JISD amends graduation policies
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Jasper Independent School District Board of Trustees approved a policy change at their regular meeting Monday night. The decision will allow students who have satisfactorily met all course requirements but have not passed all sections of the state mandated Exit Level TAKS test to participate in commencement activities and ceremonies.

The 4-3 vote came after a lengthy closed session following the student recognition program honoring student achievement.

Superintendent Bill Dean submitted the recommendation to amend JISD local board policy FMH and the Jasper High School Student Handbook regarding commencement exercises. The amendment is effective immediately so that students who passed all course requirements but not all sections of the TAKS will receive a Certificate of Course Work Completion and be able to participate in commencement May 25.

"This was board policy," Dean said. "No matter how hard they had worked, we couldn't just allow students who had passed all their classes but not passed the TAKS test to participate without the board voting to amend existing policy. It was also a tough decision."

Approximately 14 Jasper High School seniors are affected by the decision.

Dean said that the Legislature is considering changing to end-of-course exams but even if that happens, it won't take effect until the class of 2015 graduates.

"Whether we like it or not, these tests will be in effect for a long time," he said. "I do think we need an assessment tool. The Legislature is now looking at end-of-course exams which I think would be more fair; but until the seniors of 2015 graduate, students are still required to pass the TAKS."

The Exit Level Texas Assessment of Skills (TAKS) is first given during students' junior year and they have five opportunities to pass. Dean encouraged students to try again during the summer.

"I really encourage students who have not passed all sections of the test to try again this summer," he said. "We will be offering summer school at the STARS campus at no cost to students. They can receive additional tutoring to pass the test. In addition, we also have summer school at Jasper High School for credit recovery- again, at no cost. Students can retake courses they have not passed. I encourage students to take the courses they need because a high school diploma is so important."

Jasper's STARS campus provides a way for students who did not graduate to take the needed courses for a high school diploma. Students can work and go to school at the same time; however, passing the state mandated test is still a requirement for graduation.

"We have students coming to our STARS campus because they realize that most employers now require a high school diploma," Dean said.

"We strongly encourage all of our students to stay in school until they graduate with a diploma."