Summary Of AYP
Standards are set by states in both math and language arts. In its most basic form this means that at any given age level the students one year must perform better than the students who were at that age level the previous year, so in School X the fourth graders from 2010 must score better on the test than the fourth graders from 2009. AYP is not calculated grade by grade across the state, but instead school by school. In order for testing results to be valid ninety-five percent of students from the general population must be tested. In addition ninety-five percent of students from four subgroups must be tested, and each of these subgroups must meet AYP as well. These subgroups include students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and students from different economic backgrounds.
Consequences for Failing to Meet AYP
Year One
No action is taken
Year Two
The school is labeled “in need of improvement” and must create a two-year plan for how that improvement will be carried out. Students in the school may apply for transfer to a different school in the district if one exists.
Year Three
The school must provide free tutoring and supplemental education services to students who are not meeting the standards.
Year Four
The school is labeled as “requiring corrective action” which could include provisions like: replacement of the entire staff, extending the time students spend in class, or creating an entirely new curriculum that must be followed.
Year Five
A plan to restructure the school is crafted.
Year Six
The plan created during the fifth year is implemented. Examples of what this plan could require include closing the school, turning it into a charter school, or hiring a private company to run the school.