As if we needed more proof for what we all intuitively understand; that more education spending DOES NOT equal higher student achievement...The Heritage Foundation has produced the following chart. A picture is worth a thousand words. CLICK here for the full size version.

TAKS consists of four parts: English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies tests (55 – 60 questions per test) that must be passed with a minimum score of 2100. Perfect score: ELA = 3162; Math = 2819; SS = 2745; Science = 2756.

The Texas Education Agency website has study guides that you can download for each test.

Helpful Links

• TEA homepage
• Complete study guides for each TAKS exam. You will need the “exit level” (grade 11) study guides.
• Previous TAKS exams (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies) that have been released for study purposes that you can print and use for practice. You can use any of the exit level retests, or any of the Grade 11 subject tests for study and practice.
• Online versions of the most recently released TAKS tests for practice.
• track: TAKS Readiness and Core Knowledge

The Autism Answer Book is a great reference book that includes more than 300 of the Top Questions Parents Ask. Areas to review when reading this book are:

• What is Autism?
• Getting a Diagnosis
• School Success
• Treatment Options
• Fair Discipline
• Social Connections
• Communication Differences
• Valuing Passions
• Sensory Sensitivities

Pay special attention to Chapter 11, School Success. Here you will drill down and address topics that should be addressed in the IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting.

I want to share a book with you. The Autism & ADHD Diet by Barrie Silberberg is a remarkable book that I refer to clients when I meet a child such as Noah. Today, I referred this book again and I thought I should post it on our web so that parents could easily locate the book and include it on their home reference shelf.

The rate of ASD has increased alarmingly in recent years. In 1995, one in 500 children was diagnosed with autism. In 2000, the rate was one in 250. Today, in 2008, it’s one in 150, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Noah's Story

Noah was a wild boy before he began second grade. His father and I were called to the school for an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting. Because of Noah’s out-of-control behavior, school officials didn’t want him there. Yet they were willing to have professionals observe him and try to fit him into a regular class. The plan was to meet again in November and decide what to do.

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When I begin working with children that have special needs, I find that many parents struggle with keeping up with all the paperwork that comes along with the Individual Educational Plan (IEP). I recommend that parents purchase a large 3D binder with tabbed insert pocket dividers. Sections should be labeled: IEP Team Members "Fill In" Table of Contents form Notifications Current Performance Annual Goals Services, Support and Aids Special Factors Students Placement State and District Assessments Special Notes; sent to parents and copies you send to teachers, administrators and aids Communications: letters, email notes, phone log By managing the IEP paperwork in an organized system, parents will be able to stay engaged and in control of this tedious process. As your child moves from one grade level to the next, from elementary school to high school, your system will help you to recall the past so that you can impact the current plan and prepare for the future! Don't leave home without it!