Delaware: Educational Accountability (continued)

Delaware Accountability System

In 2004, changes were made to the accountability system that would not only meet the NCLB requirements but also incorporate elements of Delaware’s original accountability system. We did this to ensure more valid and reliable accountability ratings and to reflect the positive work our schools and districts are doing to help our children succeed.

State Progress Determination

One new element is the State Progress Determination (SPD). This measures the improvement in the composite scale score in reading, mathematics, science and social studies, combined.

School Ratings

Defining Schools by Student Performance

School ratings are given based on their student’s performance on the DSTP. The ratings are as follows:

Superior: AYP is met while the school is not under improvement and additional rigorous state criteria are met.

Commendable: AYP is met while the school is not under improvement.

Academic Review: AYP is not met for one year and SPD is met or AYP is not met for one year and SPD is not met or

AYP is met and SPD is not met (second year).

Academic Progress: AYP is not met (different subject) two or more years and SPD is met.

Academic Progress – Under Improvement: AYP is not met (same subject) two or more years and SPD is met.

Academic Watch: AYP is not met two or more years (different subject) and SPD is not met.

Academic Watch – Under Improvement: AYP is not met two or more years (same subject) and SPD is not met.

Rewards and Consequences

Acknowledging Achievement. Encouraging Improvement.

Superior schools and districts receive a banner that they can display in their school or district office. Commendable schools receive a custom engraved plaque for display in their school or district office. For schools that do not meet Adequate Yearly Progress, specific consequences result. It is important to understand there are two kinds of schools that receive these ratings. Some schools are Title I schools that receive federal funding to support low income students who need additional academic help. Since Title I schools receive this funding, the federal government has special requirements for them. Other schools that do not receive this funding are called Non-Title I Schools. The consequences for each are explained in the following charts:

Consequences of not meeting AYP

Title I Schools

1 Year   No consequences

2 Years Under School Improvement (USI) – begin Title I parental choice option and improvement plan required

3 Years Remain Under School Improvement – begin supplemental services option for low-income students

4 Years Corrective Action – select one or more NCLB corrective action options

5 Years Restructuring Plan – select one or more NCLB restructuring options

6 Years Restructuring Implementation

Non-Title I Schools

1 Year   No consequences

2 Years Under School Improvement (USI) and improvement plan required

3 Years Remain Under School Improvement - begin prioritization of extra time services for subgroups not meeting target