Phew. I am so glad that this week is over and no more standardized testing for me...at least for the remainder of this year. TAKS, or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skillz is what every kid in the great state of Texas learns to hate with a passion. Before the name was changed from its former glory, TAAS, schools districts like my beloved (and very much needed reunion with) New Caney ISD drilled us with sample questions and tests to prepare for that special week at the end of the year when our brains would spin with stress and chaos. TAAS was easy, an idiot (yes..an idiot) could pass it, and they did. So our wonderful Texas Education Agency changed the test to make it harder to pass. The science test is notorious for the material being biased: Freshmen take Biology and the next year they take Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Chemistry or Physics. Myself and about 20% or more of our school haven't gotten into chemistry or don't like it, I for one can't stand it. It comes to me as no surprise that the Science TAKS would cover exactly what it sounds like; but what about the students who don't take chemistry and who, to the best of the ability, can hardly remember what they learning in Biology 2 years ago? The test is nearly all biology and chemistry with about a 4th of it covering physics. Its biased, and its not fair because it should be equally balanced if its going to truely determine our "intelligence." If you fail TAKS your junior year, you basically are screwed senior year because they make you take it again, and if you fail it again well...you can count on not graduating until you do pass. I'm not worried about passing it because I know with confidence that my answers are right and I can remember what was needed on all the tests, but what ticks me off is how our education system is trying to keep us from graduating from high school and demanding more and more out students to get into college. TAKS is over. Finally. NOTE: I am not in any way affiliated with TEA or Bastrop ISD, I am merely a student expressing his view on his education. What is said on this page does not disclose any information relating to TEA, Bastrop ISD or TAKS nor does it violate any copyright laws.