An unprecedented number of schools across the state have been added to the list of schools that need improvement. A number of them are local districts from at least five Central New York counties.
Across New York State, a total of 1,325 elementary, middle and high schools and 123 districts statewide have been identified for improvement under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.
Of the identified schools, 1,173 will receive Title I funds in 2011-12 and are required to offer extra help to eligible low-income students; 416 of these Title I schools must also offer public school choice (as appropriate) to all enrolled students.
Last year, 102 schools and 4 school districts were newly identified for improvement. This year the number of newly identified schools increased to 847 and the number of newly identified districts increased to 89.
The local districts added to the list include Auburn, Rome, Utica, North Syracuse, Syracuse, Central Square, Fulton, Mexico and Ithaca.
The list is based on students scores on math and english standardized tests. Donna Marie Norton, Director of Information Services in the North Syracuse Central School District says there are a several factors that contributed to the increase in schools making the watch list. Norton says the state has not only made the tests much more difficult, but also raised the score needed to pass the test. "After the tests were given they raised the test scores in some places by more than 50 points. It's like saying 65 isn't passing anymore, now you need an 80," she says.
Norton says budget cuts have also played a factor in the drop in student test scores. "We lost teachers in english and math and because of that we have had higher class sizes and kids aren't getting the individual attention they might of gotten before," she says.
Each school district will have to submit its improvement plan to the state for approval. If they continue to stay on the watch list districts run the risk of being taken over by the State Department of Education.
"This is just further evidence – as if we needed any – that we must move forward to reform our schools and change what is happening in our classrooms," Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch said. "Our goal is to ensure every student graduates from high school college- and career-ready. These numbers show that too many schools are moving in the opposite direction…If student performance doesn’t improve, schools must be held accountable. We are watching."
View the complete list of districts and schools identified as in need of improvement.
