TEA rates LMS as 'recognized'
By LISA CARNLEY Staff Writer

Lampasas Middle School has earned a "recognized" rating from the Texas Education Agency, and Lampasas High School isn't very far behind.

Nelda Fortune, Lampasas Independent School District assistant superintendent for curriculum, said the high school was rated "academically acceptable," just missing the next higher standard.

"We are addressing some of those areas with staff development and integrating a needs assessment with the campus improvement plan to help those students who still need to pass Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills tests," she said.

The middle school offers tutoring during "Prime Time," and plans call for expansion of that program to all campuses, Mrs. Fortune said. "We are going to devote extra time to the kids who need the help."

At Hanna Springs Intermediate School, tutoring sessions are helping, and at Kline Whitis Elementary, extra help is being integrated into the regular classroom setting.

Mrs. Fortune said she is proud of the strides each campus is making and especially of the extra efforts that allowed LMS to earn that higher standard.

"I anticipated the campus would be `recognized' because I saw how hard the teachers and students were working every day. I knew that if they didn't make it, they are on the right track for this coming year."

Said the curriculum director: "I have seen good things happening at the middle school, with updated curriculum and ad- ditional resources for addressing individual needs. I feel sure we will see that on each of the other campuses, as well."

Mrs. Fortune said the TEA increases its standards frequently. "To be a recognized campus, a school had to outperform standards from the previous year."

The LISD is on the right track, she said. "We're addressing the needs of our students, and we will see our ratings go up because of it.

"I see an enthusiasm with teachers and principals, and a positive attitude all over the school district. I anticipate a very good year."

Hanna Springs, LHS and Kline Whitis each are rated academically acceptable, as is the Lampasas district as a whole.

Accountability ratings are based, in part, on all student groups meeting passing standards for all TAKS tests, and dropout rates.

Dwain Brock, LMS principal, said he is pleased with the TEA recognition, but he is not ready to rest on his school's laurels.

"Our teachers are working hard. We set some goals, and we reached them, but we still have room for improvement.

"I am proud of our kids and how hard they work."