NCLB Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be new tests and how will the test results be used?
Reading and math end-of-grade tests for grades 3-8, already in place through the ABCs, will be used to assess student progress. NCLB requires that students in high school be tested at least once in reading and math, so North Carolina is reinstating the Comprehensive Tests of Reading and Math for grade 10. All students, including Limited English Proficient and Students with Disabilities, are expected to participate in testing.
To make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a school and all its student groups must achieve target scores - determined by the state - in reading and math. The school must also test at least 95 percent of students in each subgroup.
A school must have 40 or more students in one of the following categories, to count as a student group: 1) White, 2) Black, 3) Hispanic, 4) Native American, 5) Asian/Pacific Islander, 6) Multiracial, 7) Economically Disadvantaged Students, 8) Limited English Proficient Students, and 9) Students with Disabilities.
What if your child already performs at grade level?
The ABCs model holds schools accountable for the growth of each student, including those who have reached Achievement Level III and are considered at grade level. Students performing at Achievement Level IV, the highest of the four levels, can continue to grow academically within that range and are expected to do so.
What if your child is not performing at grade level?
The first thing a parent should do is to discuss the matter with your child's teacher. While ABC requirements and the Wake County Public School System Goal promote success of all children, there are many ways to address an individual student's needs.
How will you know where your child stands in meeting grade level standards?
Your school is required to keep you informed of your child's achievement level. Also, your school must share school- and district-wide testing results with you. The new N.C. School Report Cards include important information about the performance, class size and teacher quality of each public school in North Carolina at www.ncreportcards.org.
What does it mean if your school does not make Adequate Yearly Progress?
It means that one or more of the student groups is having trouble meeting learning expectations and that your school is trying to find the right support to offer those students.
What is Title I?
Title I provides federal funding to help students who are behind academically or at risk of falling behind. In Wake County, a school must have 35 percent or more children eligible for free or reduced-price lunch to qualify to receive these funds. A school receiving these funds is referred to as a Title I school.
What happens to schools that do not make Adequate Yearly Progress?
Title I elementary schools not making AYP for two consecutive years are identified for School Improvement and must provide students transfer options to another school not in School Improvement.
Non-Title I schools that do not make AYP do not face sanctions, but must indicate how they will improve.
After three years of not making AYP, Title I schools must continue the transfer option and offer tutoring services to low-income students not performing at grade level. Sanctions become increasingly severe each year a Title I school in School Improvement does not make AYP.
How does the federal law affect teachers?
NCLB sets requirements for teachers to be "Highly Qualified" by June 30, 2006. Teachers must be fully state licensed and demonstrate subject area knowledge for each of the core subject areas they teach.
What can parents do to help?
Look at your child's performance and be sure you understand where he/she stands in reading and math. Talk with your child's teacher(s) and principal about ways to work together to improve your child's academic performance.
Be aware of your school's achievement under NCLB and the ABCs. Communicate your school's successes to your community and look for ways to support your school in challenging areas.
Will transportation be offered to students exercising public school choice options?
NCLB requires districts to set aside 20 percent of Title I funds for public school choice transportation and supplemental services, such as tutoring.
Parents will be notified if transportation will be available in the letter confirming the transfer assignment. These letters will be sent out during the week of July 14.