##### *2006-2007 No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools Program*

*U.S. Department of Education*

**Cover Sheet** Type of School: (Check all that apply) \[ \] Elementary
\[ X \] Middle \[ \] High \[ \] K-12 \[ \] Charter

Name of Principal [Mrs. Karon Crockett]{.underline}

(Specify: Ms., Miss, Mrs., Dr., Mr., Other) (As it should appear in the
official records)

Official School Name [Fort Settlement Middle School]{.underline}

(As it should appear in the official records)

School Mailing Address\_ [5440 Elkins
Road]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_­

(If address is P.O. Box, also include street address.)

\_\_\_\_\_[SugarLand]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_Texas\_\_\_\_\_77479-4093

City State Zip Code+4 (9 digits total)

County \_\_\_\_[Fort Bend]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_State
School Code
Number\*\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_[079-907-051\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

Telephone [( 281 ) 634-6440\_\_\_\_]{.underline}Fax [(281)
634-6456]{.underline}

Web site/URL [Fortbend@k12.tx.us]{.underline} E-mail
<Karon.Crockett@fortbend.k12.tx.us>

I have reviewed the information in this application, including the
eligibility requirements on page 2, and certify that to the best of my
knowledge all information is accurate.

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Principal's Signature)

Name of Superintendent\* [Dr. Timothy R. Jenney, Ph.D.]{.underline}

(Specify: Ms., Miss, Mrs., Dr., Mr., Other)

District Name [Fort Bend Independent School District]{.underline} Tel.
[( 281) 634-1000\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

I have reviewed the information in this application, including the
eligibility requirements on page 2, and certify that to the best of my
knowledge it is accurate.

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
(Superintendent's Signature)

Name of School Board Mr. Steve Smelley, President

President/Chairperson

(Specify: Ms., Miss, Mrs., Dr., Mr., Other)

I have reviewed the information in this application, including the
eligibility requirements on page 2, and certify that to the best of my
knowledge it is accurate.

Date\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(School Board President's/Chairperson's Signature)

**PART I -- ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION**

The signatures on the first page of this application certify that each
of the statements below concerning the school's eligibility and
compliance with U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
(OCR) requirements is true and correct.

1.  The school has some configuration that includes grades K-12.
    (Schools on the same campus with one principal, even K-12 schools,
    must apply as an entire school.)

2.  The school has made adequate yearly progress each year for the past
    two years and has not been identified by the state as "persistently
    dangerous" within the last two years. To meet final eligibility, the
    school must meet the state's adequate yearly progress requirement in
    the 2006-2007 school year.

3.  If the school includes grades 7 or higher, it has foreign language
    as a part of its core curriculum.

4.  The school has been in existence for five full years, that is, from
    at least September 2001 and has not received the No Child Left
    Behind -- Blue Ribbon Schools award in the past five years.

5.  The nominated school or district is not refusing OCR access to
    information necessary to investigate a civil rights complaint or to
    conduct a district‑wide compliance review.

6.  OCR has not issued a violation letter of findings to the school
    district concluding that the nominated school or the district as a
    whole has violated one or more of the civil rights statutes. A
    violation letter of findings will not be considered outstanding if
    OCR has accepted a corrective action plan from the district to
    remedy the violation.

7.  The U.S. Department of Justice does not have a pending suit alleging
    that the nominated school or the school district as a whole has
    violated one or more of the civil rights statutes or the
    Constitution's equal protection clause.

8.  There are no findings of violations of the Individuals with
    Disabilities Education Act in a U.S. Department of Education
    monitoring report that apply to the school or school district in
    question; or if there are such findings, the state or district has
    corrected, or agreed to correct, the findings.

**PART II -- DEMOGRAPHIC DATE**

**District:**

1\. Number of schools in the district: [38]{.underline}\_\_ Elementary
schools

[12]{.underline}\_\_ Middle schools

[0]{.underline}\_\_ Junior high schools

[\_11]{.underline}\_\_ High schools

[\_\_1]{.underline}\_\_ Other

62. **[Total]{.underline}**

2\. District Per Pupil Expenditures: [6,586]{.underline}

Average State Per Pupil Expenditures: [7,229]{.underline}

**School:**

3.  Category that best describes the area where the school is located:

> ( ) Urban or large central city
>
> ( ) Suburban school with characteristics typical of an urban area
>
> ( X ) Suburban
>
> ( ) Small city or town in a rural area
>
> ( ) Rural

4.  The principal has been in her position at this school for [three
    (3)]{.underline} years.

5\. The number of students as of October 1 enrolled at each grade level
or its

equivalent at Fort Settlement Middle School:

  ------- ---------- ---------- -------- --- -------- ------- ---------- -------
  Grade   \# of      \# of      Grade        Grade    \# of   \# of      Grade

          Males      Females    Total                 Males   Females    Total

  PreK                                       7        183     179        362

  K                                          8        209     173        382

  1                                          9                            

  2                                          10                           

  3                                          11                           

  4                                          12                           

  5                                          Other                        

  6       171        146        317                                       

          TOTAL                                                          1061
          STUDENTS                                                       
          IN THE                                                         
          APPLYING                                                       
          SCHOOL                                                         
  ------- ---------- ---------- -------- --- -------- ------- ---------- -------

