For the first time under the TAKS accountability system, Lake Travis ISD has scored an Exemplary rating for the 2009-2010 school year from the Texas Education Agency.

The district received an Academically Acceptable rating for the 2008-2009 school year.
LTISD achieved Exemplary ratings in 1995-96, 1996-97 and 1999-2000 school years, but this is its first such honor since the state implemented the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills in 2003 to replace the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills.
LTISD board of trustees and Superintendent Dr. Rocky Kirk said they were pleased with the result.
“Student success is truly a long-term, multi-faceted endeavor,” Kirk said. “The Exemplary rating is indicative of the superior instruction delivered in our classrooms each day. We thank our principals, teachers, and support staff for their investment in our students and their success.”
TEA assigns public school districts and their respective campuses annual ratings of Exemplary, Recognized, Academically Acceptable and Academically Unacceptable based on student performance on TAKS.
In order to achieve an Exemplary rating, at least 90 percent of the students tested must meet the passing standard for the subjects and grades tested. Ratings also take into account longitudinal completion rates and annual dropout rates.
“Aside from exceeding state standards on the TAKS, our completion rate for all students was 98.5 percent, meaning that the vast majority of students who entered the ninth grade in the fall of 2006 successfully completed their studies and graduated with their cohorts in 2009,” Kirk noted. “Additionally, our dropout rate in 2009 — which is the percentage of seventh- and eighth-grade students who left school during the year — was zero percent. While we have much to celebrate, our focus will remain where it rightfully belongs — on our students and their continued success.”
Several LTISD schools maintained or improved their individual accountability ratings.
Lake Travis High School shot up from Academically Acceptable to Exemplary, and Lake Travis Elementary School improved from Academically Acceptable to Recognized.
Bee Cave, Lake Pointe, Lakeway and Serene Hills elementaries and Lake Travis Middle School retained their Exemplary ratings, and Hudson Bend Middle School maintained its Recognized status.
LTISD Board President Jason Buddin thanked district employees, parents and the community for their support.
“We are pleased with the progress the district continues to make across all areas,” Buddin said. “We attribute this success to the leadership of our staff and the support of our community. We commend our parents for their commitment, and we congratulate our students on their stellar performance.”
TEA officials will release accountability ratings July 30 at www.tea.state.tx.us.