No Child Left Behind

December 20, 2002

NCLB Implementation Memorandum 3
School District Responsibilities for Schools Identified for Improvement

On November 25, 2002, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the results of the Cycle II performance ratings for all Massachusetts schools. Based on the Cycle II Performance Ratings, one or more schools in your district did not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), as defined by state and federal standards, and has/have therefore been identified for improvement.

As required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLBA), schools designated as "in need of improvement" must begin taking immediate steps to help all students reach proficiency in reading and mathematics by 2013-2014. To this end, I am enclosing three attachments describing what you must do to ensure that Schools Identified for Improvement address the expectations under NCLBA and related activities under the Massachusetts laws. These documents discuss what is needed to ensure that:

• parents are provided notice about the schools' designations;
• eligible students are provided opportunities for school choice and supplemental services; and
• schools develop plans to improve the student performance and expend appropriate funds for professional development.

As shown in Attachment 2, different timelines, sanctions, and responsibilities govern Schools Identified for Improvement for:

• Cycle I and Cycle II;
• schools newly identified in Cycle II only; and
• schools that do not receive Title I funds.

Please, therefore, pay special attention to the timelines and responsibilities that apply to your school(s).

I trust you will find these materials helpful. Please contact me at 781/338-3101 or mmcquillan@doe.mass.edu, Lise Zeig at 781/338-3516 or lzeig@doe.mass.edu or Barbara Solomon at 781/338-6262 or bsolomon@doe.mass.edu if you have any questions. I appreciate all the continuing work you are providing on behalf of students in your districts.

Attachment 1: School District Responsibilities and Timelines for Schools Identified for Improvement

Attachment 2: Summary of School Districts' Responsibilities and Timelines for Schools Identified for Improvement

Attachment 3: Parent Notice for Schools Identified for Improvement