"You have a right to know whether your child is learning at school . . . If your child is not making adequate progress in school, you can and must ask why." - Secretary Rod Paige

As part of the accountability provisions set forth by NCLB, all schools are required to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and to report that progress to parents in “easy-to-read, detailed report cards”. In the next 12 years, every state, school district and school has the goal of 100% proficiency of their students in reading and mathematics.

Beginning in 2005-06 all students will be tested annually in grades three through eight and at least once during grades ten through twelve in both reading and mathematics. In Connecticut, student performance will be measured using the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT). These results will be used to determine if a school has made adequate yearly progress (AYP). AYP is the minimum level of improvement that states, school districts and schools must achieve each year. If a school does not make AYP for two consecutive years, it will be identified as a school “in need of improvement.”

Achievement results and participation rates will be calculated for the following groups in each school and district:

• All students in the school or district

• Economically disadvantaged students

• Students with disabilities

• English Language Learners (ELL)

• White, Black, and Hispanic students

If the school reaches the goal for percent of students at or above proficient but fails to have 95% of the whole school or any subgroup take the state assessment (standard administration or the CMT/CAPT skills checklist) the school will NOT have made AYP.

What does this mean for my child with a disability?

It means that schools will expect that all students participate in some version of the CMT/CAPT assessment program.  For students with disabilities, there are a couple of important things to consider.  The state and NCLB allow students with disabilities to take the assessment with specific accommodations if needed, and if appropriate an alternative assessment.  These are based on individual needs and are decisions that must be made by the planning and placement team.   

For more information about school accountability, access your school’s Strategic School Profile.  For more information about Adequate Yearly Progress or to see how your school performed, visit the CT State Department of Education

 Standardized testing has become a critical issue in schools today.  Whether we agree with the how, when or whys of standardized testing, we need to face the fact that tests are being required.  Help your child prepare for standardized testing by reviewing our, Survival Tips for Standardized Testing.