Understanding adequate yearly progress

COLUMBIA — In Missouri, adequate yearly progress is partially determined by Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test scores for third- through eighth-graders. End-of-course exams in English II and Algebra I for students in grades nine through 12 are also evaluated. At least 95 percent of students must participate.

Students with severe cognitive disabilities may take a MAP-Alternate assessment.

In 2009, 59.2 percent of students were expected to be proficient in communication arts and 54.1 percent proficient in math. Each year, the percentage of students required to be proficient gradually increases. The federal government expects all students to be proficient by 2014.

In addition to certain proficiency rates in communication arts and math, specific attendance and graduation rates are also required for a school to qualify for the adequate yearly progress designation.

At elementary, middle and junior high schools, the attendance rate must be at least 93 percent or show improvement. In high schools, at least an 85 percent graduation rate or visible improvement is required.

Various other factors can also affect whether a school makes adequate yearly progress. One is whether proficiency is reached across subgroups, which separate students by race, whether they qualify for free and reduced lunches, whether they are in special education classes and whether they speak limited English.

Schools that do not meet adequate yearly progress for two or more consecutive years face a range of consequences, depending on whether they receive Title I funding and what school improvement level they are on.

Compiled by Missourian reporter Teri Finneman