Atlanta
(2012-02-10)
Listen Now:
null
The state has developed a new index to evaluate schools. State Superintendent John Barge says that means a school's performance won't hinge on a single set of test scores, like it did under No Child Left Behind.
"Those test scores still remain, but they become a piece of a much larger accountability plan," he says, "So for example, our high school index has 19 different indicators that schools will receive points for towards their overall index score."
Those scores will be based on a 100-point scale. Struggling schools will be grouped into one of four categories. Barge says the idea is to provide support, not impose penalties.
"We're hoping that the atmosphere changes in the school and that the attention comes back on the full child and, Are they ready to be successful?' Not just, Can they pass the test?'" he says.
Barge says the changes are effective immediately.
© Copyright 2012, WABE