6\. Racial/ethnic composition of 46% White

students in our school: 5% Black or African American

5% Hispanic or Latino

44% Asian/Pacific Islander

> **[100% Total]{.underline}**

7\. Student turnover, or mobility rate, during the part year:
[7%]{.underline}

  ------------ -------------------------------------------- --------------
  \(1\)        Number of students who transfer *to*         37

               the school after October 1 until the          

               end of the year                               

  \(2\)        number of students who transferred           33

               *from* the school after October 1             

               until the end of the year                     

  \(3\)        Total of all transferred students \[sum      70

               of rows (1) and (2)\]                         

  \(4\)        Total number of students in the              1054

               school as of October 1                        

  \(5\)        Total transferred students in row (3)        0.0664136

               divided by total students in row (4)          

  \(6\)        Amount in row (5) multiplied by 100          6.64136
  ------------ -------------------------------------------- --------------

8\. Limited English Proficient student in the school: 3%

**[32 Total]{.underline}**

The number of languages represented: 9

Specific languages: Arabic, Cantonese, Gujarati, Hindi, Mandarin,
Norwegian,

Filipino, Spanish and Urdu

9\. Students eligible for free/reduced priced meals: 3%

Total number of students who qualify: **30**

10\. Students receiving special education services: 7%

Total number of students served: **76**

Indicated below is the number of students with disabilities according to
conditions

designated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

10 Autism 1 Orthopedic Impairment

Deafness 26 Other Health Impaired

Deaf-Blindness 23 Specific Learning Disability

5 Emotional Disturbance 7 Speech or Language Impairment

Hearing Impairment Traumatic Brain Injury

4 Mental Retardation Visual Impairment Including

Multiple disabilities Blindness

11. Fort Settlement Middle School staff breakdown:

> [Full-Time]{.underline} [Part-Time]{.underline}

Administrator(s) 3

Classroom teachers 51

Special resource teachers/specialists 10

Paraprofessionals 19

Support staff 7 1

**Total** **90 1**

12\. Average school student-classroom teacher ratio: [21:1]{.underline}

13\. Attendance patterns for teachers and students:

  ---------------------------- --- ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
                                              2005-2006   2004-2005   2003-2004

  Daily student attendance                    98%         98%         98%

  Daily teacher attendance                    94%         94%         95%

  Teacher turnover rate                       14%         9%          16%

  Student dropout rate             (middle)   0%          0%          0%
  (middle/high)                                                       

  Student drop-off rate (high                                          
  school)                                                             
  ---------------------------- --- ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------

**PART III -- SUMMARY**

Our mission at Fort Settlement Middle School is the constant commitment
to meeting the unique needs of our students by fostering a community of
academic excellence and social responsibility. The vision that guides us
is one of balance: a balance between the curriculum of the school and
the community; between the high level academics expected from our
district and the fine arts and extracurricular activities that are
required to create a well-rounded student; between celebrating each
individual student's diversity and emphasizing the importance of
community and unity. Together with the parents of our students, the
teachers and staff of the school work together to create productive,
lifelong learners.

The key to success at Fort Settlement Middle School is balance: a
balance between the curriculum of the school and the community; between
the high level academics expected from our district and the fine arts
and extracurricular activities that are required to create a
well-rounded student; between celebrating each individual student's
diversity and emphasizing the importance of community and unity.
Together with the parents of our students, the teachers and staff of the
school work together to create productive, lifelong learners.

Fort Settlement is a real world school; its very diverse population
represents thirty-five countries with at least nine languages spoken on
campus. The ethnic membership of the campus is 46% White, 44%
Asian/Pacific Islander, 5% African American, and 5% Hispanic. A
dedicated staff of ninety makes sure that during the three years that
the students are here, that they have the chance to grow academically,
socially, and morally in a safe, accepting environment.

The staff at Fort Settlement delivers a curriculum grounded in rigorous,
public academic standards for what students should know and be able to
do. The lessons taught focus on challenging the students to use
higher-level thinking and to solve problems in a creative, unique way.
The learning that takes place does so because the teachers present the
curriculum innovatively and in a way that makes the lesson relevant.

As is the case in any well-balanced school, the learning requirements of
our population cover a wide range of needs. There are two Comprehensive
Achievement Classes that serve the needs of autistic children as well as
the development of life skills. Our regular education classes more than
prepare the students for the strenuous requirements of nationally ranked
Clements High School. Fort Settlement also offers high school level
courses as well as courses that meet the stringent requirements of the
College Board pre-AP curriculum.

Technology is also a fundamental part of the learning environment.
Through administrative support and positive campus attitude, FSMS has
kept their eyes open to new ideas and shared learning using technology
as a tool to enhance and diversify the way we acquire, communicate, and
evaluate information.

As an extension of the program of study offered within the school, the
students also have several extracurricular academic teams to join such
as Academic Pentathlon, the Mars Rover Competition, and National History
Day. In the past three years, Fort Settlement has created Team and
Individual State Champions in the Texas State Math League, Individual
National Champions and Team Champions at the TMSCA competition, and
eight National Champions at the American Mathematics Competition.

Another essential part of the well-rounded curriculum at Fort Settlement
is the fine arts program. Art, theater, and music are all an integral
part of the students' experience for three years. In the past three
years, the Fort Settlement Middle School Band has consistently received
superior ratings at the UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest, as well as
at other local contests.

