For the sixth year in a row, FHSD has failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on standardized tests. This is in accordance to state standards under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

“It’s hard to put all that energy and effort into something,” Chief Academic Officer Mary Hendricks-Harris said. “Then to have to send a letter out to say we haven’t met the targets.”

Seeing as FHSD failed to make AYP, they must update their District improvement plan. In addition, schools receiving Title I Funding, Harvest Ridge and Central Elementary, must offer supplemental education, such as private tutoring to students with free or reduced lunches. All students at Title I schools also must have the option of transferring to a district school that made AYP.

“I think that the fact that only two or three families have chosen to transfer says a a lot about what parents think,” Harvest Ridge principal Brien McCarthy said.

While few parents are transferring their students, some parents, such as Debbie Proebsting, are unhappy that the district is putting such a huge emphasis on meeting goals set by the state and federal government.

“The district is too concerned with testing,” Harvest Ridge parent Debbie Proebsting said. “It is hurting the average child.”

Story By Lisa Saville