The University of Texas Elementary School enters its seventh year of operation under the title of “Exemplary,” based on its spring 2009 scores on the Texas Academic Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests. UT Elementary joins Austin ISD’s Blanton and Ortega elementary schools as the only east Austin schools with this rating.
Of the four years that UT Elementary has taken the TAKS test, this will be the second time it has received “Exemplary” status. Last year, based on spring 2008 TAKS scores, UT Elementary received the rating of “Recognized” due to an 85 percent passing rate in science. Because the school opened in 2003 with only pre-kindergarten through 1st grade and added a grade level each year, the 2007-08 academic year marked the first class of fifth-graders who tested in science. This year 100 percent of 5th grade students passed the science subtest with 50 percent of those commended.
In spring 2009, UT Elementary TAKS scores for third-through-fifth grades were 94 to 100 percent passing in reading, writing, math and science for all subgroups, which include all students, African-American, Hispanic, White, and economically disadvantaged. To earn the “Exemplary” title, the school must have an average of 90 percent passing or better in all subjects in all subgroups.
“Once again we are very proud that our students are achieving at high levels, but especially that all subgroups of students are achieving equally,” said Dr. Ramona Trevino, founding principal and chief executive officer. “As a public charter school our mission is to share what is working with the educational community.”
UT Elementary School is working on a book to share effective practices with pre-service teachers at the university and is collaborating with Metz and Govalle elementary schools in Austin through the Urban Education Program.
