Glossary of Terms
Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) – Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is the minimum level of academic improvement that school districts and schools must achieve each year as determined under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. In order to make AYP, schools receiving federal funds must meet federal benchmarks (target goals) for test scores and test participation, as well as graduation rates at the high school level and attendance rates in elementary grades.
High Priority school – A High Priority school is a school that did not make Adequate Yearly Progress for the same benchmark two or more years in a row.
Good Standing school – A Good Standing school is a school that made Adequate Yearly Progress for all benchmarks.
Target school – A Target school is a school that did not make AYP for at least one benchmark for one year. There are no penalties for a Target School. It is simply a warning or a “heads up.”
School Improvement - Schools on the High Priority list are considered to be in “School Improvement.” The two terms are essentially synonymous.
Corrective Action/Restructuring - A school that is in Stage 3 - 5 of its High Priority status is required by federal law to develop a strategic plan to boost academic achievement. Parents and teachers must be given an opportunity to provide input for the development of the plan.
Supplemental Educational Services – Supplemental Educational Services are tutoring services for students who receive free or reduced lunch and attend schools that have not made AYP for three consecutive years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)?
Approved in 2002, this legislation includes federal support that states and local school districts receive for eligible schools known as Title I. NCLB requires that every state and school district develop and implement academic standards and assessments, as well as a system for accountability. Under the law, federal resources are allocated to provide various academic programs and services for eligible students and keep parents informed of their rights.
How is student achievement measured?
In Tennessee, students in grades 3-8 take the TCAP achievement tests in Math, Reading and Language Arts. In grades 5, 8 and 11, students also take a writing assessment test. High school students take the Gateway exams in Algebra I, Biology and English.
I thought my child’s school was good. Why is it on the High Priority list?
NCLB has detailed requirements for academics, graduation rates and attendance. If a school fails to meet just one requirement in one subgroup, then it will be identified as not making AYP. For example, one requirement is for a school to achieve a 93 percent attendance rate for ALL students. If the standardized test is given on a day when many students are out with the flu, then it is possible that 93 percent of the students were not present, which would cause that school to miss AYP.
How can I find out what caused my child’s school to end up on the High Priority list?
Each Fall, letters are sent home following the release of the state’s AYP report explaining what resulted in the school being identified as High Priority and what steps are being taken to boost student achievement. Additionally, the information is available on this site by clicking the “Adequate Yearly Progress” above. For further information, visit the state’s Web site at www.state.tn.us/education.
What does a school have to do to come off of the High Priority list?
A school can move into Good Standing if it achieves federal and state academic requirements for two consecutive years in the areas where it previously missed.
What can I as a parent do to help my school improve?
All schools must develop school improvement plans, and schools identified as High Priority schools must revise those plans based on input received from parents. You can contact your child’s school to get information about its school improvement planning team. Of course, the best thing you can do is support your own child in his or her learning. For more information, contact your school office to find out about Title I parent meetings.