The final aspect of a well-balanced program is one that teaches
community responsibility. There are several active service clubs on
campus such as National Junior Honor Society, PALS and Student Council.
Last year, Fort Settlement was designated as a No Place for Hate School
by the ADL because we were designated as a campus that actively promoted
respect and celebrated diversity.

**PART IV -- INDICATORS OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS**

1\. **Assessment Results:** Fort Settlement Middle School, in Fort Bend
Independent School District, participates in the Texas' state assessment
system. The test is called the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills,
or TAKS test. This test was implemented starting in the spring of 2003.
It replaced the previous state assessment, Texas Assessment of Academic
Skills, TAAS. All public middle school students in the state of Texas
are assessed in Reading and Math. Seventh graders are also assessed in
writing and eighth graders are assessed in Science and Social Studies as
well.

According to the Texas Education Agency, "The TAKS test is designed to
measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply
the defined knowledge and skills at each tested grade level. Every TAKS
is directly aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
By acquiring the academic knowledge and skills specified in the TEKS and
tested on the TAKS tests, students can build a strong foundation for
future success." Scores required to pass each test varies with subject
and grade level. Each test also has level at which students receive a
Commended rating. More information about the TAKS test can be found at
the state's website, [www.tea.state.tx.us](http://www.tea.state.tx.us/).

Fort Settlement students did exceptionally well on the TAKS test for the
2005-2006 school year. In the sixth grade, 100% of the students passed
reading test including all subgroups. In addition, 76% of students were
commended in sixth grade reading. In sixth grade math, 99% passed math,
with 73% reaching the commended level. In the seventh grade, 97% of the
students passed reading and 52% met the standard to be recognized as
commended. In math, 98% of seventh graders passed with 53% reaching the
commended mark. In eighth grade, 100% of the students passed the reading
test, with 70% reaching commended. In math, 99% of our eighth graders
passed with 54% meeting the commended mark.

Our subgroups showed that there is little disparity between groups and
that all students are succeeding on our campus. While our passing levels
are extraordinary, it is necessary to look at the percentage of students
who reached commended as well. All students, including all subgroups,
have a significant portion of students who not only pass, but also reach
the commended level.

These statistics represent the hard work of both the students and
faculty at Fort Settlement not only last year, but in the years prior as
well. Students on our campus know the faculty and their parents have
very high expectations for them. We have programs in place that
encourage students to do their homework nightly and assist students that
are struggling. We use common assessments at each grade level to monitor
student's progress every nine weeks and additional teacher-generated
tests and quizzes. The support of our campus administration as well as
central administration has had a great impact on our success. Fort
Settlement continues to meet our students' needs and produce high
results.

2\. **Using Assessment Results:** Fort Settlement Middle School utilizes
both formal and informal testing data to improve student and school
performance. On an informal level, teachers use various techniques like
observations and students conferences to assess each student's need.
Teachers also use self-developed tests and quizzes to monitor student
understanding and progress. Teachers make adjustments to classroom
activities based on the results of these informal assessments. Teachers
at Fort Settlement also offer classroom tutorials before or after school
twice a week to help students who may be struggling with concepts.
Students are always welcome to attend; however, teachers do invite
certain students to these tutorials based on assessment results. These
tutorials offer small group instruction to those kids in need.

Fort Settlement teachers and administrators also utilize formal
standardized testing, namely the TAKS test. This test, the Texas
Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, is given to all students by the
state. Each year, teachers disaggregate the data from the previous year,
and base several aspects of the curriculum upon the individual student
needs in each class. Fort Settlement also holds TAKS tutorials during
school in the spring semester. This program is broken down by objectives
for each tested subject area, and low performing students on each
objective receive intense instruction geared towards the targeted
objective. This small group instruction also allows teacher to focus on
that objective and those students who are weak in that area. These
tutorials are very beneficial, and we have seen our students'
standardized test scores improve because of them.

Teachers and administrators at Fort Settlement depend of both formal and
informal assessments of their students to drive the activities for each
area of the curriculum. The school's 2005-2006 state ranking of
Exemplary, the highest possible ranking, proves that the hard work and
dedication of the school's staff are working.

3\. **Communicating Assessment Results:** Fort Settlement Middle School
uses a variety of ways to communicate student performance to parents,
students, and the community. The school provides planners to each child
as a way to communicate with parents. The student and/or teacher can
write in the planner that goes home each night. Parents can, in turn,
communicate back with the teacher by responding in the planner.
Teachers, also, frequently email parents or call them whenever a child
performs outstanding on an assessment or when a problem exists. Progress
reports are mailed every three weeks to the home and every nine weeks
report cards are issued. Every fall, an open house is held. Parents walk
through their child's schedule where they meet with each teacher to
review grading procedures. The administrative team meets individually
with every child that is on the failing list at progress report time.
The student and administrator (assistant principal or counselor)
conference with the student as to why he/she is not being successful in
the subject area. A school newspaper is published monthly communicating
to the parents and community the testing schedule, assessment results,
and state ratings that the school receives. Each parent is mailed a copy
of the state school report card. The report provides information
concerning student performance as well as information concerning
expenditures, average class size, and student/teacher ratios.
Information is also provided for the state, the district, and a group of
schools similar to our school. An explanation of the report is included
in the mail out, as well as, the website address where a more complete
report can be obtained. The Parent Teacher Organization holds monthly
meetings to conduct business and review the status of the school. Data
and progress is reported to the Campus Based Leadership Team on a
monthly basis. The Fort Bend Independent District communicates district
scores and information on student performance in various publications
including the area newspapers and district newsletters. Town Hall
Meetings are held three times a year so that the principals and the
superintendent's administrative team can meet with parents to review
district and individual schools' yearly progress.

