2001-02 ABC PROGRAM INFORMATION

REFINEMENT OF THE ABCs AWARDS & RECOGNITION CATEGORIES

(Based on State Board of Education Approval on May 2, 2001)

Effective with the 2001-02 School Year

School Status Labels

Performance Level Based on Percent of Students' Scores at or above Achievement Level III	Academic Growth
Schools Making Expected Growth or High Growth	Schools Making Less than Expected Growth
90% to 100%	School of Excellence	No Recognition
80% to 89%	School of Distinction
60% to 79%	School of Progress
50% to 59%	Priority School
Less than 50%	Priority School	Low-Performing*

Additional Recognition

25/10 Most Improved Schools in Academic Growth: The 25 Most Improved K-8 schools and 10 Most Improved High Schools are those that attain the State's highest values on the high growth composite.

Incentive Awards

In schools attaining the High Growth standard, certified staff members each receive $1,500 and teacher assistants $500.
In school attaining the Expected Growth standard (but less than High Growth), certified staff members each receive $750 and teacher assistants $375.

*Sanctions

A school that does not meet the expected growth standard and has a performance composite of less than 50% is subject to the statutory requirements regarding parental notification, state assistance, personnel, and other matters. Beginning in 2004-05, a school that does not meet the expected growth standard and has a performance composite of less than 60% would be subject to these requirements. The implementation date of 2004-05 coincides with the first graduating class subject to the Exit Exam of Essential Skills.

The term "low-performing" is required by G.S. 115C-105.37 which states "Low-performing schools are those in which there is a failure to meet the minimum growth standards, as defined by the State Board, and a majority of students are performing below grade level." If a term other than low-performing is desired, then the statute may have to be changed.