The Student Success Initiative (SSI) was created by the Texas Legislature to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to be academically successful in reading and mathematics.

Under the SSI grade advancements requirements, students are required to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) grade 3 reading test to be promoted to fourth grade adn to pass the TAKS grade 5 reading and mathematics test to be promoted to sixth grade. Additionally, students are required to pass the TAKS grade 8 reading and mathematics tests to be promoted to ninth grade.

In addition to the SSI grade advancement requirements, state law also requires that high school students pass the TAKS grade 11 exit level tests in English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, along with meeting all their course requirements, to receive a diploma from a Texas public high school.

Eighth grades students have three opportunities to pass the TAKS grade 8 reading test and three opportunities to pass the TAKS grade 8 mathematics test. IF a student does not pass one or both tests, the student will be given additional instruction after each testing opportunity. Parents will be notified if their child does not pass a TAKS test that is required for promotion.

If a student has not passed after the second testing opporutnity, a Grade Placement Committee (GPC), which consists of the principal, teacher, and parent or guardian, is formed. The GPC will create an instructional plan based on the individual needs of the student.

A student who is unsuccessful on the reading and/or mathematics test after the third testing opportunity will be retained automatically. However, the student's parents may appeal the decision to have their child repeat the eighth grade by submitting a request to the GPC within five working days of receiving the retention notice. The GPC may decide to promote a student to the ninth grade, but only if everyone on the committee agrees that the student is likely to success in the ninth grade.

Parents may request a waiver of the third testing opportunity if they do not want their child to test. If the waiver is approved, the student is automatically retained, but the parents may still appeal the retention. A student must participate in all additional instruction required by the GPC, even if the third testing opportuity is waived.

For more information about how the SSI applies to students receiving speical education services, check with the special education contact on campus.