**4. Sharing Success:** Fort Settlement Middle School starts off each
year with a two day conference at our feeder high school. It is also
attended by another middle school in our district. Teachers from the
three different campuses present sessions on teaching strategies and
programs that have been implemented that have led to successes. The high
school and middle school staff members meet in vertical team meetings to
plan and develop school initiatives based on areas of successes.
Teachers from Fort Settlement Middle School present at the many district
and campus staff development meetings throughout the year. They are
frequently called upon to share their instructional strategies and best
practices that are successful at our campus. Our math teachers
participate in a district wide program called Partner's in Learning.
They meet and share with other teachers throughout the district various
math teaching strategies that are used to teach each math objective.
They model lessons that are proven to be successful with our students.
Representatives from our school attended a the Texas Business and
Education Coalition Honor Roll School Conference to spend the day with
teachers from all over the state sharing reading and math successes.
Representatives from other districts have visited our campus to tour the
building, ask questions, and just spend time getting ideas for how to
take some of what they see back to their own campuses. At these meetings
our teachers and administrators are able to not only share what we do,
but communicate with the other schools about what works for them. Our
English Language Arts teachers attend seminars at Rice University every
summer to get training and to share what is working in their classrooms.
Fort Bend Independent School District has helping teachers that work
with teachers in need of assistance throughout the district. They office
at our campus and frequently call on our teachers for help in different
areas.

**PART V -- CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION**

1\. **Curriculum:** Math: Students develop mastery of higher level math
skills by incorporating hands-on manipulatives and real world models to
solve multi-step equations and proportions. Algebraic concepts include
solving inequalities, linear and quadratic equations, solving systems of
equations by elimination, substitution and graphing. Geometric concepts
encompass analysis of geometric shapes, measurement and calculation of
geometric solids. Students utilize graphing calculators and computer
technology to evaluate and solve detailed, high level problems.

English/Reading: Students explore the integrated world of writing and
reading through developing their own works and discovering the works of
classic and modern authors. Through the writing curriculum, students
learn to write for a specific purpose, organize and develop their ideas
as well as incorporate their own "voice" into their writing. Through
reading, students discover the use of different text structures and
uncover an author's purpose for writing a particular literary work.
Students also use inferencing skills to make predictions and enrich
vocabulary by using context clues. Standard usage and grammar are
threaded throughout the reading and writing curriculum.

Social Studies/ History: Sixth grade focuses on development and
application of map skills by which students gain an in-depth
understanding of geography. As an extension of the sixth grade
curriculum, seventh grade students not only refine their charting and
graphing skills but also explore the history of Texas (battles, Indian
tribes). Eighth grade covers the historical period from the 1700s
through Reconstruction. Sixth and eighth grades utilize the History
Alive curriculum which places students in mixed ability groups and
engages them in a series of open-ended questions, debates, historical
reenactments and scenarios.

Science: The curriculum is focused on a hands-on approach to
comprehending, understanding and applying scientific knowledge. Students
perform a minimum of forty percent laboratory experiments in their quest
to gain personal understanding of technical and complex material.
Interdisciplinary science is taught in an interactive way. Students
learn chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, biology and environmental
science in sixth, seventh and eighth grade science classes. Teachers
enrich the curriculum by developing and writing laboratory experiments
aimed at their students' ability levels.

Foreign Language: The foreign language course is a study of language and
culture incorporating the development of listening, speaking, reading,
writing, viewing, and showing. The main goal is for students to progress
toward the ability to use the foreign language fluently. FSMS students
take Chinese, Spanish, German, Latin, Japanese and French. Foreign
Language is an intensive, year long, high school credit course. As part
of the course, students of foreign language analyze the artwork of
famous artists who are native speakers of the target language and
participate in cultural exchanges with pen pals in countries where the
language is spoken.  This provides opportunities for real-world
connections to the language and encourages increased interest on the
part of the learners.

Electives: Students gain a wide variety of learning experiences through
our diverse elective courses. Students use a variety of media in Art
such as: pencils, colored pencils, acrylics, pastels and pen and ink to
develop a wide range of applied experiences. Orchestra, Band and Choir
master basic music skills in sixth grade and work toward increasing
proficiency and perfection to excel in seventh and eighth grade
competitions. Math Counts takes Math to a whole new level by competing
in and winning math competitions at a national level. Theatre Arts
presents productions to the school and surrounding community and compete
in regional competitions. Industrial Tech curriculum incorporates
technology applications in the form of computer modules along with
completing engineering and construction projects.

2\. **English:** Fort Settlement Middle School follows the state
mandated curriculum for Texas, known as the TEKS, or Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills. The curriculum builds on skills from sixth to
eighth grades, so that students have a deep understanding of the
necessary components of English. Reading is a major component of the
English curriculum, and teachers work hard to develop students into life
long readers. Students are exposed to various texts throughout the grade
levels and learn to interact with literature.

