Three out of 56 Howard County public elementary and middle schools did not meet proficiency goals in reading and math as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, according to school system data released Wednesday.
“It?s going to be difficult for all schools because the targets go up; the bar gets raised,” schools spokeswoman Patti Caplan said.
Proficiency is measured through adequate yearly progress, or AYP, a set of annual goals students must reach in reading, math and other academic indicators.
The law requires all students to be proficient in math and reading by 2013-14.
If the schools fail to meet AYP for two consecutive years, they are placed on a state school improvement list and must provide a detailed plan of how to get off the list.
Last year, all of the county?s elementary and middle schools made AYP.
To ensure that the schools meet AYP next year, Caplan said school officials would:
» Review how the curriculum is being implemented.
» Use newly hired English for Speakers of Other Languages teachers to help students with limited English-speaking skills.
» Continue to make sure goals outlined in Individual Education Plans for special education students are met.
State Schools Superintendent Nancy Grasmick said teachers and principals have to work together to help students achieve.
“Teachers may think they?re delivering instruction, but unless the students [can demonstrate the skills through their work], there?s no guarantee that they will have mastered what has to be done,” she said. “We need to ensure that the principal is an instructional leader.”
Nearly 80 percent of schools across the state made the AYP targets, said Ann Chafin, assistant superintendent for the Division of Student, Family and School Support.
AT A GLANCE
» Murray Hill Middle School missed the goal for English-language learners in reading by two students.
» Oakland Mills Middle School failed to reach the goal for special education students in reading by one student.
» Cradlerock School fell short of the goal for special education students by five students in reading and eight in mathematics.
– Source: Howard County Public School System
