No Child Left Behind Updates

The federal law known as "No Child Left Behind" provides accountability standards for schools across Idaho and the United States. Idaho’s State Board of Education has set annual school achievement goals in compliance with the provisions of the law. These goals are based on student performance on the ISAT, Idaho’s statewide standardized test. Schools must meet 41 benchmarks to reach achievement requirements known as Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Schools can meet 40 out of 41 benchmarks and still not make AYP.

If a school does not meet accountability requirements for two consecutive years, the students at that school are provided with "School Choice" as an option. If the school does not meet benchmarks for a third consecutive year, students are provided with the opportunity to access "Supplemental Educational Services" (SES). Schools meeting requirements for two consecutive years have the opportunity to start over and both of these options are no longer available. Additionally, schools that are impacted by boundary changes and/or consolidations may start over as well.

The following information details steps for participation in School Choice and SES if your student is in a school and/or subgroup that qualifies.

School Choice

If you receive a letter notifying you that your student qualifies for school choice:
What does that mean? School choice is designed for students in schools that have not met State targets for increasing student achievement (adequate yearly progress) for two or more years. Parents may complete the following school choice procedures to access this option:

1. Complete the School Choice Request Form and return it to your current school office.
2. Schedule a meeting with your current building principal to discuss your decision and potential IEP and/or other service implications.
3. Complete a School Choice Transportation Form.
4. Wait for Transportation to notify you regarding your bus information for the choice school.

(For the 2008-2009 school year, five students transferred to choice schools.)

Supplemental Educational Services

If you receive a letter notifying you that your student qualifies for Supplemental Educational Services (SES):
What does that mean? Supplemental Educational Services are additional academic instruction opportunities designed to increase the academic achievement of students in schools that have not met State targets for increasing student achievement (adequate yearly progress) for three or more years. These services may include before and after-school tutoring. They are offered through public- or private-sector providers that are approved by the State.

If your student is not in a Title I designated school, s/he qualifies only through a subgroup that has not met adequate yearly progress and also by meeting low income requirements. If you receive a letter and your neighbor does not, it means that one student is in a subgroup that qualifies and one is not. If you believe an error was made, please contact your school.

If your student is in a Title I designated school, s/he also has to meet low income requirements. However, the subgroup does not matter as long as funding is available. In that case, students are prioritized based on proficiency and other factors.

If you receive a letter regarding SES, you will:

• Be invited to attend an informational meeting
• Receive information from the District contact person, Karen Ellis-Vant
• Have the opportunity to apply for a service provider

Once your application is submitted to Karen Ellis-Vant, she will connect you with the provider of your choice and help in the completion of the contract. She will also assist you with any problems or concerns regarding providers.

The 2009-2010 SES provider list
Our District had 177 students participate in SES last year.

You are also welcome to call the District SES provider contact, Karen Ellis-Vant at 854- 4756, or Dr. Ann Farris at the District at 854-4133.