Before school starts in August, departments meet to plan the school year
calendar and align the curriculum by grade level. This ensures all
teachers within a grade level are teaching approximately the same
subject matter at the same time periods. However, each teacher is given
individual freedom to enrich or reteach based on the needs of his or her
students and class pace. This also allows for the teacher to engage
learning based on his/her teaching style in the classroom, but promotes
all the teachers to share lesson ideas and stay focused on the
curriculum as a group. Teachers also plan vertically to ensure cohesion
between grade levels.

For those students who struggle to read on grade level, Fort Settlement
teachers have several plans in place. Teachers perform an Informal
Reading Inventory on those students who are struggling. This test
provides vocabulary and reading levels to the teacher. Based on this
information, teachers can recommend further testing to get the student
the help he or she needs, or, as in most cases, adapt instruction to
help that child's reading ability to grow.

3\. **Additional Curriculum Area:** The Social Studies Department is
committed to the belief that the primary purpose of our program is to
develop informed and participatory citizens. As stated in the TEKS, "the
Social Studies content enables students to understand the importance of
patriotism, function in a free enterprise society, and appreciate the
basic democratic values of our state and nation". Our social studies
teachers help students acquire appreciation of our multicultural world
and development of the student's individual role in society. Students
learn skills for productive problem solving and decision making.
Students also build a foundation and appreciation for history,
geography, economics, government, citizenship, culture, science,
technology, and society. Classrooms use the *History Alive!* Program, a
program based on Howard Gardner's seven intelligences, to educate our
students in all facets of geography, Texas History, U.S. History, and
world cultures. This program has successfully transformed students into
active learners. At the 6^th^ grade level, students study people and
places of the contemporary world and focus on the history, geography,
economics, government, and culture of selected societies. In 7^th^
grade, students concentrate on the development of Texas from exploration
to the present. The focus of Texas History includes the themes of
environment, people and their diversity and significant historical
events. At the 8^th^ grade level, students study the history of the
United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. The
common elements among all social studies classes, 6^th^ through 8^th^
grade, include development of skills in analyzing social studies
relationships, interpreting data, forming generalizations and
conclusions, and applying problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Several different methods of assessment are also used to analyze the
students' knowledge of the content. Self-assessments, writing responses,
individual and group projects, and objective tests are just a few of the
methods used in our social studies classrooms.

4\. **Instructional Methods:** Instructional methods play an important
role in student achievement. Fort Settlement uses a variety of different
methods to enhance the learning process. Our Social Studies teachers use
the *History Alive* program. This program is based on discovery learning
and it captures the attention of the students while involving them in
the lesson.

We also apply CRISS strategies in all of the content areas. These
strategies help students gain independence in their learning through
student created organizers. These organizers teach them to classify
information and identify main ideas. FSMS also has computer labs on
campus. Teachers can reserve the computer labs and teach lessons that
require databases and research. Teachers are not alone in their pursuit
of education. Helping teachers are available to implement various
teaching strategies and models. This encourages teachers to feel
confident in the classroom and step out of the norm of traditional
teaching. This will open up doors for teachers and students alike.

Our goal is to have student centered learning, we want our students to
take ownership of their education. When students take ownership of their
education, they become empowered and succeed. The various instructional
methods implemented on our campus are designed to reach all students,
with different learning styles.

5\. **Professional Development:** Fort Settlement Middle School provides
many opportunities for Professional Development. Student achievement is
our top priority, and teachers need the proper tools to help our
students succeed. Our staff attends various courses, and is trained in
strategies that have a positive impact on student learning.

Each year, our campus teams with Clements High School in August for a
two-day campus staff development conference. Since our students feed
into Clements High School, it is important to build relationships with
the Clements High School staff. Fort Settlement and Clements teachers
create, develop, and present workshops that enhance teacher instruction.
Valuable information is discussed and shared during these sessions. To
ensure that our students are prepared for the rigors of high school, our
eighth grade teachers meet with the ninth grade teachers to address
curriculum issues and student needs. We also attend a general session
together; this session is reserved for a professional speaker. We hear a
motivational message and gain insight from the presenter; it is
important to start the year on a positive note, and this provides us
with that opportunity. It is also vital to keep up with current
technology trends in education.

Our Instructional Technology Specialist offers technology professional
development courses on campus. These sessions are held throughout the
school year. Some of the workshops offered during the 2007 spring
semester include: Integrating Word into the Middle School Curriculum,
District Webpage, Integrating Publisher across the Secondary Curriculum,
and Integrating Inspiration.

Fort Settlement also has a staff member who is our Gifted and Talented
liaison; she notifies us of any upcoming professional development
courses. Gifted and Talented teachers must stay current and participate
in these courses in order to teach the gifted and talented classes.
These workshops provide teachers with the latest teaching strategies and
techniques.

During the summer months, staff members are encouraged to attend summer
workshops and programs that are offered around the greater Houston area.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers excellent professional
development courses during the summer months. Rice University also hosts
workshops and courses for teachers. The information learned at these
workshops impacts students because it empowers teachers and equips them
with additional skills and knowledge.

Professional development opportunities keep our teaching fresh and
exciting; these courses encourage us to learn new and exciting ways of
facilitating material content. We can continue teaching with vigor and
passion because we stay up to date with current teaching trends. This
passion directly impacts student achievement because we make our content
come alive, and share our love of learning with the students.

