Yep!  It’s that time of the year again!  Time for state standardized testing.  We will kick it off this coming Monday with the Exit Level ELA TAKS test for Juniors.  There is a lot that goes into giving a test at a mid/large comprehensive high school.  We have about 400 students who will be taking the test that morning, but we have to find a place for the other 1,200 students to go while testing is taking place.  It seems easy, but it is a huge task.  Our job is to ensure that we provide the best testing environment for these students so they can do well.  I know all of them will work hard and give their all because this test determines if they will graduate from Corsicana High School!  They are champions so they will do great!

I believe in accountability, but I do not believe in giving our students tests just for the sake of giving tests.  It is our job to prepare them, and it is their job to work hard and do well; but we can’t over do it.  Our current sophomores and freshman will have to take 15 standardized tests that all count toward graduation.  This is too much!  There has been a lot of talk around the state about reducing the number…I hope this happens!  Our focus must be about our children and not about political rhetoric or gain!  Yes!  We must have high standards! But at what cost???

Let’s work to transform our schools. You do that by reducing standardized tests and spend that time teaching students.  In Texas we have to reduce some of the number of standards that we expect the students to know in each content area.  We do not have to teach everything.  Let’s teach a few things very well.  We have to also connect more courses to career and technology so that its relevant to our students.  We can make this happen together!

These are just a few of my thoughts…

Good luck on the TAKS test CHS Juniors!!!  You will destroy it!

CHS activity update:

*The JV tennis team played great in the Ennis March Madness tournament today.
*The Calicos will be in competition in San Antonio for the weekend.
*Baseball team in Leander in a tournament-They have already picked up wins over Leander Rouse 4-2, and the Hutto Hippos 8-7.  The tournament will continue through Saturday in Leander.
*Softball picked up two big wins against Crawford 8-5, and Huntsville 7-6.  The tournament will continue right here at Corsicana High School.
*The track team is competing as a type.
*Both girls and boys soccer teams will compete tomorrow at home against district rival Waxahachie!
*One Act Play has gone to two clinics and have gotten lots of great feedback!

Congratulations to the CHS State Band qualifiers: Kevin Beldin, David Quinones, Alex Cuellar, Joe Vasquez, Michelle Chennault, Lexi Nelson, Heather Strauser, Brandon Landrum, Hannah Murphy, and Danny Phillips.

Go Tigers! Home of Champions!

Please support as many of these activities as possible!

Always check my twitter for up to the minute updates @ONeilCHSprincip