Several school districts across the region are facing sanctions under the federal No Child Left Behind Act after failing to meet target goals.

Hart County, Russellville Independent and Simpson County school systems all missed the federal standards for adequate yearly progress, putting them under Tier 3 consequences.

School systems and schools that receive Title I funding - those with significant low-income student populations - are subject to federal consequences if subgroups do not meet NCLB standards in the same content area for two or more consecutive years. A school then has to meet its targets for two consecutive years to get out from under federal consequences.

NCLB data for state schools was released this week. Russellville Independent Schools’ subpopulations of black students and students getting free and reduced lunches did not meet the federal standards in math. The district first failed to make AYP in 2003-04.

Under Tier 1 consequences, a district has to notify parents, revise district improvement plans and request technical assistance if needed. Under Tier 2 consequences, a district has to do everything it did under Tier 1, and the district or school may be subject to corrective action from the Kentucky Department of Education.

Schools and districts under Tier 3 consequences have to follow Tier 1 and Tier 2 consequences, get technical assistance from the state and are subject to corrective action from the KDE, which could include hiring new staff and extending the school year.

Simpson County Schools Superintendent Jim Flynn said the district is involved in a voluntary partnership assistance team, where educators from other areas consult with the system on changes. Flynn said the assistance team was one of the corrective options KDE gave to districts.

The school district did not meet its goal this year in reading and math for its students with disabilities. According to the NCLB report, the district has consistently failed to meet NCLB standards.

Flynn said the district’s main challenge has been with students with disabilities, but it’s working to help those students overcome educational barriers.

“We had some really good increases across our district, especially in math, but we still have work to do to close the gap with our target group,” Flynn said. “Even though we fell short on a couple of goals ... I felt good about the progress we did make. It’s a mixed bag for us ... we are working to continue to meet the needs of every child and this is just one measure.”

Shelia Baugh, director of special education for Simpson County schools, said they are looking at data for each individual student, and putting in place a system of intervention, which carries intensive supplemental support in the areas of reading and math for students who need it. She said educators will also be monitoring those interventions to make sure students are meeting the goals.

While Allen, Butler, Edmonson and Logan county schools, as well as Glasgow Independent Schools, met their district goals under the federal standard, Barren County did not, falling short in reading and math for students with disabilities.

Individually, all elementary schools made AYP goals in Barren, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Simpson and Butler counties and at Glasgow and Russellville independent.

Allen County-Scottsville High School failed to meet its target with the free and reduced lunch subpopulation, falling short in math. Barren County High School missed in math for all students, white students and students receiving free and reduced lunches. This is the sixth consecutive year the high school has not met AYP.

Edmonson High School fell short in math for its free and reduced lunch subgroup, Hart County High School failed to meet its goal in math with its free and reduced lunch subgroup, and Logan County High for the second consecutive year failed to meet its targets, missing the federal standard for students with disabilities in reading and math, as well as math for students receiving free and reduced lunches.

Franklin-Simpson County Middle School also missed its goals in reading and math for its students with disabilities, while Butler County middle school fell short in reading among students with disabilities.

Russellville High School also did not meet the federal proficiency standard in math for black students or students receiving free and reduced lunches.

“Traditionally, high schools have been a little more reluctant to change, but there are other factors involved,” said Susan McCloud, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment for Russellville Independent Schools.

“The bar jumps every year, and when you have to make that gain all at once, it is difficult,” she said.

Click here to download the 2008 NCLB School and District Summary (Excel file)

Click here to download the 22008 NCLB Media Reports (pdf file)

You can view individual school reports at the Kentucky Department of Education website.