Early this morning the state released its
embargo of the 2006-07 Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) data. We are
proud to announce that this district made substantive progress this
year and is now recognized by the state as School Improvement 2/
Improving, with 24 of our 28 schools in good standing. We appreciate
the hard work of our teachers and students in making this success
possible. There is much to celebrate about in our state report!
Of our 22 kindergarten through
eighth-grade schools, four that were on the target list last year have
made substantive progress and are now in good standing. These four
schools are Alexander Elementary, principal Buddy White, Bemis
Intermediate, principal Tracey Vowell, North Parkway Elementary,
retired principal Estelle Davis, and Rose Hill Middle School,
principal James Shaw. We recognize and appreciate the successful work
done at these schools to accomplish their goals.
Two of our intermediate schools, however,
did not meet AYP this year in one subgroup, students with
disabilities, and are now on the target list. These schools are Andrew
Jackson and Jackson Careers and Technology Magnet. We will work with
the educators at those schools to look carefully at programs and make
whatever changes are indicated.
There has been much speculation in the public sector about the status
of our high schools. Three of our high schools made AYP this year
(North Side High School, South Side High School, and Madison Academic
Magnet High School). Jackson Central Merry and Liberty High Schools,
however, did not make AYP due to their graduation rates. While we
acknowledge the good work and dedication of the faculty, students, and
staff members at these schools, we have farther to go to ensure that
students are earning the credits they need to graduate.
There was significant progress made at
JCM during the 2006-07 school year…with students in all subgroups
improving their scores. However, the graduation rate and the fact that
for several years there were subgroups of students with low scores
have caused JCM to now be in the status of corrective action. With
this status comes increased state involvement and the requirement to
offer parents school choice.
School choice means that students
currently enrolled in or zoned for JCM have the option of choosing to
attend either North Side or South Side High School. Of our two other
high schools, Liberty is overcrowded and Madison is a magnet school,
leaving North Side and South Side as the alternatives for families who
wish to move from JCM. Letters to parents of JCM students are already
in the mail. These letters describe the improvements currently in
place at JCM as well as programs, such as the Freshman Transition Plan
beginning this year. The letter includes a transfer form in the event
the parent decides to move their child but also provides them with the
option of having their child remain at JCM. A copy of this letter is
available on the district website so the public can be fully aware of
all information regarding the choices
available to students at JCM. We also have copies for you at the end
of this session.
This year we are proud of the progress
we have made as a district, but pledge ourselves to renew efforts to
work with our colleagues at the two intermediate schools that did not
meet AYP in one subgroup, and our two high schools, to continue to
elevate the student graduation rate. It really is not acceptable to us
for children to be left behind academically. We look forward to
partnering with teachers, students, parents, and administrators this
year to make the 2007-08 school year one of continual improvement and
academic success for all students. We want to thank our community for
its support.
Nancy S. Zambito,
Superintendent
Jackson Madison County Schools
August 6, 2007
Adequate Yearly Progress
Status Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Parent Notice