**PART VII - ASSESSMENT RESULTS**

  ------------- --------------- ------ --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  State                                                                                              
  Criterion -                                                                                        
  Referenced                                                                                         
  Tests                                                                                              

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                     

                Subject:        Math       Grade:    6           Test:       TAKS                    

                                                                                                     

                                                     2005-2006   2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2002-2001

                Testing Month                        April       April       April       April       April

                SCHOOL SCORES                                                                         

                \% Met Standard                      99%         96%         98%         96%         100%
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         73%         66%         55%         42%         57%
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            322         336         318         328         338
                students tested                                                                      

                Percent of                           99%         99%         98%         98%         97%
                total students                                                                       
                tested                                                                               

                Number of                            16          15          18          24          N/A
                students                                                                             
                alternatively                                                                        
                assessed                                                                             

                Percent of                           5%          4%          5%          7%          N/A
                students                                                                             
                alternatively                                                                        
                assessed                                                                             

                                                                                                      

                SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                       

                1\. African                                                                           
                American                                                                             

                \% Met standard                      96%         81%         91%         \-          \-
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         58%         44%         36%         \-          \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            24          16          11          \-          \-
                students tested                                                                      

                2\. Hispanic                                                                          

                \% Met standard                      100%        80%         94%         \-          100%
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         65%         50%         41%         \-          \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            17          10          17          \-          13
                students tested                                                                      

                3\. Special                                                                           
                Education                                                                            

                \% Met standard                      88%         87%         100%        79%         N/A
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         38%         22%         17%         17%         N/A
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            16          23          14          24          N/A
                students tested                                                                      

                4\.                                                                                   
                Economically                                                                         
                Disadvantaged                                                                        

                \% Met standard                                  90%                     \-          \-
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                                     40%                     \-          \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                                        10                      \-          \-
                students tested                                                                      

                5\. At-Risk                                                                           

                \% Met standard                                                                       
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                                                                             
                students tested                                                                      
  ------------- --------------- ------ --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ------------- --------------- --------- --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  State                                                                                                 
  Criterion -                                                                                           
  Referenced                                                                                            
  Tests                                                                                                 

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

                Subject:        Reading       Grade:    6           Test:       TAKS                    

                                                                                                        

                                                        2005-2006   2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

                Testing Month                           April       April       April       April       April

                SCHOOL SCORES                                                                            

                \% Met standard                         100%        99%         99%         98%         99%
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            76%         72%         66%         57%         73%
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               325         336         319         323         337
                students tested                                                                         

                Percent of                              99%         99%         98%         98%         97%
                total students                                                                          
                tested                                                                                  

                Number of                               16          15          14          18          N/A
                students                                                                                
                alternatively                                                                           
                assessed                                                                                

                Percent of                              5%          4%          4%          6%          N/A
                students                                                                                
                alternatively                                                                           
                assessed                                                                                

                                                                                                         

                SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                          

                1\. African                                                                              
                American                                                                                

                \% Met standard                         100%        100%        100%        \-          \-
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            83%         56%         73%         \-          \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               24          16          11          \-          \-
                students tested                                                                         

                2\. Hispanic                                                                             

                \% Met standard                         100%        90%         94%         \-          100%
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            76%         60%         41%         \-          \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               17          10          17          \-          13
                students tested                                                                         

                3\. Special                                                                              
                Education                                                                               

                \% Met standard                         100%        100%        93%         100%        N/A
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            38%         50%         21%         28%         N/A
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               16          22          14          18          N/A
                students tested                                                                         

                4\.                                                                                      
                Economically                                                                            
                Disadvantaged                                                                           

                \% Met standard                                                 90%         \-          \-
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                                                    40%         \-          \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                                                       10          \-          \-
                students tested                                                                         

                5\. At-Risk                                                                              

                \% Met standard                                                                          
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                                                                             
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                                                                                
                students tested                                                                         
  ------------- --------------- --------- --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ------------- --------------- ------ --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  State                                                                                              
  Criterion -                                                                                        
  Referenced                                                                                         
  Tests                                                                                              

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                     

                Subject:        Math       Grade:    7           Test:       TAKS                    

                                                                                                     

                                                     2005-2006   2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

                Testing Month                        April       April       April       April       April

                SCHOOL SCORES                                                                         

                \% Met standard                      98%         95%         98%         99%         100%
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         53%         40%         38%         40%         57%
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            353         333         348         374         313
                students tested                                                                      

                Percent of                           100%        99%         98%         98%         97%
                total students                                                                       
                tested                                                                               

                Number of                            18          22          17          18          N/A
                students                                                                             
                alternatively                                                                        
                assessed                                                                             

                Percent of                           5%          6%          4%          5%          N/A
                students                                                                             
                alternatively                                                                        
                assessed                                                                             

                                                                                                      

                SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                       

                1\. African                                                                           
                American                                                                             

                \% Met standard                      83%         71%         \-          \-          100%
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         25%         21%         \-          \-          \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            12          14          \-          \-          10
                students tested                                                                      

                2\. Hispanic                                                                          

                \% Met standard                      92%         100%        100%        94%         100%
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         54%         29%         27%         12%         \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            13          14          11          17          11
                students tested                                                                      

                3\. Special                                                                           
                Education                                                                            

                \% Met standard                      94%         100%        93%         94%         N/A
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         6%          95%         21%         24%         N/A
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            18          22          14          17          N/A
                students tested                                                                      

