Arizona schools have once again failed to meet the academic bench mark for the 2010-11 school year. 42 percent of Arizona schools failed to progress academically, which is higher than the 29 percent of schools last year.
Due to the constant academic failure rate, the state set in place strict requirements this past school year for the Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS). The requirements included an increase in points for the math and reading portions of the test by as much as 10 points. For the 2011-12 school year, the requirements will jump even further, making it very likely Arizona schools will fail next year as well.
Why are Arizona schools failing?
There are many factors that are believed to be causing Arizona schools to fall behind. Currently, 6 out of 10 students passed the AIMS math portion; whereas, three-fourths passed the AIMS reading portion of the test. The federal government requires consistent educational progress for all students, despite if students are living in poverty or are in special education programs.
"There were several factors that I think worked against us this year," said Craig Pletenik, a spokesman for Phoenix Union High School District. Pletenik went on to say, "This year, we had the increased (federal) standards that were raised significantly. And that combined with lower math scores throughout the district. Kind of a double whammy."
Many blame the drastic failure due to the new guidelines used for the No Child Left Behind Act. The previous guidelines allowed a gradual increase of the required yearly progress rate. However, the new guidelines included a drastic increase, which made it difficult for schools to prepare.
"The idea behind that was it gave schools some time to get ready," said Joe O'Reilly, student-achievement director for Mesa Public Schools.
Due to the large number of schools that failed to meet the state's passing rate, it could make it more difficult to meet the 100 percent passing rate the state’s striving for in just 3 short years. Many states are seeking a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education to create new guidelines for the No Child Left Behind Act; however, Arizona isn't on the list.
"Arizona is still counting on Congress to revamp No Child Left Behind requirements and will wait until fall before deciding whether to ask for one," said Andrew LeFevre, an Arizona Department of Education spokesman.
For more information about the AIMS scores, visit the Arizona Department of Education.
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