Greenville ISD eighth-graders, required for the first time to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills to advance to high school, achieved a 91 percent passing rate on the TAKS reading exam.

The district said 260 eighth graders were tested in early March, with 229 meeting the standard.  Of the 31 students who did not make the standard, seven missed by one question and two missed by two questions.

Last year, 86 percent of eighth graders passed the test on their first try.

Eighth graders who did not make the standard will have two more opportunities to take the test this year.  All eighth-graders also will have to pass the TAKS math exam – scheduled for April 8.

Greenville ISD also on Tuesday released test results for third and fifth graders, who also must pass the TAKS in order for promotion under the Texas Student Success Initiative.

Among local third-graders, 88 percent passed the TAKS reading exam, while among fifth-graders, 81 percent passed.

Of the 387 third graders who tested, 336 met the standard, 51 did not meet the standard, nine missed the standard by one question and 11 missed by two questions.  Of the 305 fifth graders who tested, 244 met the standard, 61 did not meet the standard, five missed the standard by one question and six missed by two questions.

Last year, 90 percent of third graders passed and 79 percent of fifth graders passed the reading test on the first administration.

This is the first year that eighth-graders must pass the TAKS to advance to the ninth grade.  Stakes on the TAKS are highest for third, fifth and eighth graders, who must pass to be promoted, and for high school seniors, who must pass to graduate.