Rockdale County Public Schools system made Adequate Yearly Progress, as determined under the No Child Left Behind Act, for the sixth year in a row. All schools in the system achieved AYP as well after summer retests and appeals were calculated.

"We are extremely proud of our students, teachers, administrators, staff and parents for continuing to meet and exceed federal accountability measures,” said Superintendent Dr. Samuel King. “We are especially thrilled for our high schools as reports show that only a small number of high schools across the state and nation have met these requirements." The benchmarks increase every year, with the final goal of 100 percent students passing by 2013-2014. 

"I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our entire faculty and staff who work tirelessly to ensure each child is prepared for the next level and beyond," he said. "We want all of our students to embrace learning and have the ability to reach their highest academic potential and the necessary skills to reach their dreams.”

Earlier this year, the system did not make the initial AYP, before summer retests and appeals were taken into account. Rockdale County High School and Salem High School had failed the initial AYP.

One component of measurement for accountability is the graduation rate. RCPS reported its highest ever graduation rate this year at 86 percent.

“Our efforts to expose all students to rigorous coursework and provide customized safety net and credit recovery programs are showing a positive impact on our graduation rate and the success of our students,” said King.

“Through our innovative programs such as Open Campus, the Rockdale Career Academy, and our Virtual Campus, students have more options than ever when planning their future.”

RCPS also reported a low dropout rate of 2.9 percent.

AYP is an accountability measurement that was established in 2001 as required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. It is determined by test participation, daily student attendance and the Criterion-Reference Competency Test (CRCT) results from elementary and middle schools. For high school, it is based on test participation, the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) results for eleventh graders, and the high school graduation rate. Each school as a whole and each qualifying subgroup must meet the state’s Annual Measureable Objective (AMO) regarding the percentage of students meeting or exceeding on state assessments in Reading/English Language Arts and Mathematics and must have a participation rate of at least 95 percent.

For more information on the No Child Left Behind Act and Adequate Yearly Progress, please visit the Georgia Department of Education web site at www.gadoe.orgFor org.