News

Three area schools earn above average rankings

By STEVE REAGAN Staff Writer

Three area campuses received special recognition in the latest school ratings released by the Texas Education Agency.

Moss Elementary and Bauer Magnet School in Big Spring, and Elbow Elementary in Forsan received a rating of Recognized, the second-highest ranking, in the latest TEA listing of Texas public schools.

The school achieved this high ranking based in large part on how students performed in the latest Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) standardized test.

Bauer and Moss schools were almost joined at the Recognized level by Kentwood Elementary, which missed out on the rating by a percentage point in science scores.

"It certainly is an honor to receive this kind of rating. It's difficult to achieve," said Rey Villarreal, assistant superintendent for Big Spring schools. "Really, our focus is on student improvement and performance, and this is indicative of progress ... We are very proud of the work that the students and teachers at those campuses accomplished this year."

Elbow Elementary students achieved special recognition for the fifth year running, and came close to being rated "exemplary," the highest ranking that TEA bestows on schools. All TAKS scores were in exemplary range except for science, said Principal Steve Osborn.

"Of course, we've got some great teachers and students, and that's what got us (the rating)," Osborn said. "And we received great support from our parents, too. That helped a bunch."

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234, or by e-mail at reporter@bigspringherald.com.