My cousin moved from CA she's a senior n High school.. She was told she can not graduate unless she clear all 4 parts of TAkS
the TAKS had exit level tests that was administered second semester of 11th grade, and yes, passing was required to "graduate" (meaning walk the stage to receive your diploma), but as long as credits were completed satisfactorily (I think like 23?) by 12th grade then they could not hold you back...I know plenty of people who had trouble clearing one or more parts of the TAKS yet were A/B students...they ended up not walking the stage, but went to community college for 2 semesters with no problem and then on to university.
It was all very screwy. Everyone is on edge to see what new maslay the STAAR brings
yep, I am in Dallas and love it here. Moved from MI in 2004 and it couldn't have been a better time to get out. Regarding TAKS, they are no more. My son has always had commended scores in TAKS and he took STAAR for the first year last year (which didn't count btw) and he thought it was slightly more difficult than TAKS but no big deal really. He has taken one this year and 1 more to go I believe.
So hey, I am not a Houstanian but welcome to Texas anyway. No more state tax.... yay!!!
Ok I got the education related info now give some more info about housing related questions based on location of my work which I mentioned a couple of posts ago
Just to add the same point here. I think if you live in Sugar Land and you work around North Sam Houston tollway, your commute will not be that bad. Takes around 45 minutes to get home after 4 PM. If you can get a deal from work like I do (I work from 6 am to 4 PM) you could be home in 20-25 minutes.
As far as living in a decent neighborhood goes, Sugar Land is one of the best places to live specially for a desi family since there is everything you need within a short distance. I have a masjid a block away from where I live and have desi markets and restaurants near by.
My job is going to b at west Sam Houston parkway north .now tell me more . We r not planning to buy or rent a big house . As I said earlier 3 bed 2 baths will b fine but the neighborhood has to b decent.
The amount you'll pay to rent can easily cover your mortgage. That's how cheap the houses are in TX. As Joel mentioned Sugar Land is a a great area. Lots of Desis there AND even by Gora standards its one of the most desirable places to live in.
Katy is also another good option. We are currently renting an apartment, within the Houston city limits. For a 3 bed 2 bath & 2 car attached garage we are paying $1434 + utilities. I am sure for the same amount we can probably rent a house in the burbs. Its a gated community but what from what I gather rental communities are mostly gated in Houston until unless you are directly renting from a landlord.
Check out HAR.com for private rentals or rent.com or apartmentratings.com for apartment complex rentals. Until unless every renter is complaining of the same issues don't pay too much attention to the bad reviews. They are mostly distraught renters who due to their own shortcomings had issues with the leasing office.
Most people that move to Houston either buy a property directly or rent for a year & then in the mean time look around so they can eventually buy. That's what we plan on doing as well. Our list of possible places is Katy/Richmond/Sugar Land & Cypress.
Houston has many clusters of Pakistani/Indian Muslim communities with Masjids & Halal/Desi grocery options. Pick a school & then look for condos/apartments from there & the rest will eventually fall in its place.
Zabihah.com is your best friend for Halal grocery/restaurants & Masjids near your work & home. I am sure you are already aware of that. Also all HEBs also sell Zabihah Halal chicken products. Most sell Shan masalas & a lot of other international Desi foods too.
Fiesta also has stuff like Shan ginger garlic paste & Deep Naans.
Houston is a great city. Summers are bad but then winters are great here. Pakistanis compare it to Karachi because of all the Halla Gulla & the Desiness. Texans in general are the most friendly people I have come across. Always cheery & bright. You will love it here.
the TAKS had exit level tests that was administered second semester of 11th grade, and yes, passing was required to "graduate" (meaning walk the stage to receive your diploma), but as long as credits were completed satisfactorily (I think like 23?) by 12th grade then they could not hold you back...I know plenty of people who had trouble clearing one or more parts of the TAKS yet were A/B students...they ended up not walking the stage, but went to community college for 2 semesters with no problem and then on to university.
It was all very screwy. Everyone is on edge to see what new maslay the STAAR brings
Hmmm maybe her dean is not aware of this I guess. Cuz she went back and checked with and and was told that she won't be able to graduate if she doesn't pass all parts. Is this info online?