I heard two kids died from heat exhaustion in Kansas. Coaches need to know where to draw the line. TAAS should be given very early in the year to measure true learning - retention from last year. Too much attention to TAAS scores - this is only one test given during the year. Many gifted students do not have access to programs to help them reach their potential.
Science education needs considerable improvement at the elementary level.
This is one of the chief weaknesses in the K-6 curriculum. The state dictates TAAS emphasis - but the objectives tested are appropriate. In some cases the teachers are photocopying chapters of the books to hand out to their students, a practice which has occurred in previous years as well. We are so far out of compliance with Gifted and Talented guidelines, well, it's not hard to see why CISD doesn't have a tradition of academic excellence. Honors and Advance Placement classes are scheduled during athletics in the high school.