The Student Success Initiative (SSI) mandates new passing requirements for students in 3rd, 5th and 8th grades. Beginning in school year 2002-2003, 3rd graders will be required to pass the TAKS reading test for promotion. In the 2004-2005 school year, 5th graders will be required to pass the TAKS reading and mathematics tests for promotion. And beginning in school year 2007-2008, 8th graders will be required to pass the TAKS reading and mathematics exams to move on to the 9th grade. As specified by these requirements, a student may advance to the next grade level only by passing these tests or by unanimous decision of his or her grade placement committee (GPC) that the student is likely to perform at grade level after accelerated instruction. To learn more about the SSI click on the following link:

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/ssi/