                4\.                                                                                   
                Economically                                                                         
                Disadvantaged                                                                        

                \% Met standard                      \-          82%         \-          \-          \-
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         \-          18%         \-          \-          \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            \-          11          \-          \-          \-
                students tested                                                                      

                5\. At-Risk                                                                           

                \% Met standard                                                                       
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                                                                             
                students tested                                                                      
  ------------- --------------- ------ --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ------------- --------------- --------- --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  State                                                                                                 
  Criterion -                                                                                           
  Referenced                                                                                            
  Tests                                                                                                 

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

                Subject:        Reading       Grade:    7           Test:       TAKS                    

                                                                                                        

                                                        2005-2006   2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

                Testing Month                           April       April       April       April       April

                SCHOOL SCORES                                                                            

                \% Met standard                         97%         98%         97%         100%        99%
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            52%         51%         52%         41%         91%
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               353         329         343         376         314
                students tested                                                                         

                Percent of                              100%        99%         98%         98%         97%
                total students                                                                          
                tested                                                                                  

                Number of                               22          25          18          18          N/A
                students                                                                                
                alternatively                                                                           
                assessed                                                                                

                Percent of                              6%          7%          5%          10%         N/A
                students                                                                                
                alternatively                                                                           
                assessed                                                                                

                                                                                                         

                SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                          

                1\. African                                                                              
                American                                                                                

                \% Met standard                         92%         93%         \-          \-          100%
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            50%         50%         \-          \-          \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               12          14          \-          \-          10
                students tested                                                                         

                2\. Hispanic                                                                             

                \% Met standard                         100%        100%        100%        100%        91%
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            46%         43%         40%         29%         \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               13          14          10          17          11
                students tested                                                                         

                3\. Special                                                                              
                Education                                                                               

                \% Met standard                         86%         92%         86%         100%        N/A
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            14%         16%         21%         17%         N/A
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               22          25          14          18          N/A
                students tested                                                                         

                4\.                                                                                      
                Economically                                                                            
                Disadvantaged                                                                           

                \% Met standard                                     80%                     \-           
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                                        30%                     \-           
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                                           10                      \-           
                students tested                                                                         

                5\. At-Risk                                                                              

                \% Met standard                                                                          
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                                                                             
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                                                                                
                students tested                                                                         
  ------------- --------------- --------- --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ------------- --------------- ------ --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  State                                                                                              
  Criterion -                                                                                        
  Referenced                                                                                         
  Tests                                                                                              

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                     

                Subject:        Math       Grade:    8           Test:       TAKS                    

                                                                                                     

                                                     2005-2006   2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

                Testing Month                        April       April       April       April       April

                SCHOOL SCORES                                                                         

                \% Met standard                      99%         99%         98%         99%         100%
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         54%         52%         48%         34%         48%
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            338         338         384         338         274
                students tested                                                                      

                Percent of                           97%         100%        98%         98%         97%
                total students                                                                       
                tested                                                                               

                Number of                            20          17          19          21          N/A
                students                                                                             
                alternatively                                                                        
                assessed                                                                             

                Percent of                           6%          5%          5%          6%          N/A
                students                                                                             
                alternatively                                                                        
                assessed                                                                             

                                                                                                      

                SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                       

                1\. African                                                                           
                American                                                                             

                \% Met standard                      100%        \-          80%         90%         \-
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         47%         \-          10%         20%         \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            16          \-          10          10          \-
                students tested                                                                      

                2\. Hispanic                                                                          

                \% Met standard                      100%        100%        90%         100%        100%
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         30%         45%         20%         9%          \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            20          11          20          11          12
                students tested                                                                      

                3\. Special                                                                           
                Education                                                                            

                \% Met standard                      90%         \-          95%         95%         N/A
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         20%         \-          10%         5%          N/A
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            20          \-          20          19          N/A
                students tested                                                                      

                4\.                                                                                   
                Economically                                                                         
                Disadvantaged                                                                        

                \% Met standard                      100%        \-          \-          \-          \-
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                         30%         \-          \-          \-          \-
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                            10          \-          \-          \-          \-
                students tested                                                                      

                5\. At-Risk                                                                           

                \% Met standard                                                                       
                plus Commended                                                                       
                performance                                                                          

                \% Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                          

                Number of                                                                             
                students tested                                                                      
  ------------- --------------- ------ --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ------------- --------------- --------- --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
  State                                                                                                 
  Criterion -                                                                                           
  Referenced                                                                                            
  Tests                                                                                                 

                                                                                                        

                                                                                                        

                Subject:        Reading       Grade:    8           Test:       TAKS                    

                                                                                                        

                                                        2005-2006   2004-2005   2003-2004   2002-2003   2001-2002

                Testing Month                           April       April       April       April       April

                SCHOOL SCORES                                                                            

                \% Met standard                         99%         97%         99%         99%         100%
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            70%         65%         55%         58%         82%
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               346         355         383         345         274
                students tested                                                                         

                Percent of                              97%         98%         98%         98%         97%
                total students                                                                          
                tested                                                                                  

                Number of                               22          15          21          21          N/A
                students                                                                                
                alternatively                                                                           
                assessed                                                                                

                Percent of                              6%          4%          5%          6%          N/A
                students                                                                                
                alternatively                                                                           
                assessed                                                                                

