In 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law to ensure that all children in the country receive a quality education. Under NCLB, each state is required to assess all schools to determine if each school has made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward meeting the academic testing standards set by the state. If the school has not made AYP for two consecutive years, it is considered “in need of improvement.”

Based on the results of this year’s academic testing in reading and math, students at Perryville Elementary School did not make adequate yearly progress for the following reason: some of the subgroups did not meet Federal standards. Compared to other schools in the district and to other schools across the state, District 32 scores were about average. Most schools across the state did not meet the state targets. Districts with multiple elementary schools would be able to offer the choice for children to transfer to another school. However, since District 32 has only one elementary school, there are no schools available for transfer.

According to Assistant Superintendent Russell Leek, the district is now required to offer Supplemental Educational Services (SES) to children of Perryville Elementary School. “These after-school supplemental educational services will be made available to children from low-income families,” said Leek. “Parents can choose a tutoring program that best meets their child’s needs from a list of approved tutoring programs. These programs, which have been approved by the state department of education, will provide children with tutoring that is coordinated with what is being taught in school and may help to improve the child’s academic skills.”

Schools that find themselves “in need of improvement” according to the academic testing in reading and math, must develop a plan for improvement. “One important component of this plan will be parent involvement in both the development and implementation of the plan,” said Leek. “We encourage parents to become involved with their child’s school to support school improvement. We believe that their assistance and participation will greatly increasetheir child’s chance to succeed in school. Understanding the importance of good attendance, study habits and graduating from school, plus becoming involved in parent meetings, can help children succeed.”

Parents that are interested in signing up their child for these tutoring services should contact the school at 547-7500, ext. 335 to enroll.