Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Jennifer (Nikki) Janksy, M. Ed.  fondly refers to herself as the “STAAR lady” in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD). 

As the student evaluation and assessment director, Nikki oversees SBISD’s preparation and administration of all standardized tests. Contrary to what some may think, her role involves much more than number crunching and reporting. It’s about ensuring that each child reaches their academic potential and feels supported every step of the way. 

“To some, standardized tests may not be the most exciting part of education, but they are necessary,” said Nikki. 

After eight years in her role, talking to Nikki reveals that she brings energy to her position and looks forward to making the 53-minute commute from her home in League City every day. 

Nikki’s original plan was to go into nursing, but after one rotation at a school for deaf students, something clicked, and she had found her calling – education. Before jumping into her current role, Nikki spent five years teaching 8th-grade language arts in the classroom. As an avid reader, she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. 

“Reading and language arts opens up so many avenues for kids to learn,” said Nikki. “Many resources and tools allow students to explore different perspectives and ideas and express themselves.”

While she no longer interacts with kids daily, she draws on her time in the classroom to ensure students (and parents) have what they need to succeed in STAAR and other standardized testing. 

“Yes, these tests are important benchmarks for students, but I want them and their parents to realize that STAAR testing is one measurement – one data point for a year’s worth of learning,” said Nikki. “What kids are doing in the classroom day in, and day out is significant.” 

As a parent herself, she can’t emphasize this point enough: Kids should not be defined by how well they do (or don’t do) on a standardized test. 

“It’s OK to take some pressure off,” she said. “You’re prepared; all anyone can ask is you to do your best.” 

In her work, Nikki is also instrumental in helping students prepare for TELPAS, the Texas Language Proficiency Assessment System.

“About one-third of SBISD is made up of English learners,” said Nikki. “We’re constantly examining the numbers and focusing on each individual student to ensure their language development is supported.”

While testing may be the task at hand for Nikki, her heart is always in the classroom, working to make sure every child can reach their full potential. 

“At the end of the day, that’s what it is all about – doing what is right for our kids,” she said. “That is what motivates me and keeps me going.”  

#SBISDPROUD