Distinctions are primarily based on results of the state's standardized exams, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. However, some designations also take into account other indicators, such as attendance rate, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam participation, dual credit completion, graduation rates and college-ready graduates. Depending on campus grade levels and type, the number of potential distinction designations can vary. Up to seven distinction designations can be earned for: academic achievement in English language arts/reading; academic achievement in math; academic achievement in science; academic achievement in social studies; student progress; closing performance gaps; and postsecondary readiness. At the elementary level, Hudson PEP received four, Ned E. Williams earned five, and J.L. Everhart and Johnston-McQueen each earned one. This news sounds great but once again underneath all the sunshine they blow up our skirts lies a problem most people don’t take the time to research. Ned Williams beat Hudson Pep by one star on the state exam. Hudson Pep has 86% of the third graders coming in commended. Almost 46% of the 4th grade TEKS are new (vs a small portion of third grade) How in the world is any school going to show "growth" with that?! The system is built around South Carolina and we have meshed Texas into this. How did Ned E Williams show growth and is it being maintained in junior high and above. By looking at the numbers 75% of students coming out of Ned E Williams are not maintaining the scores in junior high. Then our Junior High teachers are getting blamed for the problems with their scores. Pardon my language but it’s the old saying “shit rolls downhill” . We all know why they want to show growth at Ned E Williams. Once again we are not focusing on our children’s education we are more concerned about minority schools showing growth. By pushing these students through and focusing on one test it just pushes the problem down the line. Unfortunately I have documentation that proves that a certain principal opens up the test early on the writing section and has all the children practice on that prompt the day before the test in order to make their numbers look good. This is not an education it is a numbers game, and our state and district only care about these numbers, not our children’s education. I send my child to Hudson Pep, not for social status like some parents do. I send my child there to actually learn, and receive a quality education. I believe all LISD elementary schools should follow the example of Hudson Pep. I can personally say that I have firsthand knowledge that Hudson Pep teaches our children to be successful and allows them to get a quality education. The damn test scores don’t mean a thing, most of us adults could not pass it if we tried. Teachers are being forced to spend a whole year teaching children how to take a test, and our children are missing out on an actual education. Put education back in our schools, stop forcing a test down our kid’s throats, and let’s teach our children something they can use as an adult. Thank You Jason Bates