to ensure that all students receive the instruction

and support they need to be academically successful each and every year! We recognize

the important role you play in the education of your child. We depend on your support

and look forward to working with you to help your child succeed. Please know that we

encourage you to meet with us at any time so that, together, we can make a difference!