                                                                                                         

                SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                          

                1\. African                                                                              
                American                                                                                

                \% Met standard                         100%        90%         100%        100%        \-
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            69%         50%         50%         30%         \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               16          10          10          10          \-
                students tested                                                                         

                2\. Hispanic                                                                             

                \% Met standard                         100%        91%         100%        100%        100%
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            60%         45%         43%         55%         \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               20          11          21          11          10
                students tested                                                                         

                3\. Special                                                                              
                Education                                                                               

                \% Met standard                         95%         100%        95%         95%         N/A
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                            41%         93%         32%         24%         N/A
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                               22          15          19          21          N/A
                students tested                                                                         

                4\.                                                                                      
                Economically                                                                            
                Disadvantaged                                                                           

                \% Met standard                                                             \-          \-
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                                                                \-          \-
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                                                                   \-          \-
                students tested                                                                         

                5\. At-Risk                                                                              

                \% Met standard                                                                          
                plus Commended                                                                          
                performance                                                                             

                \% Commended                                                                             
                performance                                                                             

                Number of                                                                                
                students tested                                                                         
  ------------- --------------- --------- --- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

  ---------- ----------------------- ----------- -------- --- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
  National                                                                                          
  Norms                                                                                             

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

             Subject:                Math        Grade: 7     Test:        Iowa Test                
                                                                           of Basic                 
                                                                           Skills                   

                                                                                                    

             Education/Publication                            PUBLISHER:               Riverside    
             Year: 2000                                                                Publishing   

                                                                                                    

             Scores are reported                                                                    
             here as Percentiles                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                              2006-2007    2005-2006   2004-2005    2003-2004

             Testing Month                                    October      October     October      October

             SCHOOL SCORES                                                                           

             Total Score                                      99%          99%         99%          99%

             Number of students                               349          359         343          359
             tested                                                                                 

             Percent of total                                 96.1%        99.4%       99.4%        98.6
             students tested                                                                        

             Number of students                               0            0           0            0
             alternatively assessed                                                                 

             Percent of students                              0            0           0            0
             alternatively assessed                                                                 

                                                                                                     

             SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                         

             1\. Regular Education                            99%          99%         99%          99%

             Number of students                               329          324         314          302
             tested                                                                                 

             2\. Special Education                            63%          60%         63%          69%

             Number of students                               20           35          29           28
             tested                                                                                 

             3, Gifted/Talented                               99%          99%         99%          99%

             Number of students                               124          133         121          106
             tested                                                                                 

             4\. Free/Reduced Lunch                           87%          92%         94%          87%

             Number of students                               11           11          10           6
             tested                                                                                 

             5\. 504                                          91%          96%         98%          97%

             Number of students                               14           7           12           14
             tested                                                                                 

             6\. Limited                                      63%          67%         76%          84%
             English/Proficient                                                                     

             Number of students                               8            6           5            9
             tested                                                                                 

                                                                                                    

                                                              2006-2007    2005-2006   2004-2005    2003-2004

             National Mean Score                              93%          92%         89%          92%

             National Standard                                +/- 20       +/- 20      +/- 20       +/- 20
             Deviation                                                                              

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                    
  ---------- ----------------------- ----------- -------- --- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------

  ---------- ----------------------- ------------ -------- --- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
  National                                                                                           
  Norms                                                                                              

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                     

             Subject:                Reading      Grade: 7     Test:        Iowa Test                
                                                                            of Basic                 
                                                                            Skills                   

                                                                                                     

             Education/Publication                             PUBLISHER:               Riverside    
             Year: 2000                                                                 Publishing   

                                                                                                     

             Scores are reported                                                                     
             here as Percentiles                                                                     

                                                                                                     

                                                               2006-2007    2005-2006   2004-2005    2003-2004

             Testing Month                                     October      October     October      October

             SCHOOL SCORES                                                                            

             Total Score                                       98%          98%         98%          99%

             Number of students                                349          359         343          359
             tested                                                                                  

             Percent of total                                  96.1%        99.4%       99.4%        98.6%
             students tested                                                                         

             Number of students                                0            0           0            0
             alternatively assessed                                                                  

             Percent of students                               0            0           0            0
             alternatively assessed                                                                  

                                                                                                      

             SUBGROUP SCORES                                                                          

             1\. Regular Education                             99%          99%         99%          99%

             Number of students                                329          324         314          302
             tested                                                                                  

             2\. Special Education                             63%          39%         35%          53%

             Number of students                                20           35          29           28
             tested                                                                                  

             3, Gifted/Talented                                99%          99%         99%          99%

             Number of students                                124          133         121          106
             tested                                                                                  

             4\. Free/Reduced Lunch                            39           57          54           58

             Number of students                                11           11          10           6
             tested                                                                                  

             5\. 504                                           90%          88%         91%          88%

             Number of students                                14           8           12           14
             tested                                                                                  

             6\. Limited                                       4%           18%         26%          13%
             English/Proficient                                                                      

             Number of students                                8            6           5            9
             tested                                                                                  

                                                                                                     

                                                               2006-2007    2005-2006   2004-2005    2003-2004

             National Mean Score                               83%          82%         83%          84%

             National Standard                                 +/- 20       +/- 20      +/- 20       +/- 20
             Deviation                                                                               

                                                                                                     
  ---------- ----------------------- ------------ -------- --- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------