The news was very good for the Marengo County School System when the Alabama State Department of Education released the 2008 Adequate Yearly Progress reports.

The Marengo County School System made 100 percent of its AYP goals, according to a document released by the state.

Linden City Schools earned the same high marks, reaching its AYP goals.

Neighboring Sumter County was not so lucky, as its school system was one of only two school systems in the state that did not make AYP (the other was Butler County).

Demopolis City Schools also scored high on AYP, with the lowest score from the schools coming in at a 97. However, federal legislation requires local school systems to achieve 100 percent on AYP scores.

“We still have work to do, but our statewide programs and initiatives are making a difference in Alabama’s public schools,” said State Superintendent Joe Morton. “The Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI); Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI); and ACCESS (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators, and Students Statewide) Distance Learning have proven track records in school improvement and student success. Graduation Coaches are in place in 24 pilot systems, and 38 local school systems are piloting Preparing Alabama Students for Success (PASS),”continued Dr. Morton. “Recently adopted programs such as First Choice, Credit Recovery, Credit Advancement, On-Line Learning, and Credit-Based Endorsement will further support schools, teachers, and students in Alabama.”

If a school does not meet the AYP goals for two consecutive years in the same component, (reading, mathematics, attendance in elementary and middle schools, and graduation rates in high schools), it is identified for school improvement.

No school in Marengo County fit that definition

Federal No Child Left Behind legislation requires local school systems to notify parents of students, in writing, that their child’s school has been designated for “School Improvement Status.” While the ultimate placement of students requesting transfers rests with the school system, which must give first priority to the lowest-achieving/low-income students, parents’ preferences should always be taken into consideration.

“I am very proud of our educators and students statewide and of the state staff,” Morton said. “Although NCLB continues raising the bar, our public schools are responding by embracing and implementing ARI, AMSTI, ACCESS, and First Choice. Through their combined efforts, Alabama has reduced the number of schools in School Improvement.”

For full reports, go to http://www.alsde.edu/Accountability/preAccountability.asp