The Texas Education Agency released accountability ratings on July 29 for 8.526 public schools and 1,228 districts. The ratings are based on high school completion rates, dropout rates and passing rates on the state test, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS).

Increasing standards and the elimination of the Texas Projection Measure (TPM) resulted in fewer schools and districts earning an Exemplary accountability rating in 2011.

Although this is the last year of the TAKS-based accountability system, there are a number of changes that have increased its rigor and impacted ratings in preparation for the new rating system that will begin in 2013.

The Alvin Gator swim team, which is part of the Coastal Cities Aquatic Association, swam at the Texas Amateur Athletics Federation Region 1 on July 16th. The meet held in Texas City advances the top four competitors from each event to the Games of Texas in Waco. Thirty two of the Gator team members advanced to the state swim meet. “Jacob Moore broke the 13-14 Boys 50yd Breast-Stroke Region 1 and TAAF record with a time of 29.69“