Six Carroll County elementary and middle schools failed to meet annual progress goals under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, mainly because of problems in special education reading.
“Special education reading across the board was an issue,” said Greg Bricca, director of research and accountability. “The special education scores aren?t declining across the board, but they aren?t increasing at the rate necessary to meet the goal.”
Under the federal measure known as adequate yearly progress, elementary and middle schools must reach targets in reading, math and attendance. The targets rise each year, with the goal of reaching 100 percent proficiency by 2013-14.
The five failing schools were Robert Moton Elementary School and North Carroll, Oklahoma Road, Sykesville, Westminster East and Westminster West middle schools, Bricca said. While all the schools failed in special education reading, some schools also missed the marks in special education math and limited English proficiency students.
“Until this year, we have been able to make enough progress to make the goals,” Bricca said. “We have always had the concern that it would catch up with us.”
Last year, all schools passed except for Gateway School, Bricca said.
To meet the goals next year, school officials have been meeting with the principals and staff and reviewing the data down to each child, Fulton said.
Officials plan to:
» Boost collaborative instruction between specialists trained in special education math or reading and the special education teacher.
» Meet next week to determine long-term solutions, such as making changes to staff or curriculum.
Nancy Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, said that to meet the progress goals, schools should focus on the instruction of all students and align with the voluntary state curriculum.
Examiner Staff Writer Tawanda W. Johnson contributed to this story.
