Despite AYP Shortcomings, D25 Closes Achievement Gap

On Monday, the state released Adequate Yearly Progress for its 663 schools that tests students every year. State-wide, 62 percent of the schools made AYP, the same number as last year. In the Pocatello-Chubbuck School District, only one high school and no middle schools made the grade.

Despite that, the district says it is optimistic about the progress its schools are making.

All of the district’s elementary schools, the Pocatello Community Charter School and Century High School have met AYP. The district also said, though AYP is a benchmark, it is not the only indicator of a succeeding school.

Director of Curriculum Chuck Wegner points out how different grades scored on the ISATs. Third, fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth grades all met or beat the state averages in math, reading and language. Seventh and 10th grade beat the state in everything but math.

But when it comes to AYP, both Highland and Pocatello High Schools have not met state standards for five years. Wegner said that does not mean they are bad schools.

“It may be one or two subcategories that students didn’t perform to the level they were supposed to make adequate yearly progress,” Wegner said.

Those could be special education students who need more help to meet AYP.

Wegner is proud to say the district is succeeding in closing the achievement gap: How different races and ethnicities compare. In the last two years, the gap has closed by two points in reading and three points in math.

“Over the last five years, they’ve closed the gaps, in some groups, by 20 percent,” school board vice chairman John Sargent said.

Despite budget cuts, Sargent is optimistic. He credits the teachers for the strides the district is making.

“They’re dedicated and they work hard, and it shows by the numbers we saw today,” he said.

Wegner said the state is going to unveil a new growth model this week that will replace AYP.