Compile a portfolio of your child's academic history, including samples of his class work and tests that illustrate any problem areas. Write down the struggles he has faced while completing assignments. If possible, have assignments from previous school years to show this has been a continuing problem.
Document accelerated instruction. If your child has been identified as being at risk to fail the TAKS, teachers are required to provide additional help, called accelerated instruction. This may come in the form of sessions before or after school, or your child may be assigned to special classes during the school day. Keep a record of the tutorials she attends to prove that all attempts have been made to prepare for the TAKS.
Meet with the Grade Placement Committee. This committee is made up of your child's teacher, principal and you. Other school personnel may be involved if they work directly with your student. The committee will decide whether your child is likely to pass the TAKS on his third attempt or if taking it again may cause him harm, such as lower self-esteem.
Obtain a waiver from the committee. If your child has failed the first two attempts, you can sign a waiver that exempts her from a third try. However, signing this waiver means your child will be held back instead of being promoted to the next grade.
Appeal the retention. If you think your child is academically prepared for the next grade level, request a retention appeal. If the committee agrees, your child will be promoted to the next grade regardless of his previous performance on the TAKS.