By The Associated Press Wednesday, October 01, 2008
The No Child Left Behind law requires schools to meet annual goals based largely on student test scores. When schools that have large numbers of poor students fail to make "adequate yearly progress," the law requires them to take corrective steps:
_ Schools that don't meet goals the first year are put on notice but don't have to take any specific steps.
_ After two years of not meeting goals, schools "need improvement." They must allow students to transfer to other public schools in the district that don't have the label, and pay for their transportation.
_ After three years, schools must offer free tutoring to poor students and continue offering public school transfers.
_ After four years, schools are in "corrective action." That could include using a new curriculum, replacing some employees or extending the school day.
_ After five years, schools must develop a plan to restructure the school.
_ After six years, schools must restructure. Options could include reopening as a charter school; replacing school employees; contracting with a private company to run the school; or taking decision-making powers away from school officials.
A service of the Associated Press(AP)
