In a preliminary report of Adequate Yearly Progress, seven of 21 Newton County Schools failed to meet standards set by the state. Failing schools are Ficquett Elementary, Livingston Elementary, Middle Ridge Elementary, Clements Middle, Cousins Middle, Indian Creek Middle and Challenge Charter Academy.

While Porterdale Elementary was removed from the "needs improvement" list for meeting AYP goals for two consecutive years,  Livingston and Indian Creek were added to the list and Middle Ridge and Clements remained on the list. Liberty Middle will continue Clements' status as a state-directed school as a new theme school will be housed at Clements in the 2009-2010 school year.

It is important to note that after calculation of CRCT retests during the summer, some of these schools could pass AYP.

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