What is AYP?
First, it is important that parents understand that Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) is a misnomer since it actually measures proficiency and not progress. Hence, the AYP status does not reflect the tremendous growth most students make but instead provides a snapshot of their proficiency. This is one of the significant changes all states are seeking as this law is reauthorized. Progress is almost always as important, if not more important than a proficiency score on one test once a year.

Evaluating your local school
To help you get a better picture of your local school's performance, it is important to ask questions that get past a simple snapshot of the school using test scores.

1. What factors led the school not making AYP? Which of the 37 indicators or student populations actually did not make AYP? To what degree did the students not make Adequate Yearly Progress? How many students are close to making AYP? How many and which groups need more intensive instruction?
2. Does the AYP designation reflect your family's experience with the school?
3. Is the learning environment up-to-date, safe and orderly and focused on learning?
4. Are there appropriate resources for staff and students?
5. Does the school maintain small class sizes?
6. What are the qualifications of the staff? Is there ongoing professional development in the district?

Students who make the most progress each year have a home environment where adults are in touch with the school and teacher(s), set reasonable short and long term goals and monitor student progress throughout the year. In this way, the school and home become a team to understand and support the learning needs of all students.