Each year, schools are measured to determine if they meet adequate yearly progress, or “AYP,” under the federal law commonly known as No Child Left Behind. Schools are reviewed based on participation, academic performance, and an additional indicator such as attendance rate or graduation rate.
If a school does not meet AYP under the same criteria for two or more years in a row, it receives a “needs improvement” status. With each year on the needs improvement list, the consequences become more severe for the school.
Schools with a “needs improvement” status must offer students the option to transfer to another school in the district. Here’s how Sandy Springs schools performed in 2011:
Met AYP
Elementary Schools
Dunwoody Springs Charter
Heards Ferry
High Point
Ison Springs
Spalding Drive
Woodland
High Schools
North Springs
Riverwood
Did Not Meet AYP
Elementary School
Lake Forest
Middle Schools
Ridgeview
Sandy Springs
North Springs Charter High School and Ridgeview Charter School are on the needs improvement list.