FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 3, 2005

Contact:
Jennifer Jones, Media Relations Specialist
(512) 477-4488 x117
jenniferj@hacanet.org

HACA RESIDENT PARENTS TO TAKE MOCK TAKS TESTS

WHAT: On Feb. 8 at 6 p.m., HACA resident parents will be put to the test.

Residents with students at Fulmore Middle and Dawson and Becker elementary schools will have the opportunity to take a mock Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test administered by Fulmore Middle School.

"The reason for this event is to make parents aware of the importance of preparation for the children to pass the TAKS test," said Diana Trimino, HACA Family Self-Sufficiency specialist. "If parents are more involved with their children's testing needs, their scores will be higher."

Students in the third, fifth, 11th and, beginning in 2008, eighth grades must pass the TAKS test to determine whether they may move on to the next grade level. The test measures students' ability to apply the knowledge they have learned up to the grade level of school they're in and aims to help students do well in college and succeed in life.

The mock testing will be accompanied by a dinner catered by Magnolia Café. Dixie Binford, comprehensive academic director for Fulmore Middle School, will explain the TAKS test and how parents can help prepare their children for the test.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Fulmore Middle School, located at 201 Mary St.

WHAT ELSE: The Housing Authority of the City of Austin is a public agency whose business is to ensure that safe, quality affordable housing opportunities exist for families of low income; break the poverty cycle by serving as a catalyst for our residents to become economically self-sufficient; create meaningful partnerships to maximize available community resources for our residents; and efficiently and effectively meet federal, state and local mandates. For more information, please visit www.hacanet.org.